How to Paint Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

Overlap plastic drop cloths with heavy-duty fabric ones.

Acoustic ceiling tiles are coated with tiny bits of texture that give the ceiling a bumpy look. Unfortunately, when it comes time to paint to these tiles, some amount of mess is par for the course. When you begin to paint acoustic texture, there's really no way to keep the paint and bits of the tile from raining down from above. If you attempt to paint acoustic ceiling tiles without taking the proper steps beforehand, you are likely to end up with a considerable mess; however, if you take the time to properly prepare, you can control the mess before it gets out of hand.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloths
• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Blue painter's tape
• 2-inch thick nap roller cover
• 5-gallon bucket
• Roller frame
• Roller extension pole
• 3-inch latex paintbrush
• Flat latex paint

Instructions

1. Remove any items from the room that could interfere with your ability to paint the acoustic ceiling tiles.

2. Access the acoustic ceiling using a step ladder if you are unable to reach it from the ground.

3. Apply blue painter's tape to any areas on the ceiling that you do not want painted.

4. Cover all of the flooring in the room with plastic drop cloths. Overlap these with heavy-duty fabric ones.

5. Affix the two-inch thick nap roller cover to the frame, and attach the frame to the roller extension pole.

6. Fill the five-gallon bucket halfway with flat latex paint.

7. Apply flat latex paint to the acoustic ceiling tiles using the roller. Begin in one far corner, and work from left to right.

8. Apply flat latex paint to any areas you couldn't access with the roller using a three-inch latex paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your nap cover is two-inches thick or you may not be able to cover the acoustic ceiling tiles in one coat.

• It is natural for some of the acoustic texture to drop off onto the ground during the painting process. If this reveals any unpainted area, dab these spots with the three-inch latex paintbrush.

• It's best to overlap plastic drop cloths with heavy-duty fabric ones when painting accoustical ceiling tiles. If you use plastic alone, your shoes may stick to the wet paint drips and bits of acoustic, which will cause the plastic to move out of place.

• If you need to use a ladder to access certain parts of the ceiling, be sure to read over the safety guide located on the side of the ladder and follow it exactly to avoid unnecessary injuries.

• Ceilings should only be painted with flat latex paint. Do not use paint with satin or semi-gloss sheens.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know