How Do I Paint the Bathroom Ceiling the Same Color as the Walls in a Small Bathroom?

Top-quality ceiling paint can make a difficult job much easier.

Painting a ceiling flawlessly is more difficult than simply painting walls, and the project becomes even more challenging if the surface is textured or you have to work in small confines or around difficult obstacles. However, you can save yourself some headaches by using the right equipment, starting with the paint itself. While ceiling paint most often comes in white or off-white, paint stores can easily tint a gallon or two to your desired hue.

Things You'll Need

• Ceiling paint
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloths
• Large paint brush
• Roller (optional)
• Edging tool (optional)
• Step stool (optional)
• Extension pole (optional)

Instructions

Choosing Ceiling Paint

1. When seeking to match a ceiling's color to that of your walls, you could simply use the same gallons of wall paint, even without dilution. However, keep in mind that ceiling paint is formulated differently than wall paint to prevent dripping and increase drying time. In addition, you likely used a semi-gloss sheen on the bathroom walls, and flat paint is usually preferable for ceilings.

2. Take a sample of your bathroom wall paint color to a paint store. A good sample is at least the size of a quarter. If you still have an opened bucket of your bathroom wall paint, it is best not to remove a sample from the wall. Depending on the size of your ceiling, your paint store can mix a gallon or two of matching ceiling paint.

3. While you may be tempted to buy a cheap ceiling paint, the quality of ceiling paint will allow you to use fewer coats, thereby lessening the risk of mistakes and reducing the duration of your project.

Preparation and Application

1. Before beginning your project, cover countertops, floors, tubs and toilets with drop cloths. Remove any ceiling fixtures, such as an exhaust fan cover. Based on the size of the ceiling, decide whether to use a large paint brush or a paint roller. Confident painters may opt not to use tools like painter's tape or an edger, but these can help novice painters immensely.

2. Paint the edges of your ceiling using an edging tool or a paint brush. Because you must avoid touching the walls, this step will require the most concentration.

3. If desired, you can switch to a paint roller attached to an extension pole to cover the center portion of the ceiling. Once you have covered the ceiling, you may apply an additional coat in three to four hours, depending on how well the bathroom is ventilated.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using additional safety measures, especially if working in a dangerous area. For example, safety goggles, a dust mask and latex gloves can protect you from dripping paint.

References

• House Painting Info: Ceiling Painting
• House Painting Info: Painting an Acoustical Ceiling