How to Cut Into a Ceiling with Dark Colors for Painting

Low tack painter's tape makes cutting in easier.

White is a popular choice for ceiling colors. Bright and clean, white makes the room look larger; however, some homeowners don't want their rooms to look larger. Putting a coat of dark paint on the ceiling will make the room seem smaller and cozier. Dark ceilings also add drama to the room, adding a pop of color in an unexpected place. The trickiest part of painting with dark colors is cutting in the paint. "Cutting in" is the painting term for creating a sharp line between different painted surfaces. Master this technique while painting your ceiling a dark hue.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• Low tack painter's tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Primer
• Paint
• Long handle roller
• Stepladder
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Slide a dust mop along the ceiling to remove dirt and particles.

2. Apply blue painter's tape to the walls where they meet the ceiling. Painter's tape will help you cut in the paint and create a sharp line between the wall and the ceiling. Smooth the tape so it is securely attached to the wall, allowing no paint to seep underneath the tape.

3. Remove the furniture from the room and cover all floors with plastic sheeting.

4. Dip a trim brush into tinted primer. Apply the primer along the edge of the ceiling where the ceiling meets the wall and your painter's tape. Use a steady hand to apply the paint, keeping the line as straight and even as possible. Cut in three inches all the way around the perimeter of room.

5. Apply primer to the rest of of the ceiling with a long handled roller. Allow the primer to dry for four hours.

6. Cut in the paint using the same technique used for the primer. Apply the paint to the ceiling with a long handled roller. Allow the first coat of paint to dry. Apply a second coat of paint. Let the final coat dry overnight.

References

• House Painting Guru: Cut In
• Your Color Coach: What Color Should I Paint My Ceiling