A coved ceiling contains an inset section that is higher than the perimeter edges, with a curved section that acts as the transition to the inset. This adds a decorative, elegant feature to the room, which can be accentuated even further by molding placed on the ceiling. Painting a coved ceiling is done using essentially the same process as with a standard flat ceiling, but you do need to protect the molding from the paint being applied to the ceiling.
Clear the room by removing any furniture. This protects the furniture and provides you with more work space. If there are pieces that cannot be removed, cover them with a tarp to protect them from the paint.
Remove or cover any hanging light fixtures in the ceiling. If you remove the fixtures, make sure you cut the power to the circuit at your home's main electrical box and test the circuit with a voltage tester. If the fixtures are staying in place, cover the canopy with painter's tape where it meets the ceiling, and place plastic over the fixture to protect it from the paint.
Cover the floor with tarps to protect the surface. If you have area rugs on the floor, consider rolling them up and removing them temporarily.
Cover the edges of any crown molding along the ceiling with blue painter's tape.
Paint along the edges of the ceiling with a paintbrush. This is called cutting in. Use smooth, even strokes when applying the paint to the ceiling, and try to smooth out any brushstrokes as much as possible. Take your time when doing this; if you rush, you can get sloppy and accidentally get paint onto the crown molding. Move the ladder when you can no longer comfortably reach out to paint the wall. This can lower the risk of a fall from the ladder and can prevent paint from getting on the molding.
Apply paint to the main sections of the ceiling with a paint roller attached to an extension pole. Pour the paint into the paint tray, and roll the roller in the tray enough to cover the roller head, but not enough that the paint drips off the roller. Paint the ceiling by covering an area that measures about 3 feet square at a time before moving on to the next section. Ensure complete coverage of the ceiling by moving the roller in a motion that makes the letter "M"; then make the letter "W" on top of it.
Things You Will Need
- Voltage tester
- Blue painter's tape
- Paint roller
- Extension pole
- Paint tray
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