QA

How To Paint Basement Ceiling Joists

How do you paint basement ceiling joists?

Fill your airless paint sprayer with a primer. Spray the primer over the floor joists on the basement ceiling. Start in a corner and move down one line of joists, moving back and forth slightly for even coverage. Continue down the next joist line until the ceiling is covered.

Can I paint my basement rafters?

Latex paint works great for painting a ceiling. Since we painted a lighter color on the wood, we started with a primer. This ensures that the paint sticks well to all of the different surfaces, like ductwork, wooden rafters, pipes, wires, etc. We chose an eggshell finish, but flat would work as well.

How much does it cost to paint a basement ceiling?

Painting a basement ceiling costs anywhere from $500 to $4,500 depending on square footage. Your price could increase for exposed beams, ductwork or electrical. Since each one is unique, it’s best to talk with your contractor about specific costs associated with your project.

How do you paint an exposed basement ceiling?

Since an exposed basement ceiling is typically bare wood it will absorb the first coat of paint without question. You will want to apply 2-3 coats of a paint and primer combo for full coverage. If applying primer first, then painting, you may need 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint.

Should I paint my basement ceiling black?

Painting the ceiling black gives the space an industrial feel, as well as the appearance of higher ceilings. The contrast between the black ceiling and gray walls makes for a dramatic design feature that can help when looking for a modern design in your basement.

Is there a paint and primer in one?

Paint and primer in one is a thicker paint that builds higher to give you a sturdier coat of paint. Since it is tinted just like conventional paint, there is no need to cover up the initial layer of white primer.

Can you paint ductwork in basement?

Furnace duct work, whether it is in a basement or elsewhere in a house, can be unsightly. Furnace ducts can be painted, but using the correct kind of paint is necessary for the best results.

How can I make my basement ceiling look higher?

ARCHITECTURAL TIPS TO MAKE THE CEILING LOOK HIGHER. Uncover the ceiling’s architectural skeleton. Use recessed (canned) lighting. Remove crown molding (or keep it very thin). Paint the ceiling white. Paint the ceiling color down onto the walls. Use a high-gloss finish for the ceiling. Use a matte finish on the ceiling.

How do you paint ceilings between beams?

Carefully tape both sides of each beam, because you don’t want to get primer or paint on the ceiling. Apply the primer with a paintbrush, following along the wood grain. After it’s dry, paint the beams, taking extra care around the edges.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement ceiling?

Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

If you’re wondering if paneling or drywall is the cheaper finishing option, generally speaking, drywall is cheaper than paneling. This is because it requires less attention to detail and finish work during the installation process. Drywall also adds better soundproofing than paneling, and it’s easier to repair.

Should you paint the walls or ceiling first?

The ceiling should always be painted first. This allows you to effectively cover the surface with at least two coats while not having to worry about any over-spray (the effect of excess paint being sprayed onto the walls) by the roller. When painting the ceiling, you should always use a roller with a double arm frame.

How do you paint exposed ductwork?

Prime the metal with an acrylic latex metal primer. Brush the primer with a synthetic bristle paintbrush or, if you want to avoid brush marks, spray it using aerosol cans or air spray equipment. If the ducts will get hot, use a primer with a high heat resistance.

How much paint do I need to spray my basement ceiling?

If the ceiling is a bare wood ceiling, it will require a lot of extra primer/paint. I needed 7½ gallons of primer and 5 gallons of paint on an area 20 X 25 ft area. (Remember, with joists the surface area is more than two times that of a flat ceiling).

Can you paint wires in basement ceiling?

Priming the basement ceiling before you paint is highly recommended. Primer allows the paint to stick to various surfaces better, which is ideal in painting exposed wood rafters, pipes, wires, and ductwork. Using primer also allows you to reach lighter paint colors with ease.

How can I hide the wires in my basement ceiling?

Cover a long bundle of electrical wires on the ceiling by encasing them in a hollow beam. Slip these U-shaped beams over the bundles, and nail them directly into the ceiling. Paint the beam for a more finished appearance.

What does a black ceiling do for a room?

Ceilings are most often painted white to reflect light, which in turn makes a room feel brighter and larger. Rooms with black ceilings can better connect what’s up with what’s down to create a cozy, intimate space.

Can I spray paint in my basement?

The Rules for Spraying Indoors There are no specific rules that state you cannot spray paint inside. However, there are few advisories: Before you start spraying inside, check the product that you intend on using. Some RAL aerosols and spray paints are available for internal usage, but not all of them.