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How To Paint Basement Ceiling

What paint should I use for basement ceiling?

Latex, sprayable paint is a go-to for exposed basement ceilings. You can use latex paint for a variety of surfaces, from wood rafters to metal pipes. Look for an eggshell or flat finish for the best results. Any paint with a high sheen will show flaws in your ceiling, and most basement ceilings have a ton of flaws.

Can you paint an unfinished basement ceiling?

Painting an unfinished basement ceiling is a great way to make a short ceiling look higher! Even I doubted that paint could make the mismatched pipes and ductwork look good, but everything looks amazing.

Is it hard to paint a basement ceiling?

Painting the exposed basement ceiling black may have been the most physically taxing DIY I have ever done. Don’t get me wrong, it was totally worth it for the look and the money saved, but it was exhausting! In total, it took me 10-12 hours to paint about 1,500 square feet of our basement ceiling.

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 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).

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.

Is it OK to paint ductwork?

It’s best to use latex paint, and because ducts are located in out-of-the-way places, you can usually get away with using a paintbrush. If the ducts are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them.

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.

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.

Should I paint ceiling black?

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.

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.

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.

Should I paint my basement?

Remember, most foundation walls allow lots of moisture and humidity into your basement. Many paints are not strong enough to hold back the hydrostatic pressure. Even if they are able to stop the hydrostatic pressure, paint is mold food.

How do I paint my basement?

Painting Your Basement: 7 Tips to Make it Your Favorite Room Strategically Use Light Colored Paint. Use Rich Colors. Add Additional Lighting. Minimize the Number of Colors. Choose Glossy Finish. Select Complementary Colors. Use Concrete Paint on Concrete Walls.

Is it better to spray or roll ceiling?

PAINT SPRAY VERSUS PAINT ROLLING Some painters break out a roller when it’s time to paint a ceiling, but it isn’t always the best tool for the job. Simply spray the ceiling, and let overspray land on the wall and ceiling trim. After the ceiling paint dries, it’s time to paint the walls.

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.

How do you clean an exposed basement ceiling?

Set up your step ladder so you can climb up between two joists. Fill your bucket with water. Wash the joists with the soapy water. Attach the handle of your box fan to the joists with tie wire. Spray the joists with fungicide. Spray polyurethane onto the joists to seal them and prevent future mold growth.

How do you prepare an exposed ceiling for painting?

Our latest videos Inspect and secure all pipes and venting. Bundle, tidy and secure ceiling wiring. Trim down ceiling nails using a rotary tool and cut-off discs. Fill gaping areas with foam insulation. Tape off furnace, water heater and other areas that will not be painted.

How do you prepare ductwork for painting?

Surface Preparation Use a regular household cleaner and a rag to remove all dirt, dust and other debris from the ducts. If the debris is really caked on the ducts, then you may use a more powerful cleaner. Wiping the cleaned ducts with a cloth and letting them dry before you begin the painting process is essential.