In most cases, painting an entire ceiling in the house is not a do-it-yourself project.
It's better left to professional painters or a painting contractor that has the proper tools and techniques for a successful and easy application. Many people like the idea of painting their ceilings to give them a fresh new look. However, when they attempt this themselves, they usually end up with less than desirable results with the ceilings painted. The cost to paint usually vary depending on various factors and varies per square metre and the total cost after choice of paint, colour, technique usually differs.
You can paint the ceilings of the house with an eggshell or a flat finish per square foot. Flat finishes are generally easier to clean, have less cost to paint, and resist stains more than an eggshell finish does. However, both types of paint ceilings have their advantages and disadvantages when applied to ceilings. Generally speaking, if you have high-domed ceilings, then flat ceiling paint may provide a smoother look once it has dried completely when you paint a ceiling. In other cases, people may choose to apply a coat of primer before the final paint is applied on the prep work with a fresh coat in the final price.
Another problem that appears is peeling after the painting project. There are certain types of paints and primers that do not adhere well to ceilings and require more paint, which results in an uneven surface once painted on the prep work. Some oil-based paints may warp and peel or even blister around door trim or wood beams. Although this can be prevented by applying one or two coats of primer first on high ceilings, it's still something to beware of if you plan on painting your ceiling with flat finish paint.If you're going for a glossy look on your high ceiling, then eggshell paint would be the best choice since it dries hard and resists stains better than other types of paint and is also less costly per square foot. It also provides a smooth texture once dry and retains its colour over time. If you are wondering how much does it cost, some general painting costs as per the current hourly rate are below.
Complete three-bedroom home ceiling cost to paint $2,500 to $4,000
Living room ceiling average price to paint $500 to $800
A tiny kitchen ceiling cost to paint $300 to $450
The paint finish you choose is largely a matter of personal preference in your house, but in order to achieve the best results, choose a high-quality acrylic latex paint in the painting project. Latex paints cover better than oil-based paints and clean up easier with soap and water in the house. Unlike oil-based paints, they can be cleaned up immediately after use with just soap and water before the paint begins to dry. Water-based finishes in a paint job for interior painting also require less priming prior to painting than their oil-based counterparts and provide better coverage in fewer coats per square foot. They repel bugs and moisture and last longer once painted. Latex has greater flexibility than any other type of paint which allows it to expand or contract naturally when surfaces expand or contract due to moisture changes in the environment in the ceiling painting and if you wonder how much paint you need or how much is needed for walls for a nice coat, the answer is not much.
Remove all light fixtures and cover before ceiling painting to get the preparation work going.
Make sure the lights are turned off before you remove them before starting the painting job on your house walls. If there's a chandelier, ceiling fans, or heavy fixture in your ceiling, make sure to turn off the breaker before you remove it.
Once all of your fixtures are removed, sweep and dust the ceiling to ensure that it's free from dirt and cobwebs and start surface preparation and remove water stains.
If there is a lot of staining on your ceiling, then consider using a mildewcide paint additive per square metre to help prevent future stains from forming in the next painting project.
Make sure to apply primer or finish paint as soon as the surface has been cleaned and dried completely every square metre. Latex paints dry quickly so make sure you have everything you need close at hand before starting this includes the safety equipment before you apply the first coat. Also, make sure that any tools or equipment needed for finishing are nearby as well before you begin painting. This will save time since they'll already be set up ready for use when they're needed most. Always apply the finishing coats after the first and second coat have dried well in the room.It normally takes 2 to 3 hours to paint an average ceiling. If you apply two coats of finish paint, then this will double the time needed for painting your ceiling.
However, this isn't a hard and fast rule and if you want to create contrast between the two surfaces, then consider creating a focal point in another area of your room with multiple colours. For example, if you have a feature wall behind your sofa, then why not paint the cornice a contrasting colour to draw attention away from the ceiling and lower the cost.
If you do decide on painting it another colour make sure that it matches the rest of your decor. Choose neutral shades for ceilings since they'll be most noticeable in any areas where they don't match other surfaces. This will make them stand out and cause a distraction rather than blending into the room as you hoped and will increase the cost of the property when painted. For new construction or the house, the cost to paint will go up as this is a new house that has to be painted from scratch.
A high-gloss finish has a radiant, shiny appearance that reflects light back at its source and does not have a high paint cost. This can help to brighten up darker rooms since light sources will be reflected off the surface of the ceiling and enhance their glow. The smoothness of the finish also enhances the reflective quality of light which helps to maximise illumination and make rooms appear more spacious and airy and don't have a high cost to paint. Because high-gloss finishes are so shiny, they're not recommended for use in kitchens or any textured ceiling where cooking oil and steam can cause dirty build-up on surfaces that aren't easy to clean. They're more suited to dry areas like living rooms and bedrooms, but some manufacturers now offer special low-odour gloss paints designed specifically for use in kitchens.
A matte finish has a dull or flat appearance without any shine or glossiness that makes it great for a cathedral ceiling and exterior painting. This makes it perfect for creating contrast with lighter coloured ceilings as darker colour such as deep reds, blues and greens stand out more effectively when painted onto a matte surface and this is true for skirting boards as well. Its textured, non-reflective finish also lends itself to creating the illusion of extra height in smaller rooms without windows since light sources will reflect off its surface and aid in maximising illumination. If you're after a sophisticated look for your ceilings then think about painting them using 1 or 2 different shades of grey to create an impressive contemporary feature that's guaranteed to impress your guests.
The best type of paint to use on ceilings is water-based acrylic or latex finishes in one room. Oil-based paints are too thick and glossy for application onto ceilings since they'll take longer to dry. If you attempt to apply them in crown moulding, then they'll run down the walls and leave unsightly streaks that are difficult to remove.
Latex paints have a few variables like they are easy to apply, dry quickly, can be rolled or sprayed on, are available in a wide range of colours, have low odour levels during application making them suitable for use indoors where ventilation isn't ideal, such as in small rooms. And you don't even need a professional painter to do it.
While they may be more expensive than other types of paint, such as high gloss or low gloss, the fact that you only need to apply one coat is a huge saving on time and will save money in the long term. If you are dealing with an older ceiling or old paint, be careful as it may contain lead. Follow this handy guide from the Australian Government if you have concerns.