How to Paint a Cathedral Ceiling

Two people paint cathedral ceiling.
  • 2-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Telescoping painter's pole
Paint roller
Paint tray
2-inch trim brush
Ceiling paint
Painter's tape
Ladder
Tarp
What You'll Need
Telescoping painter's pole
Paint roller
Paint tray
2-inch trim brush
Ceiling paint
Painter's tape
Ladder
Tarp

Cathedral ceilings are great additions to the right homes; however, they can be quite difficult to paint. The very nature of a cathedral ceiling is what makes painting them seem so difficult. They are much taller than normal ceilings; moreover, they are ornate and showy.

Painting normal walls and ceilings can prove difficult for the everyday person. A cathedral ceiling may seem nearly impossible. There is no reason why you should be scared of painting a cathedral ceiling because it is actually easy to do. Follow these steps to paint your cathedral ceiling.

Step 1 - Prepare the Room

Before you begin any painting project you should always make sure that you properly prepare the area. Doing so is especially important when painting a cathedral ceiling. Failing to be completely prepared could cause the painting project to turn out poorly and could also damage the room, ceiling, and your possessions.

The first thing to do is to clear out the room. Move out all of the furniture that you can lift. If there is anything in the room that you cannot move out, you can cover it with a tarp. Cover the floor as well. Place painter's tape where the ceiling meets the top of the wall.

Step 2 - Gather Paint

Use interior paint with a warranty that is guaranteed to last several years. The color and kind of paint you use is completely up to you. Pour no more paint into the tray than is needed to form a 2-inch pool. Slide the roller paintbrush over the paint reservoir. Roll off the excess paint from the roller. You want plenty of paint on the roller, but not so much that it will drip or splatter. Screw the paint roller onto the end of the telescoping pole.

Step 3 - Paint the Cathedral Ceiling

Start painting the cathedral ceiling from the center. Spread the paint from the center toward the painter's masking tape, then back up toward the center. Continue until you are satisfied with it. You may need more than one coat. Attach the trim brush to the pole and paint the tighter areas of the cathedral ceiling. Since you are using a small amount of paint in order to avoid splattering, at least three or four coats of paint should be expected.

Step 4 - Finish Up

Inspect the painting project after it has dried. If you are not satisfied with the end result, then you can easily touch up the cathedral ceiling using a ladder and a normal paintbrush. Carefully climb up the ladder and begin removing the painter's tape from the wall. Go slowly, so as to not rip the paint or leave behind any adhesive residue. Remove all of the tarps that you have to placed. Place all of the furniture back in the room.