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What sheen do I need?
How much paint do I need?
8 Oz. Sample
1 Gallon
1 Quart
5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project. Only available in store at Home Depot.
Required 3rd party product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when stripping is needed.
Recommended product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
$0.00
Product price is estimated. Pricing could change based on your local Home Depot pricing.
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How to Paint a Ceiling

Don't forget about the "fifth" wall! Depending on the color you apply to your ceiling, you can convey a cozy, warm ambience or create an aura of expansiveness, and add visual interest to your home.

For Best Results:

Refer to our how-to for expert advice and techniques on painting your ceiling.

The ceiling should be the first surface you paint in your room.

  1. Aerial shot of tools needed to paint a ceiling

    Step 1

    Grab your tools.

  2. Person using painter's tape on a ceiling

    Step 2

    Using your painter’s tape, begin by taping off the places where the ceiling and the wall meet.

  3. Person removing a ceiling vent with a screwdriver

    Step 3

    Remove vents with a screwdriver.

  4. Person applying primer on a wall with a paint brush

    Step 4

    Use a stain-blocking primer to prep your wall and cover any stains.

  5. Person dipping a paint brush into a can of BEHR Paint

    Step 5

    Dip your brush in and pat the side to remove excess paint.

  6. Person painting a ceiling with a paint brush

    Step 6

    Cut in from walls by painting in and around the tape.

  7. Paint roller in a painter's tray full of paint

    Step 7

    Grab your roller and attach the extension pole before fully saturating your roller with paint.

  8. Painting a ceiling with a paint roller

    Step 8

    Start painting away from one corner in as straight of a line as you can until the ceiling is completely covered in paint.

  9. Removing painter's tape from a ceiling

    Step 9

    Remove tape while paint is still wet.

  10. Painted ceiling with a ceiling vent

    Step 10

    Replace ceiling vents.

  11. Person cleaning a paint brush in a bucket with soapy water

    Step 11

    Wash your tools with warm soapy water.

ColorSmart by Behr logo with open concept living room in the background
Suggested Tools & Supplies

  • Brush (2"-2½")

  • Extension Pole

  • Vinyl Gloves

  • Ladder

  • Paint Can Opener

  • Paint Tray

  • Paint Tray Liner

  • Protective Apparel

  • Rags

  • Roller Cover and Frame

  • Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)

  • Stir Stick

  • Drop Cloths

More How-tos
Additional Resources
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Paint and Stain Calculator

Inside or outside; paint or stain: Let’s figure out how much you’ll need to make amazing happen.

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Ask an Expert

Every project is unique: Keep small wrinkles from becoming big problems by letting the Behr Technical Experts lend a hand. 

Get Expert Help
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Color Studio

So many colors and so many ideas: Visit Behr’s Color Studio for inspiration, color tools, design advice and everything you need to find your project’s perfect color.

COLOR STUDIO
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