Preparing Ceilings for Painting

Although you can paint over existing wallpaper, in most cases you will want to strip off old wallpaper before painting. Electric steamers are ideal as they work wonders on difficult wallpaper. Wash off any remaining adhesive. Be aware that removing wallpaper may reveal a ceiling in bad condition. If it is in a bad state, you may decide on erecting plasterboard or a heavy wallpaper – these can then be plastered or painted over. To make preparing and painting easier, try using a scaffold board and two stepladders. If it is a big room you can hire decorator trestles or scaffolding.

Top Tips
• Remove light fittings (turn off mains first).
• If the surface is good, simply clean with warm water and/or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Fat or grease stains will need to be removed as much as possible as this prevents paint from holding.
• Any dirt should be scraped off and washed away.
• If the surface is discoloured by nicotine, apply a heavy primer prior to top coat.
• Fill any minor cracks with filler.
• Major cracks may need plastering.
• Flaky or dusty surfaces can be painted with a special sealing primer first.