How to Paint a Tray Ceiling: 14 Steps
A tray ceiling is an architectural feature that adds depth, character, and elegance to a room. Painting a tray ceiling can enhance its visual appeal and create an eye-catching focal point. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint a tray ceiling:
1. Gather materials: You will need paint, primer, paintbrushes, painter’s tape, a paint roller, trays, a drop cloth, a ladder, and a small brush.
2. Choose the paint color: Select the colors for the main area of the ceiling and the inset (or “tray”) part. It’s common to use contrasting colors or shades to highlight the architectural elements.
3. Prepare the room: Remove all furniture and cover the floor with drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards and other surfaces you don’t want to get paint on.
4. Clean the ceiling: Use a duster or soft brush to remove dust and cobwebs from the surface of the ceiling.
5. Apply primer: Paint primer on both the main ceiling area and the inset area of the tray ceiling using a brush or roller. Allow it to dry completely.
6. Start painting the inset area: Apply painter’s tape around the edges of the inset area to ensure crisp lines between colors.
7. Cut in: Use a small brush to carefully paint around any moldings or fixtures in the inset part of your tray ceiling.
8. Roll it on: Use a roller with an extension pole to apply paint evenly across the entire inset area of your tray ceiling.
9. Apply multiple coats if needed: Wait for each coat to dry before applying additional coats as necessary for full coverage.
10. Remove painter’s tape: Once you are satisfied with your painted trays, carefully remove any remaining painter’s tape while it is still wet for best results.
11. Prep main area of your ceiling: Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter of your tray ceiling and around any fixtures.
12. Cut in: Using a small brush, paint the edges of the main ceiling area near the tray and any fixtures.
13. Roll it on: Fill a roller with paint and apply an even coat across the entire surface. Apply extra pressure near the edges but avoid accidentally spreading paint onto the inset area.
14. Apply multiple coats if needed: Allow each coat to dry before applying additional coats as necessary for full coverage. Once you are satisfied, remove any remaining painter’s tape.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully painted your tray ceiling. Enjoy the beautiful, enhanced architectural feature you’ve created in your room with these easy-to-follow steps.