As I announced last week and have been proudly displaying on my side bar, I am a part of the True Value DIY Blog Squad. So, this week I paid a visit to my local True Value store, Cashman’s Hardware in East Berlin, PA. It’s an awesome store. I walked in and started browsing around…
“Hi, Marian! I just saw your husband walk by. Do you have a babysitter for the boys today?”
I love walking into a store and they know who you are. In all fairness, I did win a contest there, which was a bit of a novelty, but I heard similar conversations with other customers as I was having paint mixed.
I bought lots of painting supplies, so I could start tackling my kitchen and family room. I’m not going to be able to complete the makeovers for a while (counters, flooring, appliances, etc. just aren’t in the budget right now), but I can paint and, boy, am I going to paint. The ceiling, the cabinets, the walls, the trim…
(Do you see my chippy bench in there? I found it at a yard sale!)
Anyway, I bought some Benjamin Moore ceiling paint in a bright white flat finish and a gorgeous pale blue/gray in satin for the walls called Glass Slipper. I started painting the kitchen this morning, but before I could get the brushes out, I had to patch up some…imperfections…in the wall. See…I allowed my boys to ride their small scooters and push toys in the house during the winter and…
…this kind of thing can happen.
There were also a few cracks in the drywall that needed to be patched.
This is the not-fun, not-glamorous part of DIY. I slapped on some drywall compound and then went on to another not-fun, not-glamorous task…
…painting the ceiling. Did I hear a collective groan? If you’ve ever painted a ceiling you know the ache in my neck as I type this. I have never met a person who likes painting ceilings.
I’ve painted a lot of ceilings. All of the ones in my last townhouse, all of the ceilings in this house except those in the addition (kitchen, family room and master bedroom) and some ceilings in the homes of friends. I still have found no joy in it, but it’s something that needed to be done. The kitchen ceiling was shiny, dingy and poorly painted by the previous owners and it’s always bothered me. I knew I was going to paint the walls and cabinets, so I bit the bullet and painted the ceiling.
(The right side has been painted and the left was what it looked like before.)
It’s not a dramatic makeover, but it looks so much better. I kept asking my babysitter excitedly, “Doesn’t it look great?! It looks so much better, don’t you think?” She looked at the ceiling and at me again. “Uh…well…it’s white.”
It had been driving me nuts for almost five years and now it’s not a distraction. Some people just don’t get it!
Here are a few tips if you’re about to paint a ceiling…
1.) A telescoping pole to attach a roller to is your friend. It will save you many trips up and down a step ladder.
2.) Work in small sections, cutting in and then rolling. Also work slowly and carefully. If there’s one thing worse than painting a ceiling, it’s having to do it twice because you were sloppy with the first coat.
3.) Wear safety glasses and protect surfaces with drop cloths or plastic. A roller will spit out thousands of teeny-tiny droplets of paint and you don’t want them in your eye and all over your stuff.
4.) Look at the ceiling from different angles as it dries. Sunlight bouncing off the ceiling is the best way to see spots you have missed.
5.) Cover the roller and tray with cling wrap when you are finished. Once the ceiling is fully dry, you will probably notice some places you missed. You can then simply remove the wrap and touch up those areas.
6.) Get help, if you can. I did this ceiling solo, but it always goes faster with a friend.
7.) Always, always paint the ceiling before you paint the walls. You don’t have to worry about cutting in at the walls and you don’t have to stress about drips. Rooms are best painted from the top down.
Well, I was so excited about the ceiling that I kept on painting the kitchen. It took everything within me not to paint the cabinets and family room ceiling (a vaulted one) and walls as well, but even I have my limits!
I was able to spend some time playing with my accessories and I am just loving it. (I’ll share some pretty picture tomorrow) The new paint totally clashes with the floor, though…it’s not too bad with the counters, but that will be remedied in a few months. It was very therapeutic and rewarding for me to work on my own home for a concentrated period and I can’t wait to do more.
I did spend some time on a fabulous vanity and French dresser this morning, though, so I did get some “work” in today.
…and you were going to call me a slacker.
As a chosen member of the True Value DIY Blog Squad, I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about the experience. I have also been compensated for the materials used in this DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
I can definitely tell a difference in the ceiling and I think it looks great. Where did you even find that babysitter???? Lol.
Can't wait to see everything when it's done 🙂
Ugh. Ceiling painting is the pits, man. I'm totally with you on a crappy ceiling bugging you though. Our kitchen ceiling also needs a new paint job and it irritates me daily…along with terracotta tile floors that I loathe. I'm happy that you are finding time to make your own space prettier along with everyone else's!
I can see the difference in the ceiling. It does look so much better.
I will notice a bad paint job a mile away, even if it is the slightest bad job. A bad paint job BUGS ME to no end. Once I notice it, that is all I see.
I am getting ready to paint my interior and I am going to hire out the ceilng job but do the walls and trim myself. Ceilings can physically take a toll on you. Someone recommended to me years ago to try a neck brace when doing ceilings. You know the kind after a car wreck. I know painting a ceiling can sure make you feel like you have been in one. 🙂
I can't wait to see the cabinets when they are done. I am trying to get up the courage to paint my ugly builder's oak cabinets. I may seek some advice from you when the time comes.
Wow! The ceiling and walls look great! That's one thing that I need to do and I've put it off for too long! You've inspired me to get it done…well, ok…at least think about getting it done! LOL
Can't wait to see the final photos!
Slacker ? – I don't think so. Your ceiling looks great.
I have never enjoyed painting ceilings, and I have those popcornish ones all through the house. When we redid the kitchen I pulled the ceilings down and added insulation, lighting (lots and lots) and the new drywall is plain flat. Should have done all the painting myself though, a friend helped and I didn't see the misses and stuff until everything dried. Still haven't repainted. On the list.
– Joy
The joys of painting the ceiling!
Painting ceilings is one job that I definitely don't enjoy – trecking up and down the ladder, getting paint splatters in my face, and stretching onto my tiptoes to reach every spot.
The worst ever that I've painted was a fuschia popcorn ceiling. The previous occupant had wanted the ceiling white and the walls fuschia, but the painter had done the opposite. After loads of Kilz the fuschia was conquered.
It was a nightmare of a job, but necessary as the room was for my teenage son. I love him dearly, but I'm never painting that ceiling again.
gertie @oldblockhouse
I've been painting my ceilings (and walls) for the last 2 weeks. I'm sitting in front of my hubby at this very moment getting my neck and shoulders rubbed. This makes all the work worth it! =)
been painting ceilings here (basement redo) and my best tip is: lots of ibuprofen.
love your color choice for walls and canNOT wait to see em. the right blue-grey is so tough to find. i've got one in our powder room called Nurture by Glidden. i like it without natural light because it's more grey, but it didn't work in the dining room which is light and bright and reminded me too much of a nursery color. i paint all the time!
michele
I *love* True Value hardware stores so much! In my personal experience, they are the best out there. When I was living in Orange County at my last apartment, there was one really close to me, and I would go in there often. Without fail, they *always* had what I needed, even though it was not one of their larger stores. The staff were always so friendly, too. Here in L.A., I cannot find one close to me, so I have to resort to some of the other big hardware stores, and it is so frustrating as the staff is NOT helpful at all, and despite their size, I oftentimes cannot find what I need. I miss my True Value store somethin' fierce!
Yep, there is a definite difference in the ceiling and the repainted side looks fantastic! So much fresher looking.
That crack in your drywall actually looks like earthquake damage! (We get a lot of that here in So Cal). Maybe it's just from your house settling?
Can't wait to see how things turn out with your cabinets!
Best,
Kimberly
Why is painting wall theraputic but ceilings completely the opposite (ok maily since im short reaching a ceiling is a pain).
it looks so much better
I'm, hopefully, going to move soon & the thing I will miss most is my neighborhood True Value. They have helped me do "fix its" that I never dreamed I could do.
Marian so glad to see you doing something for yourself (and reading how it thrills you too!). I'm in your boat – my kitchen looks exactly like yours – a bit of a good disaster because I'm too busy making and painting other things! I call it functional chaos. Cna't wait to see the final before and after.
Almost nothing can beat a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling!! Yours looks fabulous!!
Kitchen re-do's are hard work!! I feel your enthusiasm to get on with it; but they aren't easy to do!! Tough assignment you have set up for yourself. I have to tackle my kitchen…I am building up my strength! Ha!
Hugs
SueAnn
Isn't it awesome how fresh paint feels so much better ! I am dying to paint my kitchen cabinets but am kind of afraid to even start ~ My husband thinks we need to redo them completely but I know paint would work just fine ~
Thank you for showing us what you are working on ! It is always fun to see ~
xoxo
Lori
Oh I thought you were planning to paint your cabinets…I'd LOVE to see you do it! My kitchen looks very much like yours right now. I need to get to work! I look forward to every new post…thanks!
I need to paint ceilings too…I am a little nervous…I have a bad neck….Cant wait to see your after.
Looks great Marian!! What a relief to have that done right?!
Cant wait to see your reveal!!
My kitchen is being painted when we get back from our holidays in july..cant wait either!!
Deborah xoxo
I can actually feel your neck pain…I HATE to paint ceilings!!!!! But doesn't it feel great when you are done….
You are AMAZING!!! I can't believe the projects that you accomplish every day!! I wish I had even half of your energy!
I can't wait to see your finished makeover!
Have a lovely day!
Sincerely,
Melinda
Yes, no joy in painting ceilings. I am putting it off here at the Coop. Your kitchen is going to look great. Now, what I really loved was the photo of your kitchen with everything on the counters… Oh gal, if you could only see my house right now, it's so tore up and I'm not even painting ceilings. LOl. Anyway, I can't wait to see your kitchen all done.
Never painted ceilings, now after reading this, don't think I will lol. My hubby can do it. can't wait to see when your done painting the walls and everything else…will look as chic as everything you do!
I get it, about noticing the ceiling and it driving you crazy. It's a diy-er thing. Great advice about how to paint the ceiling too. I just wish we had less popcorn stucco ceilings. Looking forward to this series as it progresses. Smaller hardware store, in my exprerience, are indeed friendly places.
I dread painting the ceilings too! This year, I'm getting away from white ceilings and into color….I'm excited!
The trim at the top of our steps has been driving me crazy for 3 years. But we need a huge ladder to get to it. I just try not to look up.
When I paint ceilings, I wear this glamorous painting hat, also known as a shower cap, so the paint doesn't splatter in my hair. I look oh so cute.
Good for you for getting that ceiling done!
[heart] Heather
The last time I painted a ceiling, I used a paint that went on lilac colored and dried white. It definitely helped to avoid "missing a spot." I HATE painting ceilings. Also, wear a hat or you'll have paint splatter in your hair.
What a pain in the neck!! It will be fabulous when you're done I'm sure. I will be joining you soon…our bedroom will be getting some much needed attention.
Since you are using Benjamin Moore paint I just had to tell you how much I love their Impervo line. I painted my kitchen cabinets with it and it is very durable and washable. It is water based, but doesn't get sticky like a lot of semi-gloss latex paints can. No drawers or doors sticking to the cabinet fronts. I also used it on pieces for our grandaughter's room (baby changing table on your furniture link party a few weeks ago- low VOC is an added plus). I'm sure your kitchen will be fabulous!
A slacker is the last thing I'd call you- I think you work harder than any other blogger I know!!
So, when we bought our house we had to paint everysingle surface- walls, trim, ceilings, even the insides of closets and ceilings of the closets (because of severe smoke staining). Anyway, it was quite the job and I hear you on the sore neck thing. Luckily my husband did a lot of it but I did some and boy- it was hard!! I had paint all in my hair, which my hairstylist noticed when I went in for a haircut. Anyway, I am so glad that is over. You can really see the difference in yours, and even though it's not a huge change, it makes everything look so much cleaner and fresher.
Can't wait to see what else you're going to do!!
OmG do I ever love your blog!!..You are so good and creative..
Silvia:)
I got a total kick out of the legalese at the bottom of your post! I have painted the ceilings in almost every room in my house (haven't done the kitchen yet, it's next), and I have come to find that it's painful, but satisfying. I love the way a good paint sheen can light up a room, and how clean a room feels with a fresh coat of paint. However, I would like to say that painting around air conditioning vents are a pain in the butt!
1. The clerks at AC Moore know me by name. This is not a good thing when HubbyDoc is with me. When the clerk says, "Oh, hi Tami!", excitedly, I cringe, knowing that I've been found out. HubbyDoc then gives me a look, as if to say, "Boy, you DO spend a lot of time here." Oops.
2. My girls and I learned how to rollerblade…in the house…on the gorgeous wood floor. And, I would never have done it any differently. Good for you, MMS. A house should def. be lived in.
Fondly, Tami
http://www.thisandthatfromtami.blogspot.com
P.S. Last week, I painted the bathroom in my rental property to get ready to sell. My almost-20-yr.-old was a tremendous help. Keep in mind that I'm ANAL about painting walls. However, since this is being sold, I whipped through it. Yup. I painted the ceiling AND walls a white SATIN. I did the cut-in so quickly, but I said to my daughter, "This is NOT how to paint a room." However, when I looked at the finished product, I have to say it wasn't too shabby. Now, on to the border that wouldn't come off. Hmm. Sand it and paint over it??? Time will tell.
More than you needed to know, Tami.
I've been painting all of the rooms in my house and ceilings are definitely the worst part. Luckily my mom always comes to help and she usually does the ceilings! Moms are the best!
Ive recently been hearing/reading alot about your blog through the other blogs I follow and am in love with what you have done!! You are a huge inspiration to me- I recently started blogging a few months ago, after my husband and I bought a house we are completely renovating and updating! We have to re-paint the ceilings in EVERY room (they are all yellow!) so thanks for this post! Love your blog and will be following from now on 🙂
Melissa from http://livingbeautifullydiy.blogspot.com/
Gosh, Marian, I was a little worried you were slacking, but thank goodness you found time to work on furniture, too!
Can't wait to see what the paint looks like.
OMGOSH! Cashmans! When we lived in Abbottstown we used good ol' Cashmans for many supplies, paints and extras while renovating our old farmhouse! I found your blog…. funny we lived so close and now I live 45 minutes from your little spot in Lucketts. I must stop by and see what you have! Love your blog!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend*
Lis : )
Has anyone ever tried to use a paint sprayer to get the ceilings? If so how has it worked?