How difficult to paint a ceiling?

blackstar

Hi all

Just wondering hiw difficult it would be for a total amature to paint a ceiling? Never painted before. What would I need equipment wise?

I have been quoted £220 to paint it. Does that sound reasonable? That doesn't include the paint. I would need to supply it. They said they can do it all one morning. But how? It needs like 3 coats so don't you have to leave it for a few hours between coats.?

 Worried will make a total mess and have to get someone in to not only paint it but try and fix the mess I have made?

How many 10l bottles of paint would you estimate? Also need to do some of the walls as they have got some plastering on them. So yeah some wall too.

Please see photo.

Doonhamer

You need to water down the paint maybe 20 to 40 % for the first coat, then probably 2 normal coats. It's a bit of a faf and messy if you've never done it. I'd pay the money...

Silvertabby

That won't be an easy job for a complete amateur.  If that quote includes the paint (and you are confident that the chap knows how to pre-treat new plaster) then it's very reasonable.

katejo

I used to do my own painting in my previous flat but hated ceilings while walls and woodwork were relatively easy and quite enjoyable. That quote figure doesn't sound unreasonable.

mr_stripey

If the quote includes the paint I'd pay it.

If you do it yourself you've got to buy the paint, brushes, rollers, stepladder of some other way of reaching the ceiling, masking tape, dust sheets etc - which all adds up.

Plus your arm will ache like hell the next day!

Eldi_Dos

mr_stripey said:

If you do it yourself you've got to buy the paint, brushes, rollers, stepladder of some other way of reaching the ceiling, masking tape, dust sheets etc - which all adds up.

But once bought those tools and equipment they are yours to use in the future,saving you money and you would not be reliant on someone else's availability to carry out the future work.

Robin9

I'd pay for someone to do the ceiling.  That will really show up the walls and paintwork.  

Walls are quite straightforward and very rewarding to look back on.  Doors and paintwork are more tedious - plenty of You Tube videos on doors - there is a system.

DullGreyGuy

Painting ceilings is technically easy but very messy and tiring. 

The quote, if including paint, is probably reasonable but its hard to really say without knowing the dimensions of the room, if that one pendant light is the only thing in/on the ceiling and what furniture is in the room that will need covering to be saved from paint rain. 

A quote for ours was £1,200 for a 5x15m room but it has in ceiling lights and speakers and is over the lounge, diner and kitchen so a lot of furniture to work around. 

blackstar

Do you have to water it down 20-40% for the first paint and then and 2 after that? Would I have to leave it to dry for a day and then go again?

What exact equipment would I need? 

I've bought 2 10l bottles of paint. Do you think that's enough?

That doesn't include the paint. I would need to supply it. They said they can do it all one morning. But how? It needs like 3 coats so don't you have to leave it for a few hours between coats.?

Doonhamer

blackstar said:

Do you have to water it down 20-40% for the first paint and then and 2 after that? Would I have to leave it to dry for a day and then go again?

What exact equipment would I need? 

I've bought 2 10l bottles of paint. Do you think that's enough?

That doesn't include the paint. I would need to supply it. They said they can do it all one morning. But how? It needs like 3 coats so don't you have to leave it for a few hours between coats.?

Best to leave it 24 hours after the fist watered down "mist" coat, then 4 hours between the next coats. If you don't water down the first coat the paint will not stick properly to fresh plaster and can go powdery and flake off. 

blackstar

Thanks
How can the painter say he can do it all in one morning?