How To Paint Your Bathroom Ceiling

In bathrooms, ceiling paint deteriorates quickly due to moisture and humidity, leading to bubbling, peeling and mould. Keep your bathroom looking its best when you follow our step-by-step guide to painting your ceiling.

Explore our top tips for painting bathroom ceilings, from preparing the surface to the necessary tools.

Before painting your ceiling, prepare the surface to ensure it is smooth and clean.

1. Wash the walls and ceiling with sugar soap, warm water and a sponge. Ensure no traces of soap are left by wiping the area down thoroughly.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface if the existing paint is peeling or bubbling.

Once the ceiling is clean, smooth and ready to paint, follow these steps to get a precise finish:

1. Remove fixtures like mirrors or shelving, then use masking tape to cover any you can’t remove, such as tiles, sinks, taps and handles.
2. Place dust sheets down over the bath, shower, toilet and flooring to protect them from paint splashes.
3. Use a paintbrush to cut in around the edges of the ceiling first.
4. Then, empty some paint into the tray and use your roller to apply the first coat, working in W-shaped motions.
5. Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat.
6. Once you’re happy with the results, remove any masking tape.

To achieve a long-lasting finish, waterproof or water-resistant paint is essential for bathroom ceilings and walls. You could use mould-resistant paint or primer if your bathroom is prone to mould or has poor ventilation. Discover our top tips for ventilating your bathroom to protect your new paintwork.

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about painting bathroom ceilings, including how to remove mould and prevent paint from peeling.

Never paint over mould without cleaning it, as this won’t fix the problem. Instead, follow the steps outlined in this guide, including cleaning the area using sugar soap and sanding down any old, flaking paint. Once the ceiling is clean and dry, you can apply a mould-resistant primer or waterproof paint, which should help prevent mould from returning. In addition, ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated with an extractor fan or windows to reduce the risk of mould.

Always paint the ceiling first, whether you’re going for an all-white bathroom or painting the ceiling and walls in different shades. This ensures no paint splashes from the ceiling onto the walls.

Looking for more bathroom renovation ideas? Check out our essential bathroom layout tips to find a suitable configuration for your space.