How To Fix Chipped And Peeling Ceiling Paint For A Seamless Finish

It's hard not to look up at the ceiling when there are bits of flaking paint calling out your name. It's even harder when fixing it means getting on a ladder and setting aside an entire weekend to repaint your ceiling. As tempting as it may be to just grab your paint and roller, that's the last thing you want to do, according to Van Sureja, the owner and president of Liberty Painting. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Sureja told us how to fix chipped ceiling paint for a seamless finish. He said that you should always remove the peeling paint before doing anything else. 

We'll get into the hows and whys in a bit, but first: What causes ceiling paint to chip and peel in the first place? "Some of the most common causes of chipping and peeling paint are age and wear, moisture, inadequate prep, and temperature fluctuations," Sureja shared. To us, that sounds like now is the right time to start a home renovation so you don't have to deal with ceiling paint problems in the future. This could mean fixing leaks and water damage, ensuring adequate ventilation, and keeping the temperature of your home consistent. "Regular painting (every 5-10 years) is also a great way to keep your paint looking smooth and new," Sureja adds.

As with any home project, you'll first want to put on your safety gear (in this case, a dust mask and safety glasses). Don't forget to also prep the room — moving furniture, putting down drop cloths, and making sure the area is well-ventilated are some of Sureja's recommendations.

Once you're ready, you can get to work by scraping the old, chipped paint off of the affected zone. "A paint scraper will do for loose paint, but a wire brush can help in more stubborn areas," Sureja exclusively shared with House Digest. Then, follow the scraping with sanding. According to the paint expert, creating an even work surface with some texture for the new paint to cling to really makes a difference. While you're at it, look for any damages (like cracks and holes) in the ceiling. You can fill and patch these areas with a patching compound, like the Red Devil Lightweight Spackling, then do one more round of sanding to blend everything together.

"When all the prep work is complete, it's prime time!" Sureja revels. "Roll an oil-based primer onto the ceiling's surface, and let it dry thoroughly before finally doing the real painting." For the final step, Sureja suggests using a paint roller (starting from the center and working outward) to quickly and evenly apply paint to the primed ceiling, then using a flat-bristle brush for corners and details. "More than one coat is best, but be sure to allow a full 24 hours between coats," he emphasizes. That's how long you should really wait between coats of paint.

You'd be surprised how ignoring a simple step can quickly result in a choppy paint job. When asked about the common mistakes people make when fixing damaged ceiling paint, Sureja shared three. Skipping the prep steps tops the list. "While scraping paint and using primer can feel like very tedious work, a seamless finish depends on it," he exclusively told House Digest. So yes, you'll need to remove the old paint and make sure the surface is clean and even if you want the new paint to adhere and last longer.

Following that, avoid applying too many or not enough coats when painting your ceiling. "Just stopping at one coat or overloading the surface with too much paint can cause lots of problems, like inconsistent or patchy areas or drips and globs," Sureja explains. His advice? Be patient, don't rush, and follow through.

Last but not least, note that some paints work better on ceilings than others. Regular wall paint isn't one of them. "Try to use ceiling-specific paint with moisture-resistant properties to avoid staining, mildew, and more peeling," the paint expert advises.