Repair cracks, stains and loose areas first, and protect furniture and flooring.
Use a brush for edges and a suitable roller with an extension pole for the main surface.
Work in manageable sections, maintain a wet edge and finish with consistent passes in one direction.
Prepare the ceiling
Protect furniture and flooring and arrange safe access around light fittings. Resolve a leak before treating its stain. Repair cracks and loose coating and remove dust. Side light reveals ceiling defects, so do not expect paint to conceal poor preparation.
Plan the application
Choose a suitable ceiling product and roller, cut in and continue in manageable strips. Maintain a wet edge and avoid reworking areas that are drying. Stop at an appropriate boundary rather than an arbitrary patch. An old water stain may reappear through ordinary paint and can require a suitable stain-blocking system.
A short work checklist
- Match tools and application conditions to the product instructions.
- Prepare enough paint for the complete surface.
- Judge the result after the required drying period, not while wet.
What if the ceiling stain returns?
Distinguish active moisture from an old dry mark. Paint will not fix an ongoing leak. After resolving the cause, select the appropriate blocking primer and finish and assess the dried result.