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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Disposable gloves
Drop cloth
Paintbrush
Paint tray
Putty knife
Roller
Safety glasses
Utility knife
SUPPLIES
Caulk
Paint
Painter's tape
Primer
Sandpaper
Spackle
Unfortunately, ceilings with discoloration or slight damage can make a room look less aesthetically pleasing. But learning how to touch up ceiling paint can help restore your ceiling and the surrounding room to its former glory. If you have a free weekend and a DIY spirit, try following this step-by-step guide for a flawless touch-up paint job.
Prepping to Touch Up Ceiling Paint
For the paint touch-up to look its best, you ideally want to use the same type of paint originally used. There are hundreds of shades available in each color, but many factors make it tricky to buy an exact color match, including brand and the mixing job. If you don’t have the original paint or know the exact color shade, you may be better off painting your ceiling again. Otherwise, the touch-up areas won't blend in seamlessly with the previous paint job.
If you have the original paint cans, ensure you stir them well before applying the paint. When paint sits, ingredients can settle on the bottom and if they aren't stirred properly it can affect the color of the paint. You should also double check that paint hasn’t expired—some telltale signs include a rancid smell, chunky paint, separated layers, and mold or mildew growth.
Prepare the Room
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Although you may not use a ton of paint for a touch-up job, you want to prevent any damage to furniture and surfaces in the room. Remove lightweight furniture from the room and move large furniture pieces away from the splash zone. Place a drop cloth over any items left in the center of the room and on the floor to protect your floor from paint stains.
If you’re completing a touch-up job along the perimeter of the ceiling, tape it off with painter's tape to avoid unnecessary paint accidents on your walls.
Repair Any Damage
Before picking up a paint tool, take the time to assess any ceiling damage that requires repairing, such as peeled paint, cracks, holes, or other imperfections. To remove peeled paint, scrape it off using a putty knife and then rub the area gently with coarse to fine #40 to #120 grit sandpaper. Brush away any dust with a damp cloth for best results.
For ceiling cracks and holes, you can fill these areas with caulk. You may need to apply caulk on areas where peeled paint was removed to ensure a clean finish. Apply the caulk to the areas and let it dry. Sand the areas down and apply a thin coat of primer over the patch job.
Prime the Area
Applying primer over empty patches is essential to prevent it from creating a dull spot. Any touch-up areas will benefit from primer, especially if there are marks or stains on your ceiling.
Primer is a base coat that will help the paint better adhere to your ceiling, delivering the smooth finish you need. All you need is a thin layer of primer, which you can apply with a roller brush to ensure an even, consistent layer.
Apply Touch-Up Paint
Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
To ensure continuity in the paint job, you want to practice the same stroke method and roller brush type originally used. This practice creates a seamless blend so the touched-up areas won't stand out among the other ceiling sections.
With touch-ups, less paint is best. After dipping your paint roller in the paint, wipe off any excess to ensure that you only apply a thin layer to the ceiling. Roll the brush in the center of the area and work outward for the best blend. If you’re touching up a very small area, use a paint brush to apply thin, even strokes in the direction of the existing paint.
Let It Dry
Allow the paint to dry for a smooth finish. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for exact dry times, but ceiling paint typically takes four hours to dry. However, if you’re painting popcorn ceilings or other textured surfaces, you’ll likely need to wait eight to 12 hours to let it dry and cure fully.
Make Final Touch-Ups
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After you’ve waited the recommended amount of time for your ceiling paint to dry, take a closer look at your handiwork before putting the supplies away. Inspect the areas to determine whether it needs any further touch-ups. For post-paint touch-ups, use a small paintbrush to add extra paint rather than the roller. This practice avoids applying too many paint coats to the area.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Touching up ceiling paint is a simple task that can save you money compared to hiring a professional. The cost of hiring a professional painter is $20 to $50 per hour or $1 to $2.50 per square foot. While enlisting the help of a professional painter may increase the project budget, they will ensure a color match for your ceiling, plus provide high-quality, long-lasting results. Consider hiring a local interior painter to give your ceiling the touch-up job it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can touch up a newly painted ceiling but it's not a common occurrence. If you need to touch up new ceiling paint, be sure to use the original paint. You should only use a small amount of paint and, for a small area, use a small paint roller or paintbrush. You can also use a Q-tip or a toothpick to fix very small blemishes on the paint.
When applying the first coat of touch-up paint, it is best to use a paint roller. A roller allows you to get a thin layer of paint to the area to avoid an unsightly blend with the old coat of paint. However, if you need to touch up the area a second time after the first coat has dried, a small brush will work best to avoid applying too much paint.
While spray paint is a common method for painting a ceiling, it's not a good idea to use spray paint for touch-ups. While spray paint delivers a light coat, you could end up with an uneven finish as you risk painting areas that don't require touch-ups. A roller or brush is a better option for a targeted paint job like touch-ups.
