How To Paint Exposed Basement Ceiling

Table of Contents

Can you paint an exposed basement ceiling?

Latex paint works very well on an exposed wood beam basement ceiling. Optionally you can use a paint and primer mix to save time and labor. Avoid a flat or gloss finish and opt for either a satin or matte, instead. The flat finish will attract more dust and get dirty more easily.

How much does it cost to paint an exposed basement ceiling?

Cost to Paint a Basement Ceiling Painting a basement ceiling costs anywhere from $500 to $4,500 depending on square footage. Your price could increase for exposed beams, ductwork or electrical. Since each one is unique, it’s best to talk with your contractor about specific costs associated with your project.

How do you make an exposed basement ceiling look better?

If you are looking to paint the entire exposed basement ceiling, you will need to carefully consider the color scheme for the ceiling. Using white or light colors can help to make a space seem larger and brighter. Using dark colors can make a large space seem more intimate and cozy.

Should I paint my basement ceiling black?

Painting the ceiling black gives the space an industrial feel, as well as the appearance of higher ceilings. The contrast between the black ceiling and gray walls makes for a dramatic design feature that can help when looking for a modern design in your basement.

How do you paint a basement ceiling black?

How do you finish an unfinished basement ceiling?

If you don’t have obstructions hanging below your joists, you easily can finish your basement ceiling using drywall or paneling, such as 4-by-8-foot sheets of decorative grooved wall paneling. Sheet paneling is easy to install, but you’ll have to figure out what to do with the seams at the ends of the panels.

How do you paint exposed ductwork?

Prime the metal with an acrylic latex metal primer. Brush the primer with a synthetic bristle paintbrush or, if you want to avoid brush marks, spray it using aerosol cans or air spray equipment. If the ducts will get hot, use a primer with a high heat resistance.

Can you paint an unfinished basement ceiling?

Painting an unfinished basement ceiling is a great way to make a short ceiling look higher! Even I doubted that paint could make the mismatched pipes and ductwork look good, but everything looks amazing.

What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?

Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.

Can you paint ductwork in basement?

Furnace duct work, whether it is in a basement or elsewhere in a house, can be unsightly. Furnace ducts can be painted, but using the correct kind of paint is necessary for the best results.

Should I paint my basement?

Remember, most foundation walls allow lots of moisture and humidity into your basement. Many paints are not strong enough to hold back the hydrostatic pressure. Even if they are able to stop the hydrostatic pressure, paint is mold food.

What can I cover my basement ceiling with?

Cover the Ceiling with Fabric Staple sheets or other fabric to the floor joists overhead, allowing them to billow down in tufts. This technique softens the space while hiding the mess above. For a more dramatic effect, use colorful parachutes or sail shades.

What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?

Here are some affordable ways to beautify your home’s ceilings: Paint. It’s a great way to change the perception of your space. Tin Tiles. Hide damage and uneven surfaces with tin ceiling tiles that introduce a vintage vibe. Moldings and More. Tiles or Planks.

How do I cover pink insulation in my basement ceiling?

Suggestions for covering exposed insulation include the following: Seal the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it. Install paneling or sheetrock over insulation located in the wall. Install plywood flooring over insulation located in the floor.

How do you prepare an exposed ceiling for painting?

Our latest videos Inspect and secure all pipes and venting. Bundle, tidy and secure ceiling wiring. Trim down ceiling nails using a rotary tool and cut-off discs. Fill gaping areas with foam insulation. Tape off furnace, water heater and other areas that will not be painted.

Can you paint wires in basement ceiling?

Priming the basement ceiling before you paint is highly recommended. Primer allows the paint to stick to various surfaces better, which is ideal in painting exposed wood rafters, pipes, wires, and ductwork. Using primer also allows you to reach lighter paint colors with ease.

Can I paint basement joists?

To paint only the joists and not pipes or the subfloor above, use a paint roller and a brush. Climb a ladder and paint the joists by hand. When calculating how many gallons of paint to buy, remember that painting ceiling joists takes more paint than a flat ceiling.

How can I hide the wires in my basement ceiling?

Cover a long bundle of electrical wires on the ceiling by encasing them in a hollow beam. Slip these U-shaped beams over the bundles, and nail them directly into the ceiling. Paint the beam for a more finished appearance.

Can I spray paint in my basement?

The Rules for Spraying Indoors There are no specific rules that state you cannot spray paint inside. However, there are few advisories: Before you start spraying inside, check the product that you intend on using. Some RAL aerosols and spray paints are available for internal usage, but not all of them.

Can you spray paint a ceiling?

When you’re painting the whole room, spraying can also eliminate the need for cutting in, which is one of the more time-consuming tasks in interior painting. Simply spray the ceiling, and let overspray land on the wall and ceiling trim. After the ceiling paint dries, it’s time to paint the walls.