Painting your ceiling might sound like a simple weekend DIY project—until gravity kicks in. Suddenly, you’re dodging drips, splatters, and neck cramps, wondering why you ever started. Whether you’re aiming for a clean refresh or exploring creative ceiling colors, painting this “fifth wall” of your home presents a unique set of challenges.
At A.G. Williams Painting Company, we’ve been trusted by homeowners across Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT, and surrounding areas for over 100 years. We know exactly how to get a flawless, professional ceiling finish—without a single drip. Here’s everything you need to know to do the same.
Think Beyond Flat White
Yes, white ceilings are common—but they’re not your only option. A colored ceiling can:
- Add visual height or intimacy to a room
- Create contrast with light or dark walls
- Reflect your personal style
- Highlight architectural features
For example, a soft blue ceiling can mimic the sky and brighten up a bedroom, while a charcoal gray or navy ceiling in a dining room adds drama and elegance. Want inspiration? Check out HGTV’s guide to ceiling painting for a thorough walkthrough.
For help picking the perfect paint, explore Benjamin Moore’s ceiling color suggestions or Sherwin-Williams’ ceiling paint tips.
Why Does Ceiling Paint Drip?
Ceiling drips are more than a minor nuisance. They create uneven finishes, dried paint blobs, and extra clean-up work. The culprits are usually the same:
- Too Much Paint on the Roller: This is the most common mistake. Overloading your roller leads to excess paint that has nowhere to go—except down. Always roll off extra paint on the sloped edge of your tray before applying it overhead.
- Applying Too Much Pressure: Many DIYers unknowingly push the roller too hard against the ceiling, thinking they’ll get better coverage. Instead, this forces paint to squeeze out unevenly and drip.
- Using the Wrong Paint or Tools: Some paints are too thin for overhead applications, and cheap rollers shed lint or absorb more paint than they release. This combo is a recipe for splatter.
Pro Tips for a Flawless, Drip-Free Finish
Here’s how our experts at A.G. Williams Painting Company tackle every ceiling with confidence:
Prep Like a Pro
- Protect your space: Lay drop cloths or plastic sheeting over floors and furniture.
- Tape off trim and walls: Use painter’s tape to ensure clean lines at the wall/ceiling edge.
- Repair and clean: Patch cracks and wipe off dust or cobwebs before painting.
Use the Right Equipment
- Roller: Use a ⅜” nap roller for smooth ceilings; ½” or more for textured surfaces.
- Pole: An extension pole gives you reach and control without a ladder.
- Brush: Use a high-quality angled brush to cut in around edges and corners.
Apply Ceiling-Specific Paint
Choose a paint made specifically for ceilings. We recommend:
- Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint: Ultra-flat finish, minimal spatter.
- Sherwin-Williams CHB Paint: Excellent hide and splatter resistance.
These products are formulated to dry quickly and reduce glare, hiding imperfections while resisting drips.
Paint in the Right Pattern
Roll in a “W” or “M” pattern, then fill in gaps. This technique ensures even coverage and keeps a “wet edge,” which prevents lap marks and uneven textures.
Work in Small Sections
Break the ceiling into manageable sections. Overlap slightly to blend edges before the paint starts drying.
Avoid Overworking the Paint
Once a section is painted, move on. Going back over drying areas can create streaks or lift the paint, especially with flat or matte finishes.
When to Skip the DIY and Hire a Professional
While ceiling painting sounds simple, it can be deceptively tricky. It’s physically demanding, especially with vaulted ceilings or textured surfaces. And mistakes—like missed spots or paint splatter—can be tough to correct.
That’s where we come in.
We’ve been trusted by families in:
- Bronx County, NY
- Dutchess County, NY
- Putnam County, NY
- Rockland County, NY
- Westchester County, NY
- Fairfield County, CT
…for over a century. Our professional painters are trained in precise techniques and use only the highest-quality materials from trusted brands.
With us, you get:
- Flawless ceilings—without a drop of paint out of place
- Friendly, respectful service
- Transparent estimates and on-time scheduling
- Lasting results you’ll love for years
Whether you’re refreshing a small bedroom or painting your entire home’s interior, ceilings matter—and you don’t have to go it alone. Contact A.G. Williams Painting Company to schedule a free estimate.
Let’s make your ceiling the star of the room—flawless, fresh, and completely drip-free.