painting a bedroom ceiling

[ben67]

Our bedroom ceiling is standard plaster painted with white vinyl emulsion, which is now getting a bit grubby after many years. If I give the ceiling a new coat of white emulsion it does not seem to cover the black marks adequately.

Is there a primer, or alternative paint I can use. What do you recommend without going to big expense.

 

[emilybronte]

It depends what the 'black marks' are.

Grease/rubber : remove with white spirit before painting

Mud (?!) : wash with soapy water

Black mould : remove with bleach

If all else fails, Zinsser products such as Gardz or Bulls Eye primer/sealant are good for pepping the affected areas.

 

[ben67]

Thanks for the info. I will try it. It is only dust marks to be covered but need to do the whole ceiling.

 

[sparkwright]

Very often you need at least two coats if you're painting over something grubby.

What emulsion are you using? Some cheap DIY types are dreadfully thin and very hard to get decent coverage.

 

[emilybronte]

If it's just dust, then sugar soaping the whole ceiling first will give you a better result when painting it.

It's a bit messy and drippy (wear a shower cap!) but worth it.