Painting tongue-and-groove loft ceiling

[veryfluffy]

I am trying to sort out the best/easiest way to paint the tongue-and-groove ceiling in my new loft room. It's a 5m by 5m room, pitched ceiling, and the tongue and groove boarding appears to have been stained a medium dark brown, and not varnished.

I am planning to paint the ceiling antique white to match the walls, and create a lighter effect. I really don't want to have to use oil-based paint on that large an area! Is it okay to use emulsion on this? If so, do I need to prime/undercoat first, and if so, with what? I don't mind if the woodgrain shows (and it's quite high up, and the lights are point down, so a perfect finish isn't necessary). Any advice much appreciated!

 

[barcabod]

Would satinwood not be a better bet
I painted my bathroom ceiling which is tongue and groove and it came up great,make sure to put knot sealer on knots before painting.I used a wood primer which went on easily then 2 coats of satinwood

 

[veryfluffy]

I'm sure satinwood would be much nicer -- but the room is almost 30 square metres, and I don't think I can face doing that in solvent-based paint! (Don't want to start hallucinating while 4 metres up a ladder .)

 

[Zampa]

It will need a good rub down first to give you a key then give it a coat of dulux super grip, Zonseer bin..the water based one or blackfriers problem solving primer..they are all water based and wont smell too bad..allow the dry for a couple of days then coat with emulsion.

PS your doing the right thing by avoiding oil based p[aint on the ceiling..apart from the fumes your cutting down on it being a fire hazard