Painting a mobile home ceiling

Question

I live in a 1970 mobile home which I am attempting to make it a shabby chic decor. I would like to paint the ceiling panels to give it a white washed board look. The panels go side to side (14 ft) with ribs every 14 inches. Any ideas or ways to do this?

Bobbi Perreault · Answer

Hi, I thought 'What would I do?' and it's probably definitely NOT what you would do. But here it is anyway. I would paint that ceiling like this wall is painted. Here's my inspiration photo, and another photo that is hopefully demonstrating what I'm trying to say.

Lynn Moore · Answer

I live in a mobile home not that old but we painted the ceiling and walls, you can take the ribs off and tape and texture over them or just paint with primer and then the color you wish. We used the primer that covers stains I would suggest Kilz.

Mag1120776 · Answer

Remove the ribs and paint with a paint with primer. I use Sherwin Williams Emerald.  I suggest painting the ceiling SW Window Pane. It is a pale blue and will make the ceiling appear taller.  Buy 2' wide flat trim and paint the same color.  Apply over the seams for a board and batten look. Trust me on the pale blue!  Good luck!

Cheryl Norman · Answer

you can cover it with something like beadboard 4x8 sheets

Mag1120776 · Answer

I would be uncomfortable covering the ceiling wit bead board or plywood.  The weight may cause the ceiling to sag, or worse.  The framing structure may not carry the weight.

The original question was about painting.  That is the quickest, most cost effective option.  Our suggestions should respond to the question; not offer options that may be above the person's budget and/or skill-set.

KELLY TAYLOR · Answer

Those ribs will NOT support beadboard,but you can buy faux bead board or other wallpaper patterns to cover. You could use TIN tiles in one room, paint in another, even use that skinny bamboo 'fencing' if you want to get creative. Stick on floor tiles is another if you find something you like...just have to have plenty of SHARP razor knife blades to cut them to fit on each tile. Please post the afters... sounds like fun!

Dennis · Answer

If you do paint make sure you use something like Kilz 2 it has low order and is great covering up stains. If there is nicotine on the ceiling you should wash it first.I use a spray Kitchen cleaner. Sometimes the stains still show after the primer is dried.I use a lite second coat.of primer. But have been told that it was not necessary

Ann Bastuba · Answer

how about painting the ribs in a metallic color such as copper? then paint the tiles in white... would add interest without the weight! also you can use the decorative wall paper or the faux tin ceiling.. those don't weigh much

Gloria Hayes · Answer

get the wallpaper that looks like tin ceilings,but it is white. I can't think of it now. It has embossed patterns ...ANAGLYPTA....and just paper it

Gloria Hayes · Answer

or make each 'rib' part of a 'frame'...paint them an outstanding color,them two like them top and bottom to form a rectangle 'frame', then paint a background color and a Victorian scrollwork pattern in white in the middle of each panel

Blue Strong · Answer

I too, live in a 1971 Lamplighter mobile home that I love! Same ceilings in mine. I was thinking of painting them a shiny white! I heard the reflection makes it brighter inside. All one color or style will make it seem bigger and brighter! Not sure we can wallpaper over that ceiling! Have thought of putting thin wood up but might be choppy looking. Keep us all posted on how you do!

Lisa love · Answer

I used the tin looking wallpaper in a mh bathroom ceiling and after I sold it they repainted it another color so yes you can and ceiling crown molding gives it a nice touch

Lisa love · Answer

I used the tin looking wallpaper in a mh bathroom ceiling and after I sold it they repainted it another color so yes you can and ceiling crown molding gives it a nice touch

Barbara · Answer

I used to live in one as well and I just painted the same way I would paint a wall. Just takes a bit more time with the slats.Did my whole mobile home that way!

Diana Deiley · Answer

I too live in a 70's mobile home in a very large retirement community. Most homeowners prefer satin to semi-gloss white on the ceilings to reflect more light. Our ceiling panels have the strips as well and we just paint over them. Some add sand to the paint for a textured look. For your ceiling you could paint the ceiling the palest gray and then 'dry' brush flat white over it to achieve the look you desire. Wallpapering your ceiling is another option. Best of luck.

Sammie · Answer

What kind of ceiling material is it

Painting a mobile home ceiling

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Painting a mobile home ceiling

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