DIY White ceiling on glazed beadboard

Question

Got a high quote to paint glazed beadboard ceilings to white ($3500 yikes!) they are 16' so sanding is out of the question. How do I tackle this low traffic paint zone?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Glad you placed a photo. Was difficult to figure out what the post was about without it. 
You have a lot going on there. While the price is a bit high, its not all that unreasonable. This is a task that you can do yourself. You would need to rent a scaffold system in order to reach up to the top in the middle. Tall step ladders, yup can get them that long at a rental center will do the trick also. You will need to remove a lot of stuff in the room however to enable you to move around. Tape everything off and rent or purchase a spray system and spray the finish on. Rolling bead board is hard enough when its on a wall, forget the ceiling. As far as sanding, a pole sanding tool used for drywall is what would be used. They make round ones that makes sanding very easy. Just a quick scuffing is all that is needed to assure a good quality finish and adhesion. You may need to wipe the surface down to remove any dust, oils and soot that may have collected over the years. But it a doable job for most folks. The hardest part is the prep.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Get a few more quotes. Check out the cost of renting scaffolding and supplies. This job has the potential for being dangerous and very time consuming. I would go with a pro.

SJazz · Answer

I'm considering for the cost, just replacing with Sheetrock

Rick Deeds · Answer

Use Zinsser Bulls Eye Latex Primer; then paint over. This primer will adhere to about any surface, including glass.

Pat Nolan · Answer

I'm going to combine two of the previous answers. First, get a quote on renting scaffolding. Considering how long it will take you to DIY, buying may be better. Second, I also like Zinsser's Primer. First things first, test a small patch with the Zinsser's. If it works, you have a big project ahead. Let us know how it goes. You CAN do it. If the Zinsser's doesn't work, I want to know.

Kris · Answer

I did my 16' ceilings myself,  although I wish I would have thought to rent scaffolding!  I don't have beadboard but knotty pine and the beams had been painted the ugliest,  darkest brown you can imagine.  First I scrubbed with TSP, they were horribly filthy,  then 2 coats of primer and then a pretty white, Snow Fall by Behr. What a difference!  Totally changed the entire feel of the room. Since I work full time I only had weekends to work on it,  but it was well worth it! Now it's a wonderful cottage,  shabby chic look and I love it!  If I had thought of it,  I would totally go the scaffolding route,  as I'm not crazy about climbing ladders.  I did it,  though,  because I couldn't afford to pay to have it done.  Good luck!

Lisa Olson · Answer

I did my 16' ceilings also. I had scaffolding which made the job easier. You don't have too much at 16' as your side walls are lower. You can do this yourself. Use a good primer like the previous post suggests and a thick nappy roller. It's going to take some time but having sheetrock done will be a bigger job and mess.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Drywall can work, but its going to cost you a bit more then simply painting what you got. If you decide to go this route however, its the perfect time to have additional blown in insulation added if your lacking it in those ceilings. AS any damage to the existing ceiling will be hidden by the new drywall.

MaryStLouis · Answer

That's a reasonable quote, actually. The work involved isn't for the faint of heart so before you rent the equipment needed really decide if you're up for it. Cleaning the wood, priming two coats, then a few coats of latex paint while working overhead will take a toll on your back, shoulders, and neck. I would write the check and happily watch the pros work. 😉

CAmom · Answer

I'd go with chalk paint. There are tons of DIY recipes for chalk paint (One comparing all of them: salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes)  to keep costs down, and it will grip the glazed finish. You'll end up with a flat finish, unless you want to seal it, which I've done on furniture and floors with a liquid sealer.

Kathryn Peltier · Answer

Use Cabinet Coat by Benjamin Moore. It is an acrylic paint and you can have it mixed in any BM color. It does NOT require any primer.

Liv · Answer

I agree with Kathryn, but you don't have to use Benjamin Moore. You can use a paint/primer in one from any reliable brand.

DIY White ceiling on glazed beadboard

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DIY White ceiling on glazed beadboard

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