Nothing screams “makeover” more than painting your room! But going the DIY route has its own pitfalls. For example, you may accidentally splatter paint on your ceiling or other walls. Don’t get too worked up. It happens to the best of us. But there is some good news. Fixing splattered paint is a piece of cake. At the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear idea of how to get paint off the ceiling, from covering up your mistake to removing it completely. We’re going to show it all.

Painting Over The Paint On The Ceiling

If the paint splash on your ceiling isn’t large, covering the paint is a more viable option. It’s easy, takes no time, and is also cost-effective. If you’re a beginner, then this option may be just right for you. The splattered paint will blend in with the colour of the wall, and it won’t catch your eye.

Things You’ll Need

• Paintbrush
• Sponge
• Primer
• Paint (the same colour as your walls)

Step 1: Let The Splatter Of Paint Dry

If you find that the paint isn’t wet enough to be wiped away by a cloth but hasn’t fully dried either, leave it alone. This way, after the paint has dried fully, you can analyse your damage and act accordingly.

Step 2: Apply Primer Over The Paint

Now take the primer and apply a thin layer over the paint splatter. You can use a sponge for this. This step is an absolute must if the unwanted paint is a darker colour than the ceiling. In short, we want to make sure that the primer covers the paint splatter. This way it won’t peep through the topcoat. Also, don’t forget to let the primer dry for three (3) to four (4) hours before going on to the next step.

Step 3: Painting The Ceiling

After the primer has dried completely, take out your can of paint and paint away! Although this is a no-brainer, make sure the paint matches perfectly with the previous paint used. Even using two different shades of white can throw your efforts down the drain. Then, let the paint dry and give yourself a pat on the back for doing such a good job.

Removing The Paint From The Ceiling

This procedure takes a bit more time than covering the mistake. Yet, we’d say it’s well worth it. Removing the paint will require you to  head out to the paint shop and buy a few extra supplies. Before we delve into all the tools you’ll need to remove the paint, here’s a nugget of wisdom.

Quick tip- If you smudge paint on your ceiling, grab a warm wet washcloth and wipe away the paint asap! TIP – next time you paint, keep a wet rag nearby. You may save yourself from a LOT of trouble. But in case your paint has dried, here are the tools and steps you’ll need to remove it.

Tools You’ll Need

• Protective Gloves
• Safety mask
• Rag
• Paintbrush
• Putty Knife
• Paint Remover
• Borax/Acetone (optional)

Step 1: Wear The Gear

Warning! You’re about to handle some pretty toxic stuff. Paint removers emit gases and can react if it comes in contact with your skin. So handle with precaution. Make sure that the room has constant airflow and gear up before you approach the battlefield.

Step 2: Apply Paint Remover On A Rag

After you’ve geared up, it’s time to remove the blotch with our handy dandy remover. There are two (2) ways to go about it, depending on how much paint we need to remove. If the paint you’re removing is just a small splatter, then the job is easy. Just apply some paint remover on a rag and gently wipe away the smudge. You’ll find the paint coming off after a few scrubs. Make sure you’re not too harsh, as we don’t want the previous paint to come off too.

But in case the paint smudge is quite big and does not remove easily, keep reading.

Step 3: Soften The Layer Of Paint

If the damage is quite a large area, then the paint won’t come off that easily. In this case, we’ll need to first loosen up the paint. Take a paintbrush and dip it in the paint remover. Next, apply a layer of remover carefully over the paint smudge. Make sure not to use the remover on your previous wall paint. Let the blotch soak up the remover and soften for 30-35 minutes.

Step 4: File Away The Paint

After the paint has been softened, gently scrape away the paint using a putty knife. Do this with a soft hand since we don’t want to leave a mark on the ceiling. Moreover, cover the floor with a plastic sheet to catch all the scraped off paint. If the paint still doesn’t come off, soak it again in the remover and repeat the step.

Step 5: Clean The Surface With Borax/Acetone

Last but not the least – cleanup. To make your ceiling look as good as new, clean the surface of the wall with some Borax/Acetone. For either of them, dilute it in water as per the instructions. Usually, this is one (1) tablespoon for four (4) litres of water. This extra step may seem like overkill but it will make your walls squeaky clean.

That’s all from us. Depending on your time and needs, go for either of the methods.

We hope this blog gave you a clear idea of how to get paint off the ceiling.

Is there anything we missed? Let us know your favourite tips and tricks for removing paint. Call us direct at Earles Paints on 07 4121 5202 for all the information you need, or visit us at Earle Paint Place Maryborough. Good bye!