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Paint your ceiling.
Mist coat, full coat or stain block — cracks filled, lights masked, finished clean to the cornice.
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Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Roller lap marks
Visible streaks where the wet edge dried before joining. Work fast, maintain wet edge.
Water stains bleeding through
Old water damage shows through white paint. Stain-block primer (Zinsser BIN) blocks the stain.
Mould returning
Painting over mould without treatment lets it grow back. Always treat with biocide first.
Texture from old Artex
Cheap painting over Artex still looks textured. Skim over (plasterer's job) for flat result.
Costs & timeline
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Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Standard bedroom ceiling10–12 m²
£80–£180
Standard living room ceiling15–25 m²
£120–£280
Large open-plan ceiling30+ m²
£180–£450
Artex skim over (per m²)Smooths textured surface
£15–£35/m²
Stain block primerIf water stain present
£20–£80
Mould treatmentPer area
£15–£60
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Decorator briefing.
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Decorator explained
Ceilings are the simplest paint surface in a room — usually plain plaster with no obstructions — but bad ceiling work shows in every light. Expect to pay £80–£350 per ceiling for UK ceiling painting depending on size and condition.
What Does the Work Involve?
Cover floor and furniture. Identify and treat any mould with biocide (Polycell, Ronseal). Fill cracks at cornice junctions with flexible caulk. Mist coat new plaster; standard primer over old painted ceiling. Two top coats of ceiling paint (low-spatter, high-coverage formulation) applied with extension-pole roller. Most paints are matt white but coloured ceilings are increasingly popular.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard bedroom ceiling | 80 | 180 | 10–12 m² |
| Standard living room ceiling | 120 | 280 | 15–25 m² |
| Large open-plan ceiling | 180 | 450 | 30+ m² |
| Artex skim over (per m²) | 15 | 35 | Smooths textured surface |
| Stain block primer | 20 | 80 | If water stain present |
| Mould treatment | 15 | 60 | Per area |
| Coving / cornice replacement per metre | 20 | 60 | If old missing |
How Long Does It Take?
Bedroom ceiling: 3–4 hours. Living room: 4–6 hours. Both coats with drying between. Drying overnight before second coat is best practice.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able with extension-pole roller. The visible test is whether the second coat covers cleanly without "lap marks" — wet edge maintenance is the key skill.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any decorator. Ask about Artex — skimming over textured Artex costs £15–£35/m² and requires a plasterer. Cheap plates of artex with paint over still look textured. Skim before painting for a flat finish.
UK Regulations
Asbestos warning: pre-2000 Artex may contain chrysotile asbestos. Don't dry-sand. Get an asbestos test if scraping — £30–£80 per sample.
Common Problems
- Roller lap marks: Visible streaks where the wet edge dried before joining. Work fast, maintain wet edge.
- Water stains bleeding through: Old water damage shows through white paint. Stain-block primer (Zinsser BIN) blocks the stain.
- Mould returning: Painting over mould without treatment lets it grow back. Always treat with biocide first.
- Texture from old Artex: Cheap painting over Artex still looks textured. Skim over (plasterer's job) for flat result.
Frequently Asked Questions
White or coloured ceiling?
White is timeless and makes rooms feel taller. Coloured ceilings (lighter tint of wall colour, or deep contrasting colour) is increasingly popular in modern design.
Best ceiling paint?
Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt, Crown Trade Vinyl Matt, or specific ceiling formulations (Zinsser Watertite for damp ceilings). Low-spatter formulations make extension-pole work much cleaner.
Can I paint over Artex?
Yes — but the texture remains. To get a smooth finish, a plasterer skims over the Artex first (£15–£35/m²) then paint.
How do I stop water stains showing through?
Apply stain-block primer (Zinsser BIN, Coverstain) before top coats. Pure white over a water stain — even with three coats — shows through within months.
How many coats for a ceiling?
Two top coats minimum. Three if changing from a dark colour or covering stains. Plus mist coat if new plaster.
How do I remove old textured ceiling paint?
Asbestos test first if pre-2000. Steam-strip if non-asbestos. Or skim over (plasterer) for a flat finish.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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