It’s important to wipe down your ceiling and walls before taping and painting. This will help ensure your paint will adhere, and you’ll avoid getting dirt or hair stuck in the paint.

Next, you’ll want to tape your trim or crown molding. Use longer pieces of tape rather than short ones to minimize gaps and reduce the chance of paint sneaking through. With a clean putty knife, press the tape edges next to the trim. Start in a corner, and work in small sections at a time.

Remove any vents in your ceiling so that you don’t get any paint on them.

Cover up any stains or marks by spot-priming with a stain-blocking primer and a brush, and leaving it to dry for at least an hour. To see more, check out our primer how-to.

Using an angled brush, cut in along the trim. For more tips on cutting in, check out our interior painting basics how-to and expert tips how-to.

Now it’s time to roll. Pick a corner and roll in straight lines in the same direction. Work in small sections at a time until the entire ceiling is done.

Now that the painting’s done, you’re almost set. Remove the tape before the paint is completely dry – you’ll get the cleanest lines that way. Then, replace your vents and enjoy the finished ceiling.