Painting Old Garage Ceiling Tips?

[pparrett]

So I've decided to paint the existing ceiling instead of drywalling it. Anyways, I could use your opinion on the best way to get the old ceiling paint-ready. There is 50yrs of general settled dirt and dust up there so I'm not sure exactly what prep is necessary before paint.

I had a friend recommend power washing the entire thing but I'm concerned it will take a very long time to dry enough to paint. It's about 70*F@50% humidity here.

Do you think it's safer to just vacuum off the big stuff and then blow the rest off with air?

I'm thinking a full coat of a sealing primer like Killz and then an additional coat of white. Both using an airless sprayer.

Anyone else done this?

 

[OccupantRJ]

Dry ice blasting. Might want to research it. Disapates once it hits.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I think shop vac'ing it as thoroughly as you can and painting it with Kilz will work fine. I understand the urge to paint it white to make it reflective an clean but don't you expect to get all the same dust back eventually? Maybe you should consider a light tan or beige at least.

 

[kbs2244]

You got to get it clean somehow.
Paint on top of dirt never sticks.