Painting Rafters and Ceiling

[daschtick]

Greetings,

I am looking for some advice on a project I plan to tackle soon. I currently have a 3-1/2 car attached garage with (2) 2'x4' skylights and exposed rafters. My wife and I absolutely love the natural light, and now seek to amplify it by painting the rafters and plywood ceiling white. I know that I will have to spray it, and I am looking for advice on what product to use, and what type of sprayer to use. I do plan to cover the floor, fixtures, etc with plastic to prevent drip marks and over spray

I would ideally like a paint that would prime/coat all in one. I know that there may not be a product that is designed for this application, but I was considering just applying a white outdoor latex primer. It seems that the drywall in my garage is covered with just an indoor primer, and it looks fine to me. What could possibly happen to the primer, if left unpainted?

Secondly, I am unsure what type of sprayer to use. I remember years back, Wagner used to make airless sprayers that were advertised to prevent over-spray mist. Can anyone recommend a sprayer for the application? I have a compressor if air is required.

Lastly, I'm sure that I will need to fend off those that say I should just drywall the ceiling. Personally, I prefer the open ceiling, as I like the easy access for movement of air lines, electrical, satellite cables, and etc. I also like that the skylights are visible throughout the garage, and not lust through a 4' long drywall light tunnel. I also do not want to have to worry about moisture issues which can accompany drywall in an occasionally damp environment.

I realize that this seems like an unusual project, but I would be interested in everyone's thoughts - THANKS!

 

[Itzkwik]

Greetings,I would ideally like a paint that would prime/coat all in one. I know that there may not be a product that is designed for this application, but I was considering just applying a white outdoor latex primer. It seems that the drywall in my garage is covered with just an indoor primer, and it looks fine to me. What could possibly happen to the primer, if left unpainted?

Gliden makes what you are looking for. I think its called Ultra Hide. I've used it at work, but wasn't very impressed. Still needed to roll two coats. I hate to paint, but have found that as with most things, you get what you pay for. I would just get a good primer and then a good quality paint and plan on at least two coats. As far as primer by itself, no problems. Most primers don't cover very well, so a top coat of paint is needed. If you're happy with the look, just leave it.

 

[flesburg]

Kilz makes a great primer and then top coat. Have used their primer over old dark paneling and then one top coat and it is great.

You can get at WalMart here in IL.

You should be able to rent an airless sprayer (pump) and do the whole job in a day.

 

[rsanter]

look at either resting or buying a good airless sprayer. the cheap ones just work very well

bob

 

[ddawg16]

As great as it might sound, a 2 in 1 paint is not as good as doing it right with a primer and then top coat. I hate painting too....but sometimes that shortcut is the long way of doing things.

Kilz makes a good product....at least for primer.

Since it's indoors, just about any good simi-gloss enamal will work.

Your biggest problem is going to be prep....you have to make sure you get all the dirt out before you paint. You might want to consider getting a pressure sprayer and pressure washing everything in the garage before you paint....it should all be dry in about a day.

And don't waste money on a cheap airless like the Wagner....it's fine for like a small room or small items...but it only puts down about 1/5th the paint of a true airless and you spend more time filling the bottle. And if you use the hose, it is only good for about 8'....not a good choice if you are going up into the rafters. So spend the bucks and buy or rent a good airless sprayer.....or just write one check to a painting contracotor and let him do it all.....I know, not as much fun.

BTW....I think painting the rafters is a good idea....the increased reflective light will help a lot....and it helps to keep termites out of the wood.

 

[Stuart in MN]

How about using an opaque stain instead of primer and paint? Then you won't have to worry about multiple coats, and as it gets old it won't flake off. Another even cheaper possibility is old fashioned whitewash. You're in Wisconsin so you must not be far away from farming communities....I know around here lots of dairy farmers get the milking parlors in their barns whitewashed to keep them clean and bright. Find an agricultural store and find out who does that kind of work in your area.

As far as the Wagner power sprayer goes, they aren't the greatest tool in the world but they have their place...for a job you'll do infrequently they aren't bad for the price. I bought one to stain the cedar shingle exterior of my garage and it worked fine; I'd spray the stain on with one hand, then spread it out with a brush in my other hand. It went pretty fast and the sprayer did exactly what I needed it to do. They come with a hose attachment that you can stick right into the paint bucket, so you don't have to keep refilling that little one quart container.

 

[Northstar9126]

Look for Zinsser primer. It is far superior to Kilz. Zinsser is availible in my area at Menard's.