The ceilings in our house never get a lot more than an upward glance until the abuse of a smoking fireplace and a couple of old leaking roof stains begin to stand out on that once bright white area above our heads. Suddenly, it's time for this long overdue chore. Painting the ceiling.

Here is a list of equipment that you will require to accomplish the job:

Primer/sealer

Ceiling paint

Step ladder

5 Gal. bucket

Paint screen or grid

9 inch roller frame

1/2 inch nap roller cover

Roller extension pole

Three inch nylon/polyester brush

Plastic sheeting

Drop cloths of old bed sheets

Preparing the room.

Move all of the furniture in to the center of the room, leave adequate space between large pieces of furniture and the wall to make room for a step ladder. Place smaller pieces of furniture in several groups leaving aisles between them. This will allow for easier access to your ceiling when you begin painting. Cover the furniture with plastic, thin plastic works best. Put drop cloths or old bed sheets on the floor round the groups of furniture. Spot prime any brown water stains with a stain killing primer. These primer/sealers can be found at any paint or hardware store. Some brands provide a convenient spray can with an upward spraying nozzle.

Now that everything is wrapped up and spot primed you can get ready to paint. Pour the ceiling paint into the five gallon bucket leaving about a quart of paint in one can to make use of with the brush. Brush a three or four inch line round the edges on the ceiling being careful not to paint too low on the wall or crown molding, remember to brush around the light fixture.

Ready to begin rolling.

Hang the paint screen on the inside rim on the 5 gallon bucket. Install the roller cover on the frame and connect the roller frame to an extension pole or screw in mop handle. Load the roller with paint by daubing it into the 5 gallon bucket of paint, remove any excess paint using a few strokes on the paint screen. Roll out a big 'W' pattern on the ceiling starting the roller in a corner and about a foot from the wall. Reload the roller and fill in the pattern at the border working toward the wall, remember to roll into the brushed paint line at the wall. Roll out and fill another W pattern next to the one you just finished and slightly overlap the previously painted section. Repeat this technique until you've covered the whole ceiling. Once you've finished, the area will likely be noticeably brighter and that upward glance you take might just become a smile.