If you have an exposed basement ceiling, you may be wondering if it's okay to paint over everything so that it will all blend in. Well, you've come to the right place. We've researched the topic in-depth and have an answer for you!
You can paint wires in a basement ceiling. The easiest way to do this is by using a paint sprayer. Painting over the wires will not affect them in any way other than changing their visual appearance.
Now you know that you can paint wires in your basement ceiling, but keep reading as we elaborate on this further. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about painting your basement ceiling and some other alternatives for hiding wires.
Painting Wires In A Basement Ceiling
An exposed basement ceiling is exactly how the name sounds. The joists, insulation, electrical wiring, pipes, and ductwork are all exposed. If you have an exposed basement ceiling, you might be wondering how you can make it look more aesthetically pleasing. One option is to paint the entire ceiling and everything that is out in the open.
You're probably not too worried about painting over joists or pipes, but what about electrical wires. Anything involving electricity can make even the handiest DIYers take a step back.
Is it safe to paint over electrical wires?
Fortunately, painting over electrical wires is safe to do. You should not paint over outlets or switches, and though it's unlikely you will have any in your ceiling, any electrical outlets and switches should be covered with painter's tape.
How do you paint an exposed basement ceiling?
Painting an exposed ceiling might seem daunting, but it isn't too difficult as long as you are equipped with the right tools and knowledge.
Prep
The first step to painting an exposed basement ceiling is to prep. Having a successful paint session and results relies heavily on prep work. If you take the time to prep the ceiling before you jump into painting, you will have results you'll be happy with.
Clean The Ceiling
Take a vacuum or shop vac and remove any dust or cobwebs that might have accumulated. Painting a ceiling, or anything for that matter, that is not clean, might prevent paint from adhering to the surface the way it is supposed to.
If, while you were cleaning, you noticed you seem to have more than a few spiders hanging around, check out our blog post on how to get rid of them here: How To Get Rid Of Spiders In The Basement?
Take Care Of Any Loose Ends
We don't mean this figuratively. Before you begin painting is the time to make sure everything is where it is supposed to be. Make sure all pipes and vents are in the right place and secured correctly. Next, using wire staples, secure any loose wiring that might be hanging down. If there's a large area of wires, bundle them using zip ties.
Click here to see Gardner Bender MS-150 Metal Cable Staples on Amazon.
Tape and Tarp
Tape and tarp any areas you do not want to be painted. Taking the time to do this can help save time when it comes to cleaning up. Make sure to tape over any outlets or connections to the fuse box.
Painting
Equipment
Paint Sprayer
Once you've prepped the room, it's time to prep to paint. The main equipment you will need for painting an exposed ceiling is a paint sprayer. For best results, familiarize yourself with the machine. If you're new to it, take a look at the instruction manual, so you have a general idea of how it works.
Click here to see HomeRight Paint Sprayer on Amazon.
Personal Protection
Since you'll be using a paint sprayer, you'll also need some protective equipment. Home Depot recommends several pieces of personal protection when painting. For spray painting a ceiling, you will need coveralls, a mask, and protective eyewear. While coveralls protect your clothes and skin, paint respirator masks prevent any toxic particles from entering your airways.
Click here to see Disposable Heavy Duty Painters Coveralls on Amazon.
Method
Once you've prepped your room and yourself, you can begin to paint the ceiling. You should begin with a coat or two of primer before you paint to prepare the surface. Latex, or water-based paint, works well for painting an exposed ceiling. Since your exposed ceiling probably has many flaws, since it's bare wood, you should opt for a finish with a low sheen such as flat or eggshell. Just like when you paint any other surface, it will likely take more than one coat to get the finish you want.
Check out this YouTube video below for a tutorial on how to spray your exposed ceiling:
What color to paint the basement ceiling?
Most people choose to paint exposed basement ceilings black, white, or grey depending on the look they want to achieve.
Black
Painting a basement ceiling black can create an industrialized loft look. If you have a small basement, you may want to opt for a lighter color, as dark ceilings or walls can make the room feel even smaller.
White
White can make a space look open and bigger and add some brightness to your basement. White is also a great option if you want to create a modern or chic feel.
Grey
So the ceiling in the image above is painted "Charcoal Blue," which is a bluish-grey color. Grey isn't as harsh as black or white and can soften the overall look of the room.
How can I hide the wires in my basement ceiling? [alternatives to paint]
If you aren't too keen on painting the wires in your basement ceiling, there are some other ways you can hide them. Whether you paint the wires or not, the first step is to bundle them as best you can. Once you've bundled the wires you can choose whether to paint or cover them. You can cover the wires in several ways.
Cord Covers
Cord covers are an inexpensive way to hide unsightly cables. The cables run through them instead of across the ceiling. They are often made of plastic, and some come with adhesive to be applied to the wall or ceiling. White cord covers will easily blend in with a white ceiling.
Click here to see Cord Management Kit on Amazon.
Crown Molding
Another option is to opt for cord covering crown molding. Some concave crown molding designs are available at lumberyards, and you can use them to hide cables by running the cables behind. This will likely be a more expensive option than the simple plastic cord covers but will offer a more decorative finish.
Drop Ceiling
If you want to do more than disguise the wiring, you could install a drop ceiling. Drop ceilings aren't just the old office or school style you might have grown up seeing anymore. There are plenty of decorative options. Installing a drop ceiling is a good option for a basement because it still provides easy access to any wiring or plumbing you may need to reach.
Click here to see Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tile on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Painting over electrical wires is perfectly fine and, with the appropriate equipment, can be done pretty quickly and easily. Hopefully, our article has helped ease any concerns you might have had about painting your exposed basement ceiling. Happy Painting!
Since we're discussing basement ceilings, take a look at our other blog post on the topic here: Why Is My Basement Ceiling Leaking? [And What To Do About It!]