Industrial Basement Ceiling Look using an Airless Paint Sprayer
Have you ever wanted to create a basement that has an industrial ceiling look (the one that has become popular in many commercial businesses, especially restaurants?). Instead of installing a drop ceiling or a drywall ceiling in the basement, you might consider using an airless paint sprayer to paint the joists, ductwork, and beams. You could try to do the job with brushes and paint rollers, but it would be simply impractical. There are too many angles involved to get it to look good using that method.
What color should I choose? The ceilings I’ve seen done this way are either flat black, very dark brown, or white. A darker color will tend to hide imperfections in the ceiling, but may also lead to the room feeling much smaller. A lighter color may show more imperfections, but will make the room feel for open, and will make the ceiling seem higher. You might also consider using an accent color (like a red or green) for the ductwork and other accent marks.
What Airless Paint Sprayer should I use? We recommend the Wagner Spray Tech II 2,750 PSI Paint Crew Sprayer. That link will take you to Amazon’s page of refurbished units that cost about 40% ($80.00) less than buying new at Home Depot. The advantages of this particular sprayer include the hopper being located on the ground, and a long spray hose. If you’re going to paint the ceiling, you don’t want to be holding the paint itself above your head for long as some sprayers would require; it will get very tiresome.
What about electric wires? Normally, electric for lighting would be hidden by drywall or a drop ceiling. You will probably need to run wires in conduit if you leave the ceiling beams exposed. Of course, requirements vary by locale. You should always consult with a licensed electrician before finishing an electric project in your home.
Our friend Chuck just wrote a guest post on painting his basement ceiling white. I’m a much bigger fan of the flat black look, but Chuck wanted the room to feel open and airy.
What do you think? Will you consider an industrial ceiling look for your home? Have you already done this?
Comments & Conversation on this Article...
4 Responses to Industrial Basement Ceiling Look using an Airless Paint Sprayer
Wait! Got a question on your own project?
Ask your question in our Home Improvement Help Forums.
Otherwise, leave a note here!
May 9th, 2009 2:49 am
Black ceilings dont make a room feel smaller. WHy does everyone think that? Black ceilings make it disappear and make it feel larger. Go with a black ceiling for basements.
May 10th, 2009 7:51 pm
I would love to do this in my basement, but what do I do about the insulation? Please give me some advice. Thanks.
May 10th, 2009 7:53 pm
Also, does anyone have a suggestion on industrial walls? I don’t want to do drywall in my basement. Any thoughts?
May 18th, 2009 5:36 pm
Hi. I am also tackling my basement for a rec-room. I want to paint the ceiling as well. I am thinking about a dark brown, black just doesn’t do it for me. Choosing the right paint type (latex, oil, etc) is my next task.
As far as the wall boards, I got the town inspector to allow me to use Dura-Therm Lite wall boards. http://www.parklandplastics.com/dthlite.shtml
These are made of recycled plastic, have an R-3 insulation rating, 5/16″ thick, and are 100% water/moisture proof. Plus, since I am doing the work myself, a 4′x8′ board only weights 10 lbs, a fraction of the weight of a drywall board the same size. I will be hanging this on my steel stud and 2 inch “pink board” insulation layered wall. My goal is to be completely water/mold resistant.
I know these boards are used in food processing plants (they are FDA approved for their cleanability), but they serve a similar purpose in my basement. They are white, smooth, hook together with brackets and adhesive/chaulk (no nailing). It was the perfect solution for me. I can get them at Menards (Milwaukee area), for $30/ 4′x8′ board (ouch).