Ceiling Painting in Sunderland

Foxglove Decor are ceiling painters in Sunderland, specialising in plasterboard ceilings, cornicing, water damage repair, and Artex removal across Tyne & Wear.
Ceiling painting demands attention to detail and proper access equipment. Water stains, crazing, and decades of paint layers need assessment before topcoats are applied.
- Smooth ceiling painting on plasterboard and skim plaster
- Artex removal and overskimming before painting
- Cornicing and ceiling rose painting
- Water damage and stain repair with blocking
- High ceilings and restricted-access spaces
Call 0191 743 6008 for a free quote.
Why Choose Foxglove Decor
Water Stains and Artex
We diagnose ceiling problems before painting — stain blocking, crazing repair, and Artex assessment are standard practice.
Clear Pricing
Fixed price from the first quote with no unexpected additions.
Fully Insured
Full public liability cover on every job.
Highly Recommended
Most of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals.
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Sunderland’s Ceiling Painting Specialists
Smooth Ceiling Painting
Foxglove Decor paint standard plasterboard and skim-plaster ceilings across Sunderland, from straightforward Doxford Park rooms to intricate period ceilings in Ashbrooke. Foam rollers provide even coverage without drips when applied with proper technique.
Modern estate ceilings are smooth and straightforward. Older 1930s and 1940s properties sometimes have coved or moulded ceilings in reasonable condition but with accumulated paint layers and minor crazing.
Water Damage and Stain Blocking
Ceilings commonly show watermarks from old leaks. The stain maps through standard emulsion unless properly sealed first. We use specialist stain-blocking primer over any watermark, allowing the topcoat to provide clean coverage.
The underlying leak must be fixed before decoration. We assess the stain’s origin during the quote visit and advise accordingly.
Artex Removal and Overskimming
Artex (textured coating) was common on 1970s and 1980s ceilings. Removing it is labour-intensive and produces significant dust, but many homeowners prefer smooth ceilings. We arrange removal and overskimming in coordination with plastering contractors, then paint the new skim.
Alternatively, Artex can be painted if it is in reasonable condition and you are satisfied with the textured finish. We assess and discuss options during the quote.
Cornicing and Ceiling Roses
Period properties in Hendon, Ashbrooke, and Roker often have original cornicing and ceiling roses. These are painted carefully by hand to avoid damaging the detail — we paint edges without masking tape, which takes time but preserves the moulding.
For bedroom ceiling and cornice work as part of a full room repaint, see our bedroom painting page.


How We Paint Your Ceiling
1. Assessment
We visit and examine the ceiling condition — skim quality, any cracks or crazing, water stains, or damage. You discuss colour and any special requirements.
2. Preparation
Cracks are filled with flexible filler, sanded smooth, and dusted. Water stains are treated with stain-blocking primer. Any loose paint or plaster is scraped.
3. Priming
Areas with water stains or new filler get a coat of primer before topcoat. Bare plaster gets a standard primer. Chalky or heavily painted surfaces may need a sealing coat.
4. Finish Coats
Two coats of ceiling paint are applied with proper drying time between coats. Foam rollers are used on flat ceilings for even coverage. Cornicing and detail work is done by hand with fine brushes.
5. Inspection
We check for drips, missed spots, and consistent coverage. Touch-ups are completed before pack-up.
Ceiling Painting Costs in Sunderland
Prices below are estimates only. Every ceiling is different. Call 0191 743 6008 for a precise quote.
What Drives the Price
Three factors determine the final cost: room size, ceiling condition, and special features. A small bedroom ceiling (8–10m²) costs less than a large living room (20–25m²). Sound ceilings needing only paint cost less than ceilings with cracks or water stains.
Cornicing, ceiling roses, or textured finishes add labour time and cost. Foxglove Decor include flexible filler on all ceiling painting quotes where crazing is present.
Smooth Ceiling (Ford or Grindon 1930s Semi)
Approximately 12m², light crazing, no water stains. Typically £200–320. Includes fill, prime, and two coats of ceiling paint.
Living Room Ceiling with Watermark
Approximately 18m², one small historic stain, no structural issue. Typically £280–420. Prep, stain-blocking primer on marked area, two finish coats of ceiling paint.
Period rooms with original cornicing typically cost £320–500. For hallway and staircase ceiling work, see our hallway painting page.

Call 0191 743 6008 to arrange a site visit and written quote.
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