I want to do something with my basement ceiling to brighten it up because it's a small space and unfinished. The house is approximately 60 yr. old so I want to use the right kind of painting treatment, because the wood is so dry , it'll absorb the paint, my question is, What should I do? Keep in mind... a small space and making it seem large, fresh and airy? Currently my washer & dryer are in this space and I'm adding a homework station for the kids . Thanks.

Is it an actual ceiling or just the udersides of floor boards and floor joists?

What is on the ceiling right now? You could prime with a water-based primer and then paint the ceiling with ceiling paint.

Pretty much what I was thinking but it would help to know if it is really a ceiling or just joists.

http://freshome.com/2008/01/14/ceiling-book-storage-idea/


I always love this idea, maybe it is possible in your basement, especially if you are going to make a homework space for the kids.

Not for me if its an 8' ceiling, I am 5'6" LOL

Have you thought about drapping the ceiling with fabric? It might make it look like a fortune teller's tent but it could brighten the place and cover up the wood.

It's not a ceiling, it's undersides of floor board and floor joists, nothing on them, just the rouch lumber, no pain, no primer. Can you give me some more ideas?

Hi carrie,
Is it possible for you to post some photos, maybe that could help anyone trying to help you.

Thanks.


EDIT:
Carrie,
If you are also looking into making a few changes to the whole space in order to make it lighter airier, you might consider a change of colour.

Pale colours make a room seem less crowded, if you could use different shades of the same light colour around the room it works even better.
Like the walls a few shades lighter than the ceiling, and using the same colour even when you are adding furniture and/or accessories like rugs,wall hangings etc.
Choose the lightest two shades on a paint color strip.

Good lighting will also help make a room seem airy.

Maybe you could even try this ,a fake skylight. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2630188775_514d910c3c.jpg?v=0

Just a few ideas.

I did my basement with a spray gun and it looks much better than what was there.