time-sensitive housepainting question

Factual Questions
1

I have to leave for work at 12:30 California time, but here’s my question:

I work as an assistant to a nice older guy two days a week. I do everything from laundry to computer maintenance; today I am painting the basement ceiling. The ceiling is rough wooden beams and subfloor. I know from experience that this kind of rough wood is hard to paint. Complicating things is the fact that I will be painting narrow, hard-to-maneuver-in spaces overhead.

I’m afraid a sprayer is not an option. Does anyone have any advice or tips for me? I’m planning on using a small roller unless somebody knows better.

Thanks!

2

The only advice I can offer is to use a roller with a thick nap (maybe 1 or 1.5 inches, depending on the roughness), and consider starting with a primer layer. Primers are usually better at adhering to rough surfaces than paint.

3

Pardon my asking, but why? I’m imagining my basement, with 2X12 joists, and plywood subfloor, and wondering why I would paint it.