How can I fix the holes around a recessed light and choose the correct paint color for my ceiling without knowing its current color, considering there are 23 to do in the house and going with goof trim rings?
Asked by Sharif Chen 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 11, 2024
Hey everyone!
So, my house was built in the 1940s and has obviously been redone since then.
I’ve got some holes around a recessed light in my ceiling – any tips on fixing those up?
Also, I have no idea what color the ceiling is supposed to be. How do I choose the right paint? Should I paint the entire ceiling?
A couple other rooms in the house are having the same issue.
I’ve decided to go with the goof trim rings – anyone know what size I should order? I won’t be home for a few days and want to get them ordered ahead of time.
Thanks in advance!
Take down the lights and patch up with some drywall mud, then sand and paint over it
You might get away with using just spackle or drywall compound, but it’s a good idea to use a mesh backer so the compound has something to adhere to.
EDSRDRUS Drywall Repair Tape, 2in 4in 6in Multiple Options Crack Tape Drywall, Mesh Drywall Tape High Performance for Self-Adhesive Wall Crack and Seam Patching (2in100ft, Drywall Repair Tape) https://a.co/d/6C0G7ML
Silly ring
Make sure to grab some goof rings for everyone, including Perez!
Bring the light fixture down, apply tape, spackle, and sand the surface.
Since there are already good suggestions for fixing the hole, let’s focus on painting. The ceiling should ideally be white, at least that’s how it appears to me. Different ceiling paint brands may have slight variations. Choose whichever brand you prefer, begin painting close to the light source, and gradually blend the paint as you move away. This technique can create a subtle color transition that may or may not meet your expectations. If this method doesn’t suit you, then just repaint the entire ceiling.
The fact that it’s a ceiling doesn’t dictate that it has to be white. It’s just commonly white because a lot of plaster ceilings were left unpainted, making them very white. White paint was inexpensive and easy to find. White also reflects more light.
So, according to all that, it’s more likely to be white. Not just likely, but really white. Understand? Or are you just messing around?
It might be safe to assume that it’s white.
Yeah, I get what you mean. I’ll just have to be more cautious next time.
You can also use bigger rings to fill the gap between the light fixture and the ceiling
5 Pack-White Light Trim Ring for Recessed Can Lights 6-inch Size Oversized Lighting Fixture https://a.co/d/7i5HJfh
The second option worked perfectly, believe me.
I went for the goof rings option, despite living in a house built in 2015 haha.
The quick and easy fix is to use goof rings on all lights, not just the ones with issues.
For a more thorough but cleaner result, patch up each problematic hole and repaint.
If these are the lights you plan to keep long-term, I recommend going with option 2. If they are temporary lights, for just a few years, then option 1 might suffice.
If the hole is small enough, using caulk is the simplest solution. However, changing the bulb may still be a hassle.
The proper way to fix it is by using joint compound and repainting your ceiling
Dana Mirabella
It appears to be LED inserts. You could possibly move them to fill the gap.
I think using a simple filler to patch the hole and then repaint the entire ceiling would be a good idea.
No content
Just give it a little tug and smooth some white drywall putty over any holes, let it dry, sand it down, and do it again if needed. You might not even need to paint over it.
Sasha Jo
The flat lights are so easy to install, I’ve used them in 3 of my homes. Remember to save any extra drivers (those small power converter boxes that come with the lights) because over time, you may need to replace a few. They’re typically $3-7 each on ebay. In my experience, about 5% of the lights in my homes have needed a new driver after 3-8 years. Interestingly, I’ve never had a “metal box” driver fail, only the small white drivers. Just a heads up!
Upgrade to a larger “ring trim”…
Seal it up using white caulk.
The Home Depot worker recommended bringing in a sample of the white paint so they could color match it for the ceilings. You could try scraping a bit off with your fingernail, haha. I haven’t tried it yet, but it might be worth a shot!
Just a heads up, when you go to the store for paint, you’ll need a half dollar size sample for color matching. Also, no need to color match if it’s just for the ceiling. Just ask for ceiling paint at the store.
Hey, so it turns out the “ceiling” paint we got didn’t match at all. We found out they come in different shades of white, that’s why they suggested bringing a sample for color matching.
First step is to grab a ladder and position it over the hole. If it still doesn’t cover it, consider using spackle to blend it in. This way, you may not need to repaint the entire ceiling.
Check out these:
5 Pack of Gloss White Trim Rings for 6″ Recessed Can Lights, Outer Diameter 8 Inches, Inner Diameter 5.8 Inches. Just click the link!
Get the ceiling fixed first, then give it a fresh coat of paint. There’s nothing better than a newly painted room!
The simplest option is using small ceiling medallions. You can find them on Amazon, and they fit recessed lighting perfectly. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/-GEtEQM21J8?si=O2DaLSv0578DuHpl
Bump