How do you paint a ceiling without seeing the strokes when dry?

Ensure that you are putting enough paint on the surface, then roll or spray the ceiling all in one direction. Always work to the wet paint edge and do not stop long enough for the paint to dry.

If you are spraying, do two coats, one in the direction of the length, and the other in the direction of the width.

If you are rolling and trying to avoid a second coat, make sure you are putting enough paint on the ceiling and then wait 24 hours. If you see marks after 24 hours, put on a second coat in the other direction, ie if you applied the first coat the length of the ceiling, apply the second coat in the direction of the width. Again, be sure to work into the wet edge so do not stop long enough to allow the paint to dry to the touch.

Once you've finished the second coat, allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before judging the coverage.

Another trick is to use a 100% acrylic stain kill primer instead of ceiling paint. It will cost about twice as much but it is as close as you can come to a guaranteed one coat ceiling paint. Since the ceiling is not subject to wear and tear, there is no need to top coat with a paint.