Best Ceiling Paint for Your Home
Painting a ceiling can be tricky. Standing on a ladder with a cramped neck and paint dripping isn’t pleasant for anyone.
The right ceiling paint makes all the difference. Quality ceiling paint flows smoothly, covers well, and stays put without drips.
This guide examines what makes ceiling paint different from wall paint, what shoppers should look for when buying, and top picks for various needs and budgets.
How is Ceiling Paint Different from Regular Paint
Ceiling paint has special features that set it apart from wall paint. When you look at ceiling paint, you’ll notice it’s thicker.
This thickness helps reduce drips while you work overhead, a huge plus when you’re painting above your head.
The finish of ceiling paint is usually flat or matte. This helps hide small bumps, cracks, and flaws on your ceiling surface.
Wall paints often come in glossy finishes that would highlight these imperfections rather than hide them.
Another key difference is the drying time. Ceiling paint often stays wet longer, giving you more time to smooth out lines and marks before the paint sets.
Top 4 Ceiling Paint Brands to Consider
Here are four ceiling paint brands along with their typical costs and features:
| Brand | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Approximately $44 per gallon |
• Color-changing formula that helps track painted areas |
| Behr | $25 to $40 per gallon |
• Offers a variety of finishes |
| Benjamin Moore | Around $50 – $60 per gallon | • Waterborne Ceiling Paint • Known for high-quality finishes • Wide range of color options |
| Sherwin-Williams | About $45 per gallon | • Eminence Ceiling Paint • Excellent coverage and durability • Popular among professionals |
How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Ceiling Paint
The sheen of ceiling paint plays a big role in how your room looks when finished. Each type of shine level offers different benefits for different situations.
Most ceiling paints come in flat or matte finish. This option works best for most homes because it hides small flaws in the ceiling. The non-reflective surface makes bumps, patches, and texture less noticeable.
The satin finish provides more shine than eggshell but less than semigloss. This type works well in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is common. The slight sheen helps resist water spots and makes cleaning easier.
Semi-gloss ceiling paint is highly reflective and very durable. This option makes sense in rooms with high moisture, like bathrooms with showers or laundry rooms. The shiny finish makes wiping away mildew or stains much easier.
High-Gloss Sheen, few people choose high-gloss for ceilings, but it can create a unique look in small, statement rooms or on very smooth, perfect ceilings. This ultra-shiny finish reflects lots of light and creates an almost mirror-like effect.
Paint Recommendations
Here are some of the best paint recommendations based on popularity and demand.
1. KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint, Interior White, 1 Gallon
The paint provides excellent coverage for minor to moderate staining, with a unique combination of stain-blocking technology. It rolls on with a subtle pink color that dries to white in under an hour, helping you track the areas you’ve painted.
- Spatter-Resistant & Low Odor: The formula is designed to be spatter-resistant and low odor, making it a great option for use in any room.
- Cost: $42.73 per gallon ($0.33 per Fl Oz)
2. Valspar Signature Semi-gloss Swiss Coffee 7002-16
People prefer going for Valspar mainly because it creates a fresh, modern look with the timeless Swiss Coffee color. Offers excellent hide, durability, and stain resistance for long-lasting beauty.
- Low Odor Formula: Features low-odor technology, making it perfect for any room.
- Cost: $44.95 per quart ($1.40 per Fl Oz)
3. Benjamin Moore Muresco Ceiling Paint
This is a high-end product. Benjamin Moore’s paint provides excellent coverage and is easy to apply, ensuring a smooth finish. When applied with a roller, it resists spattering, making the application process cleaner.
- Tones Down Ceiling Glare & Maximizes Diffused Light: The paint offers a beautiful, uniform flat finish that reduces glare and beautifies the lighting in the room
- Cost: $251.59 per 5 gallon
4. BEHR PREMIUM PLUS #52 White Ceiling Paint
Behr helps smooth out any imperfections on the surface, providing a more polished finish. Features a spatter-resistant formula that can be tinted to light colors for a customized look.
- Maintains Acoustical Properties: Preserves the original acoustical qualities of your ceiling, making it ideal for spaces where sound control is important.
- Cost: $29.98 (or $23.00 if buying 5 or more)
Considerations When Choosing Ceiling Paint
When shopping for ceiling paint, several factors can help you make the right choice for your home. The finish type stands out as one of the most important aspects to consider:
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Finish Type | Flat or matte finishes hide flaws and avoid reflecting light, making them ideal for ceilings. |
| Color Options | White is common, but off-white or light shades work well in warmer rooms. Lighter wall colors create a coordinated look. |
| Coverage Rating | Look for paints with high coverage to reduce the need for multiple coats and physical strain. |
| Drying Time | Some paints dry quickly for a one-day job, while others take longer, offering more working time. |
| Spatter Resistance | Choose formulas with less spatter or drip for a cleaner, more pleasant painting experience. |
| Environmental Impact | Low-VOC or zero-VOC options release fewer chemicals into your home’s air. |
| Price Consideration | Higher-quality paints may cost more, but often save time and frustration during application. |
How to Achieve a Flawless Finish on Your Ceiling
Here are 7 easy steps to achieve a flawless finish on your ceiling, ensuring that your ceiling looks smooth, professional, and beautifully painted:
Step 1: Clear the room, move furniture to the center, and cover everything with drop cloths. Clean the ceiling with a vacuum brush attachment to remove dust and cobwebs.
Step 2: Fill holes with spackling compound and sand smooth when dry. Apply painter’s tape where the ceiling meets the walls, pressing firmly for clean lines.
Step 3: Prime the ceiling if it has stains or will undergo a color change. Cut in edges with an angled brush, working in small sections.
Step 4: Roll paint in one direction using an extension pole, keeping a wet edge. Cross-roll perpendicular to eliminate roller marks and ensure even coverage.
Step 6: Allow full drying time between coats (2-4 hours minimum).
Step 7: Apply a second coat if needed for complete coverage. Remove the tape while the paint is slightly damp and clean up my tools.
Conclusion
Ceiling painting might seem like a tough job, but with the right paint and tools, you can get great results.
Proper preparation makes all the difference. Take time to clean, repair, and prime your ceiling before applying paint. Use painter’s tape for clean edges, and always work with good lighting.
Quality ceiling paint costs a bit more but saves time and looks better longer. Brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Valspar all offer good options suited to different needs and budgets.
The effort you put into ceiling painting pays off with a fresh, clean look that brightens your entire room.
