While homeowners tend to focus on painting their interior walls and trim, ceilings need some TLC, too. Water damage, smoke, and age can all lead to yellowed or peeling surfaces. Repairing and repainting the ceiling will refresh your entire room.
However, painting ceilings can be a more daunting task than other DIY projects. Don’t let this painting project’s unusual angle and height limit your imagination, though. With the right materials and plenty of practice, you can achieve your desired finished look.
It all starts with choosing the right type of paint for ceilings. Read on to learn all about the three most popular options and when to use each one.
Which Type of Paint for Ceilings Is Best?
For most people, the best ceiling paint depends on personal preference. Many designers refer to the ceiling as a room’s “fifth wall.” Think about how you want to use this space. Do you want your ceiling to blend into the background or make an eye-catching statement of its own?
If you are an experienced DIY painter, you might enjoy the challenge of creating perfectly textured ceilings. If you are a beginner, you might be focusing on completing this task as simply as possible.
Regardless of your style preference or skill level, the right paint can help you achieve the look you’re going for. Here are the three main types of paint for ceilings.
Flat Acrylic Paint
In many cases, homeowners don’t want to draw attention to their ceilings. Paint with any kind of sheen will reflect the light, which could cause annoying glare overhead. Choosing a flat sheen is the most popular option.
Flat and matte sheens are also known for their ability to disguise uneven surfaces. Glossier sheens, even eggshell, can highlight every bump and nick in the drywall. A truly flat paint will do the best job of hiding imperfections.
When it comes to the best type of paint for ceilings, painters often choose acrylic for its thick coverage. It is less likely to drip than latex paints, which is very important when painting overhead! Acrylic paint is also ideal for covering and blocking stains.
One word of caution: a flat acrylic paint is not the best option for wet or humid rooms. The chalky finish won’t stand up to moisture. In these cases, a more durable paint is the way to go.
For most rooms, however, the type of paint for ceilings that will appeal to most homeowners is a simple white, flat acrylic paint.
Latex paint
Latex paint is the most frequently used paint for interior walls, and it also works well for ceilings. Most latex paints can be mixed in a flat or matte finish to avoid glare.
If you are choosing the best type of paint for ceilings in high moisture areas, look for latex paint in an eggshell or satin finish. The glossier sheen will help protect the wall from moisture buildup.
It’s very important that ceiling paint is applied evenly, especially when it has a glossy sheen. Paint flashing and blotchy coverage will have you repainting the ceiling in record time. Save time and energy by applying your paint with a sprayer.
Remember that paints not specifically formulated for ceilings might not have the best stain-blocking coverage. Look for latex paints that include primer or advertise stain-blocking properties.
Overall, latex paint is the ideal type of paint for ceilings in humid or mildew-prone areas. Be careful of possible paint splatters due to the thinner consistency, and look for paints that offer the best coverage.
Textured Paint
For ceilings that have lots of imperfections, you might want to consider using a textured paint. Popcorn or stucco finishes distract the eye from wavy walls and stubborn watermarks. For this reason, many people who live in older homes will only choose a textured type of paint for ceilings.
Even in newer build homes, textured paint adds interest to ceiling surfaces. Some people simply prefer the look of stucco to add character to their homes.
Textured paint can be purchased pre-mixed. This is the most beginner-friendly option, since you won’t have to fuss with formulating the texture yourself.
However, you still need to be sure and stir your paint well before you begin. If you are using several gallons of pre-mixed textured paint, combine them all in a large bucket and mix well. This technique will ensure that you have a uniform texture throughout your painted ceiling.
You can also mix the texture into the paint yourself. One method is to apply joint compound with a trowel. Another is to mix sand into your paint. Any type of paint for ceilings can be mixed with sand or joint compound to achieve a textured finish.
If you choose your own paint and mix in the texture yourself, think about what kind of effect you’d like to achieve. Paint with a higher sheen will attract more attention to your ceiling’s texture. If your goal is to cover up an uneven ceiling, you might want to opt for a flat finish. However, if you want to make a statement, you could choose eggshell or satin finish to highlight the texture.
Keep in mind that adding textured paint is a commitment. Once it’s dried, removing this type of paint for ceilings will be a labor-intensive project. If painting overhead is complicated, imagine sanding and scraping! However, this is a popular type of paint for ceilings among many homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I paint popcorn ceilings?
The easiest option is to use a paint sprayer. Once the room is taped off and set up, spraying the ceilings is quick and efficient. Getting an even coat in all the nooks and crannies is also easier. This is especially important if you use eggshell or satin paint for ceilings in humid areas.
However, if you have never used a paint sprayer before, you can still use the brush and roller method. You will need a roller cover with a thick nap, such as a ¾ inch nap. We also recommend using an extension pole on your roller to save your back!
If you choose the roller method, take a look at our in-depth DIY tutorial: How To Paint A Popcorn Ceiling.
How can I avoid brush marks on ceilings?
Painting a ceiling is somewhat complicated because you’ll be working overhead. However, this project is very similar to painting interior walls in many respects. The key to achieving a professional-looking finish is in your tools and technique.
Along with choosing the best type of paint for ceilings, you’ll need the best tools for the project. Invest in a high-quality brush for cutting in and a roller with an extendable handle. Even the most experienced painters will struggle if they take on this task with improper tools.
Consider your comfort since fatigue and cramping hands are the main reasons painters cut corners and hurry through detailed work. For example, a long-handled brush may make it easier to cut in. An extension pole or swivel-headed brush might also eliminate back pain.
Just as when painting interior walls, be sure to cut in first and then roll, always maintaining a wet edge. Opt for two coats for full coverage and a smooth, even finish.
Do I have to paint my ceilings white?
It’s true that many DIY painters choose plain white for the ceilings. Flat, white paint is a low-risk type of paint for ceilings that will work in nearly all rooms. However, there’s no reason not to tint your ceiling paint to add subtle interest. You could even choose a bold hue for a design statement!
Architectural details such as tray ceilings offer a great opportunity to experiment with color. Bringing up some of the wall color can accent the tray detail. Ceiling medallions could also be painted in a complementary color for added interest.
Some designers suggest painting ceilings the same color as the walls to make a room appear larger. Removing the contrast between wall and ceiling color gives the appearance of a higher ceiling.
Even if you choose white for most of the ceilings in your home, feel free to experiment! A living room with a vaulted ceiling could be the perfect opportunity to make a colorful statement.
Wrapping Up the Three Main Types of Ceiling Paint
Depending on your style preference, ceilings can fade unnoticed into the background or stand out as a design element.
A flat, acrylic paint is the best choice for disguising flaws without drawing attention. Choose a latex type of paint for ceilings if you need an eggshell or satin finish. This is the best choice for protecting ceilings from moisture. Finally, using textured paint on a ceiling can create subtle interest or a bold statement.
Whichever type of paint for ceilings appeals to you, be confident in your tools and technique before beginning. Check out our hub page on Painting Ceilings for everything you need to know!