THE BEST CEILING PAINT GUIDE - with 6 Designer Approved Color Picks.
Have you ever gazed at your ceiling and thought, "Hmm, it could use a new paint job"? Well, guess what? We hear that question more often than you'd expect, so we put together this handy post to give you all the details we've learned over the years of designing fabulous interiors. Our Interior Designer shares her six 'go-to' ceiling paint color options.
On the hunt for the best ceiling paint color? Look no further! We've handpicked our top SIX ceiling paint colors for those who want to jump right into the good stuff. But that's not all - keep reading to gain exclusive insights from our Designer, along with valuable information, tips, and tricks to help you achieve that perfect ceiling finish.
The Best Ceiling Paint - What Sets It Apart
Whether during a DIY home makeover or just for fun, choosing the best ceiling paint can leave us scratching our heads. We're here to help you navigate this topic with our pro tips and tricks.
Image Via: The Local Project
BENJAMIN MOORE VS. BEHR CEILING PAINT VS. SHERWIN WILLIAMS
Here's our two cents worth on the differences between Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Sherwin Williams ceiling paints. These three brands are powerhouses in the painting ceiling can world, each with its own unique advantages.
Benjamin Moore boasts outstanding coverage and a reputation for durability, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting beauty.
Behr offers a vast color palette, inviting the more adventurous among us to explore a wide range of hues.
Sherwin Williams excels in coverage and color selection, balancing durability and creative expression perfectly.
WHAT FINISH FOR CEILING PAINT? FLAT/MATTE, EGGSHELL, SATIN & SEMI GLOSS
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the best finish for ceiling paint or the ceiling paint sheen level– eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. "Finishes" refer to the appearance and texture of the dried paint on a surface. Different finishes have different levels of sheen or gloss, ranging from very matte to highly reflective. These finishes determine how light interacts with the painted surface and can affect a room's overall look and feel. There are pros and cons to each type of finish.
Flat ceiling paint is the most popular for ceilings and is the finish we always recommend. It offers a smooth, non-reflective finish. It helps to hide surface imperfections and provides a clean, understated look.
On the other hand, the eggshell finish offers a subtle sheen that adds a touch of elegance to the ceiling. It provides a slightly more reflective surface than flat paint and is known for its ability to conceal minor imperfections.
A satin finish is a versatile option with a soft sheen and higher durability. It is easy to clean, making it suitable for ceilings in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to moisture or stains, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
For those seeking a more dramatic effect, a semi-gloss finish is the way to go. It has a noticeable shine and reflective quality, making it an ideal choice for ceilings in areas where you want to create a sense of brightness and openness. However, it is important to note that this finish highlights surface imperfections more than the other options. Ensure the ceiling is properly prepped and smooth before applying it for a flawless finish.
Ultimately, the choice of ceiling paint finish depends on personal preference, the desired ambiance of the room, and the space's specific requirements. Here’s a quick rundown for those skimming through;
FLAT/MATTE - most popular finish for ceilings, smooth, non-reflective, understated look.
EGGSHELL - subtle sheen, conceals imperfections.
SATIN - washable, durable, with a shoft sheen.
SEMI-GLOSS - dramatic, shiny, reflective, highlights surface imperfections.
ACRYLIC PAINT VS. LATEX PAINT
While both acrylic and latex paints are suitable for painting ceilings, we tend to recommend them over latex due to their excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to cracking and peeling. It offers long-lasting color retention. There are options with sheen levels, from flat acrylic ceiling paint to semi-gloss acrylic ceiling paint. Latex paint is more budget-friendly and widely available, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. It provides good coverage and dries quickly.
ECO FRIENDLY OR GREEN CEILING PAINT
We are fans of eco-friendly options in our homes. Enter low-odor and zero-VOC paints (volatile organic compounds). Low VOC paints are a healthier choice for indoor air quality. They contain minimal harmful chemicals, reducing respiratory issues, headaches, and allergies caused by toxic emissions from standard paints. Though slightly pricier, the benefits in terms of health and sustainability make them a worthwhile investment. With a wide range of colors and finishes available, low VOC paints offer the same durability and ease of application as regular paints, making them a responsible choice for any project. Most major paint manufacturers offer their own lines of low VOC paints, including ceiling paint options.
Benjamin Moore Ceiling Paint - Waterborne Ceiling Paint
Sherwin Williams' - Eminence Ceiling Paint
Behr's - Ultra Interior Ceiling Paint
Drab To Fab - Choosing The Best Ceiling Paint Colors
WHITE CEILING PAINT vs. OTHER CEILING COLORS
Here's where things get interesting. When it comes to painting our ceilings, we almost always recommend painting the ceiling white. Why, you ask?
Generally, lighter colors make a room feel bigger by drawing the eyes upward. White ceilings create a sense of spaciousness by reflecting natural light.
White ceilings "disappear" and allow your focus to be on the walls and furnishings. It's like they blend seamlessly into the background, giving your room a clean and open vibe.
But here's the real game-changer: painting your ceilings white gives you the freedom to change your wall colors whenever you want without the hassle of repainting the ceilings. Trust me, even the pros find painting ceilings to be a bit of a headache. So, by going with white ceilings, you're saving yourself time, effort, and the frustration of dealing with those hard-to-reach spaces.
WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT USE WHITE PAINT?
Are there times when white might not be the best choice? Absolutely! Here are a few scenarios to consider:
Creating a cozy, moody, and intimate atmosphere in your room. If you are shooting for a warm and inviting ambiance, spaces like a dining room, den, or library often benefit from colors that evoke a sense of coziness.
Accentuating the ceiling or specific features. If you have stunning coffered, crown molding, or a tray ceiling that deserves attention, using color to highlight those architectural elements can add depth and character to the space.
Emphasizing natural wood features. If your ceilings boast beautiful beams or paneling, painting over them can be a dramatic change. However, many consider these features highly desirable. Instead of painting them, explore other ways to enhance the space while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood.
Best White Ceiling Paint
Here are a few of our Designer recommended ceiling paint colors that we adore because they're versatile and complement a wide range of wall colors. These whites play well with others, so you won't have to worry about your ceiling color clashing when it's time to repaint your walls.
As always, we've made choosing the perfect paint color even easier by including links to Samplize for each recommended color. Order peel-and-stick paint 12" x 12" samples of our recommended colors.
Benjamin Moore Super White - Our absolute favorite (and the color we chose for our own home's ceilings) is an incredibly bright and pristine white. It effortlessly brings a sense of freshness and luminosity to any space.
Benjamin Moore Decorator's White -a nice, bright white with a touch of cool gray, adding subtle softness to the overall look.
Benjamin Moore White Dove -a warmer white with a gentle warmth that pairs well with various wall colors.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White - similar to Decorator's White, but with a touch more brightness. It's cool-toned and delivers a clean and modern look.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - this crisp and bright white has no noticeable undertones, making it a classic and clean option.
Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White - the brightest white from Sherwin-Williams, offering a crisp and pure appearance that adds a touch of sophistication to any space.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Paint For Ceilings
When it comes to painting the "fifth wall" of our homes, it might seem like a daunting task. Here are our tops tips for selecting a good quality paint;
VISCOSITY AND COVERAGE
A higher viscosity paint will make applying easier without worrying about drips or splatters. Additionally, a thicker paint tends to have better coverage, so we won't have to spend eternity applying layer after layer. To achieve an ideal viscosity for our ceilings, consider the following:
Look for paints specifically designed for ceilings
Choose a paint with a high solids content
Opt for paint with built-in primer
ONE COAT WONDERS - PAINT AND PRIMER IN ONE
Good quality ceiling paint manufacturers offer specific product lines designed for ceilings, setting them apart from regular wall paint. Once you've chosen your preferred product line, the possibilities are endless as you can select any color from their wide range of options. Paints are different from wall paint. Once you have selected the desired product line, you can choose any color from their range.
Ceiling paint with a built-in primer is smart as it saves time, simplifies the painting process, and ensures excellent coverage. Top products like Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint and Sherwin Williams Eminence Ceiling Paint offer the convenience of an integrated primer, allowing for a seamless application and a flawless finish on your ceilings.
COLOR CHANGING OPTION
Get a Perfectly Smooth Finish with Valspar's Color Changing Ceiling Paint. This ground-breaking paint starts off as one color and changes to another, guaranteeing that every inch of your ceiling is covered. Beginning as purple, it eventually dries to a white, matte finish.
TEXTURED CEILINGS
A textured ceiling refers to a surface with intentional patterns or raised elements, such as crown molding, popcorn or knockdown textures, which may appear slightly uneven or bumpy. Achieving a flawless paint finish on a textured ceiling can be challenging. However, we've got some tips to help you achieve that perfect finish.
Make sure to use interior latex paint, as they're perfect for textured surfaces.
If possible, go for a paint with a higher viscosity (thickness) to minimize drippage.
A paint sprayer makes it easy to cover those bumps in a more consistent finish when it comes to application.
Prepping For Success
If you've decided to tackle this painting project as a DIY endeavor instead of hiring a professional painter, we've got some helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
First, let's lay down a drop cloth to protect furniture and floors from any potential paint disasters.
Next, we'll want to remove any dust or cobwebs from the ceiling. A quick swipe with a broom or vacuum attachment will do the trick.
Selecting The Right Tools
Choosing the proper tools for our ceiling-painting adventure will save us time and frustration in the long run. To start, we'll need a high-quality paintbrush to cut in (paint) the edges of the ceiling. A 2 to 2-1/2-inch brush should do the job nicely.
A roller with an extension pole will work wonders for the main event. This will help us reach those high-up, hard-to-get spots without constantly climbing up and down a ladder.
The Art Of Painting A Ceiling
When opening a fresh can of paint, let's make sure to stir it well to ensure you achieve consistent color and texture throughout the paint. When paint sits undisturbed, its different components, such as pigments and liquids, can separate and settle at the bottom of the can. You recombine these components by thoroughly stirring the paint, ensuring a homogenous mixture.
Next, tackle the edges by cutting in with our trusty paintbrush. This will give the ceiling a nice, finished border, allowing us to focus on the vast, blank space in the center.
Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for—painting the entire ceiling by itself. We recommend painting in one direction (parallel to the main source of natural light). This will help minimize streaks or inconsistencies. In most cases, two coats of paint should suffice for seamless coverage.
Paint Sprayers Vs. Brushes
When it comes to painting ceilings, our designers highly recommend using paint sprayers for the best results. Why, you ask? Well, allow us to unveil the reasons behind our choice:
Speed: A paint sprayer works quicker than a brush.
Smooth finish: Delivers a smoother professional-looking paint job.
Textured friendliness: As mentioned earlier, paint sprayers are ideal for conquering those tricky textured ceilings.
So, there you have our top tips and six white ceiling color recommendations to help you transform your space. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and inspiration for your ceiling paint project. Remember, a white ceiling can do wonders for opening up a room, creating a sense of brightness and spaciousness. Whether you choose our favorite Benjamin Moore Super White or a softer, warm white BenjaminMoore White Dove, the key is to find a shade that complements your overall design aesthetic. Don't be afraid to experiment and bring your personal style into the mix.
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