Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.
Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling.
'For ceilings, it's usually best to go for a matte, flat finish,' says Sarah. 'Other fast drying options are also available such as a paint and primer in one, which dries in just an hour so you can paint the ceiling in no time at all.
Flat vs. gloss is a trade-off. Flat finishes hide surface imperfections better; gloss finishes are less likely to get dirty and easier to clean when they do.
Smooth texture is far more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, your rooms will look lighter and brighter. Each little bump or ridge in the ceiling surface, no matter how small, casts a tiny shadow. Those textures have thousands and thousands of those little bumps and ridges. Combined, it makes a huge difference in the room.
An orange peel ceiling texture is a slightly bumpy, soft-looking design popular in modern homes. The subtle appearance is smoother than a knockdown texture and typically easier to clean than most other ceiling textures. Most DIYers with the proper tools can install an orange peel ceiling texture throughout the home.
Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers.
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Disadvantages of gloss paint
With gloss paint, reflectivity may make colours appear darker than intended, so it's important that you test colours before you paint. Extra reflection of light may also make imperfections, like notches and bumps in your wall, easier to see.
What is the best paint for ceilings? Generally speaking, a water-based flat finish paint is best for ceilings as it hides a multitude of sins thanks to its low light-reflecting properties. Our recommendation would be Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2 or 'AR2' as it's commonly known.
Style: Glossy paints create a showy, modern look. They can work well with a highly-formal traditional style, or with a minimalist, modern style. Even some shabby-chic styles can pair well with a glossy ceiling. On the other hand, high-sheen paints are not the best option in casual or rustic styles.
Flat/smooth ceilings are popular because they lend themselves well to clean lines and minimalistic design.
Flat paint is typically recommended for gyprock and fibro ceilings. Avoid flat paint in mould prone areas, woodwork or areas that will be regularly touched. The lower the sheen level the easier it is to hide imperfection. This is because flat paint reflects minimal light.
Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.
Flat, matte, and eggshell finishes are generally not recommended for most bathroom applications. These finishes tend to absorb moisture rather than repel it, making them more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. They are also more challenging to clean and are susceptible to water marks.
Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.
The specific combination of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives makes it very durable and easy to maintain, which is why it's the perfect option for wooden furniture, windows, doors, and even outdoor pieces. The only downside of high-gloss paint is that it highlights surface imperfections a little too well.
Matte finishes are preferable in spaces with abundant natural light, minimising glare and reflections. For public settings, glossy finishes shine by enhancing colour richness and vibrancy. Glossy finishes are best on smooth, shiny paper. Textured paper used for matte finishes absorbs light and diminishes glare.
The high gloss surface is much smoother and is the most resistant to abrasion when being cleaned. While a gloss coating tends to enhance surface imperfections, they are more durable and are resistant to staining and dirt pickup.
Ceiling Paint
A flat white is always the best paint finish for ceilings, as the non-reflective finish reduces glare from artificial lights overhead and the clean white helps reflect natural light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open.
Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are some of the best paint brands on earth. Both painting companies make quality paint used widely by professional painters and DIY-warrior homeowners alike.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
Popcorn ceilings can collect dust, allergens, and even mold spores, which can deteriorate indoor air quality. By removing these textured surfaces, you reduce the potential for these particles to accumulate, leading to cleaner and healthier air in your home—beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Spaces with smooth ceilings maximize the light. A flat surface reflects light and an irregular surface, such as stipple, under the same light sheer will cast thousands of tiny shadows on your ceiling lending to a dark and dingy appearance and feel, no matter if it is ambient or directional light.
Price ceilings are implemented when a regulator sets a maximum price they believe is acceptable or appropriate. All sellers must offer their products at a price equal to or below this amount, and goods sales are regulated and monitored. How companies offer their products can be regulated and monitored as well.