BUT, flat paint is recommended for ceilings and very low traffic areas for a reason. It's not as durable or easy to clean as eggshell or other higher sheen paints. So if you have pets or kids (or even husbands) that touch or bump into walls, flat paint will easily mar.
Eggshell finishes, while more durable and easier to clean, are usually not recommended for ceilings because their slight sheen can create unwanted reflections and highlight imperfections. In summary, for most ceiling applications, a flat finish is the preferred choice.
For ceilings, a flat or matte finish with water-based or latex paint is ideal for minimizing glare and hiding imperfections. For walls, the best choice depends on the desired look: Flat or matte for a smooth appearance. Eggshell or satin for a subtle sheen and durability. Semi-gloss or gloss for high-traffic areas.
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.
The reason flat is recommended for ceilings is that the light shines off of them differently, and you'll notice every little imperfection with glossy paint. And the higher the gloss, the more you'll notice them.
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. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room.
Flat/smooth ceilings are popular because they lend themselves well to clean lines and minimalistic design.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Eggshell paint offers a soft sheen that adds elegance and is more washable than flat paint, making it ideal for moderate-traffic areas. However, it shows imperfections more than matte finishes and lacks the durability of glossier options, so it may need more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas.
While you can use eggshell paint on ceilings, and it does offer benefits in terms of durability and looks, it's not always the best choice. When you're deciding whether to use eggshell paint on your ceiling, think about what you really need, what shape your ceiling is in, and how you want your room to look overall.
The most popular type of ceiling texture is the knockdown texture. The knockdown texture is modern and helps conceal minor imperfections in the ceiling. It also adds an appearance of extra dimension to a room. What are alternatives to drywall ceilings?
You can use a wall emulsion to paint ceilings, all interior wall emulsions are technically suitable for ceilings too but for the best finish, a flat matt paint on a ceiling gives the best overall look. It helps to hide any uneven areas or surface imperfections that are often highlighted by the light.
Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.
Semi-gloss or high-gloss paint are trendy choices for ceilings, adding drama and dimension to living spaces. Just make sure the surface is very smooth before choosing a shiny finish. Flat sheens cover imperfections well for a uniform look, but a shiny finish will highlight any surface blemishes.
Eggshell sheen can potentially give a room a greater visual depth than the flatter matte finish. Matte sheens do not reflect light as much as an eggshell or even glossier finish. In fact, they can actually absorb light!
Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.
Eggshell paint finishes are low luster with a very subtle sheen. Despite its flatter qualities, it will still reflect and bounce light throughout a room, creating depth without appearing overly shiny.
Despite these considerations, flat paint can be an excellent choice for low-traffic areas, ceilings, or places where achieving a smooth, elegant look outweighs the need for durability. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.
Inconsistent Coverage Can Cause Paint Streaks
You should aim to use the same amount of paint every time you bring the paintbrush or roller brush back to the paint tray for more. By keeping the amount of paint you use consistent, you'll be keeping the amount of paint that goes up on the wall consistent, too.
Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.
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.
Gone are the days of the standard white ceiling. Now, deep earthy tones, vibrant primaries, and even multi-color gradients are making their way overhead. These colorful ceilings can dramatically alter the mood of a space, making rooms feel more intimate, energetic, or serene.
May Contain Asbestos
If builders installed your popcorn ceilings before 1977, then it contains asbestos. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
1. Conventional Ceiling. A conventional ceiling construction type is commonly found in homes. These ceilings have a standard drywall finish and are made of lower-cost materials, requiring easy installation.