What is the best ceiling paint?

Author: Prof. Furman Mohr MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Our paint experts highly recommend Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint for most ceiling paint projects. This premium-quality acrylic paint comes in an ultra-flat finish engineered to perform beautifully on ceilings. It's a thick paint, ideal for hiding surface imperfections and minimizing splatter.

What type of paint is best for ceilings?

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.

What is the most popular white paint for ceilings?

Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.

Which ceiling paint is better, Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore?

To decide which one is best for you, consider the following: Ceiling Condition: If your ceiling has noticeable imperfections, Benjamin Moore's ultra-flat finish might be the better choice. Room Lighting: For rooms that need a brighter, airier feel, Sherwin-Williams premium Ceiling Paint can amplify natural light.

What is the trick to painting ceilings?

Go heavy on the paint to help keep a wet edge. Ceilings are much hotter than walls and the paint dries faster. Make sure you are laying out your paint. After you get the paint on the ceiling, finish all over your strokes in the same direction. The stippling needs to go in the same direction or you will get shadows.

Who Has The Best Ceiling Paint?

What not to do when painting a ceiling?

Ceiling painting mistakes to avoid
  1. Leaving it 'til last. ...
  2. Neglecting to prep the space. ...
  3. Skimping on paint. ...
  4. Picking the wrong finish. ...
  5. Skipping out on drop sheets. ...
  6. Forgetting to remove light fittings. ...
  7. Painting in the wrong direction. ...
  8. Not taking breaks.

How many coats of paint on a ceiling?

How many coats of paint do I need? Generally, you will want a minimum of two coats of paint – this is a good rule of thumb for any wall or ceiling you're painting. You'll rarely get a seamless finish from just one coat of paint, and even if you do, coverage isn't the only goal when it comes to painting a room.

What paint do most professional painters use?

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.

What is the best paint to hide imperfections on 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.

Why do painters prefer Sherwin Williams?

Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area. Furthermore, most surfaces can be completely covered in one to two coats. Painting contractors aim to please because their reputation is on the line with every painting project.

What is the most popular sheen of ceiling paint?

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.

What is the best white color for 2024?

17 White Paints We Love in 2024
  1. Pure White. Plank & Pillow used Pure White from Sherwin-Williams on their interior walls, trim, and ceiling, as seen in this image. ...
  2. White Diamond. ...
  3. Fresh Kicks. ...
  4. Eider White. ...
  5. Balboa Mist. ...
  6. Alabaster. ...
  7. Polar Bear. ...
  8. Strong White.

What Benjamin Moore paint is best for a ceiling?

To get the job done right, we recommend Benjamin Moore ceiling paint, specifically the Waterborne Ceiling Paint designed to hide those small blemishes common to ceilings with a flat finish.

What sheen for baseboards?

For baseboards, it's best to choose a sheen right in the middle of the spectrum, such as semi-gloss. Semi-gloss baseboard paint is a great choice for baseboards for several reasons. First, having a higher sheen on your baseboards makes them stand out! It provides a striking visual contrast to the more matte walls.

What is the best roller for ceiling paint?

Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ roller covers work best. Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.

What is the best brand of ceiling paint?

Our paint experts highly recommend Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint for most ceiling paint projects. This premium-quality acrylic paint comes in an ultra-flat finish engineered to perform beautifully on ceilings. It's a thick paint, ideal for hiding surface imperfections and minimizing splatter.

Can you just paint over ceiling cracks?

Hairline cracks are simply an eyesore and can be easily fixed with a new coat of paint.

What paint finish shows the least imperfections?

Flat. Flat paints have the least amount of gloss so they help conceal surface imperfections better than other finishes and are ideal for walls that are rough or dented. They also touch-up better, which makes a flat paint an ideal choice for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Is Sherwin-Williams better than Behr?

The consensus is that, on the topic of Sherwin Williams vs Behr paints, the former is more durable and long-lasting than the latter. This makes Sherwin Williams paints a good choice for areas in your home that have a lot of traffic or if you have kids and pets.

Why do painters prefer Benjamin Moore paint?

Compared to other brands like Sherwin William, the Benjamin Moore paint cost provides great value for your money, gives you an excellent coverage, and allows a smooth application without leaving brush marks.

How much does it cost to paint a 12x12 ceiling?

Whether you're eyeing a fresh coat for your living room or bathroom ceiling or contemplating an exposed basement ceiling transformation, understanding the financial aspect is crucial. On average, the cost to paint a ceiling with two coats is usually between $680 and $1,500 for a standard 12-by-12-foot room.

Which direction do you roll ceiling paint?

When painting smooth ceilings, the best strategy is to roll parallel with the main source of natural light, such as a big window, as it helps prevent roller lines. If you roll perpendicular to the dominant light source, the roller lines can form a slight shadow. The same applies when spraying.

Why does my ceiling look patchy after painting?

Uneven paint can cause a space to look unfinished, whereas a well-painted smooth ceiling gives a polished feel. Patchy ceilings can also be caused by streaks from the paint roller, brush marks or stipple from an uneven roller.

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