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.
Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections. Satin finish: Satin paints are slightly more reflective than eggshell paints but still have a low sheen overall. Paints with a higher sheen than satin finish paints tend to highlight nicks on the ceiling.
Flat paint generally hides imperfections better than any level of gloss, at the expense of being a little harder to clean; not usually an issue for ceilings. If you can use lighting that mostly shines down rather than across the ceiling that will help too.
Water-based latex paint is generally considered the best option for ceilings due to its easy application, quick drying time, and low odor. It offers excellent coverage and is less likely to yellow over time compared to oil-based paints.
When tackling ceiling repairs, light grays and soft taupes prove remarkably effective at concealing imperfections. These colors create subtle shadows that minimize the appearance of patches or slight irregularities.
The flat sheen is good at hiding surface imperfections, such as dents, nail holes, patches and other surface flaws in new construction. It is also a good choice for ceiling painting. Flat finishes often require fewer coats than semi-gloss and gloss paints.
Use the correct amount of paint
Check the paint coverage on the side of the can to ensure you're applying the right amount of paint. Spread it too thinly and it will look patchy; spread it thick and it can look lumpy or uneven.
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.
Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.
Breeze through prep work, skip the primer and start enjoying your painted walls faster with Glidden Performance Edge 3 IN 1. This groundbreaking formula is the one and only paint that can actually fill minor surface imperfections, like small nail holes and hairline cracks, and then prime and paint in a single coat!*
But the best choice will be redoing the whole thing. To fix it, use tape on the edge of the wall and ceiling to make a straight line. Now select the paint that matches the color of the wall. While painting the ceiling using ceiling paint, use a paintbrush to touch up the edges and a roller for the rest of the ceiling.
Knockdown Ceilings
As the compound partially dries, it drips a bit, creating “stalactites.” These stalactites are then scraped away, leaving a stuccoed texture. Like skip trowel, knockdown is great for concealing minor imperfections or adding some subtle depth to a room.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
Flat paint is a great choice for ceilings due to its ability to hide imperfections and ease of touch-up. Meanwhile, eggshell finishes offer increased durability, richer colors, and a slight sheen which makes them an attractive option as well.
Our recommendation would be Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2 or 'AR2' as it's commonly known. Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2 is a water-based latex paint that eliminates flashing and hides imperfections on ceilings such as small dents and uneven surfaces.
Paint rollers are very popular, especially when painting large areas of space like walls or ceilings. They are much quicker to use than brushes, covering the area in a fraction of the time. Plus, when used properly can create a smooth, even finish.
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.
Simply apply a flat or matte paint over the texture for a smoother look. Another affordable choice is installing beadboard or thin plywood panels directly onto the textured surface. If you're up for it, you could also explore wallpaper or ceiling tiles, though they might be a tad pricier.
Get the Direction Right
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.
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.
1. Zinsser Ceiling Pro 5-In-1. While standard emulsion paints can perform well on ceilings, there are specialist ceiling paints on the market that are specifically designed to deal with the problems that can arise with ceilings. When it comes to a problem solving paint, the go-to brand for many is Zinsser.
Patch Small Cracks and Nail Pops with Joint Compound
Small cracks and nail pops are common in drywall ceilings. For small cracks, apply a thin layer of joint compound, smooth it out, and sand it once dry. For nail pops, reset the nail or screw, cover the area with compound, and then sand smooth after it dries.