What type of finish is best for ceilings?

Author: Nicole Ryan  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

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 finish for a ceiling?

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.

Should ceilings be satin or semi-gloss?

Rec rooms and bedrooms will benefit from a sheen you can scrub clean, such as a semi-gloss. Ceilings, no matter what room they are in, have their own special needs. Flat, or matte paints as they are sometimes called, are ideal for ceilings in any room because they provide a smooth finish.

Should baseboards be satin or semi-gloss?

The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss paint finishes have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. They are easy to clean and stand up to dirt, stains, mold, and mildew.

Is eggshell or matte better for ceilings?

I think that most people would agree that matt is more desirable on walls and ceilings in terms of aesthetics, but it isn't as durable as eggshell. Eggshell generally looks better on woodwork, but there are times when you need to blend plaster with wood, and eggshell just won't look right.

11 Best Ceiling Texture Types Pros & Cons

When should you not use eggshell paint?

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.

Should I paint my ceiling flat or matte?

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.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

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!

What is the best sheen for interior trim?

In my opinion, satin paint is the best finish for trim in most scenarios. It has perfect velvety finish, it's durable and easy to clean, and it's more forgiving than semi gloss. However! Semi-gloss would also be a great choice for trim!

Is satin too shiny for walls?

Is satin paint too shiny for walls? In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.

What sheen is best for living room ceiling?

Wondering what sheen to use for ceiling paint? For normal, everyday use, stick with flat (a.k.a. matte finish). It won't reflect light the way shinier paint will, and that means it's better at hiding defects. If you want to add sound-dampening to a room, like a kids' playroom, look for a textured paint.

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.

Is it okay to use eggshell paint on a ceiling?

Eggshell Paint for Ceilings. While eggshell paints require more skill to apply properly compared to flat paints, they generally last twice as long when applied correctly by professional painters who know how to avoid visible brush marks.

What is the most popular ceiling finish?

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?

What is the cheapest way to finish a ceiling?

Below are 15 of our favorite ceiling makeover projects that only look expensive.
  1. 01 of 15. Add Molding to the Ceiling. ...
  2. 02 of 15. Don't Forget About Wallpaper. ...
  3. 03 of 15. Drape Some Fabric. ...
  4. 04 of 15. Paint a Mural. ...
  5. 05 of 15. Apply Some Decals. ...
  6. 06 of 15. Cozy Up With Wood. ...
  7. 07 of 15. Go Glam With Tulle. ...
  8. 08 of 15. Grab Some Cool Tiles.

What are standard ceiling finishes?

Plaster and paint - One of the simplest and most common ceiling finishes. It offers a clean and uniform look and can be easily applied in various colors to match the room's theme. 2. Gypsum - most popular material for ceiling finishes.

What sheen do interior designers use?

High Gloss Paint

It is easy to clean, stain-resistant and will add a stunning look to doors, trim, and even a high-traffic kitchen. Many interior designers (and adventurous homeowners) like to experiment with high gloss paint in unexpected areas, such as the ceiling or an accent wall.

What is the best white paint for trim and baseboards?

On your quest for the perfect white paint for your interior doors and trim, consider these handpicked favorites:
  • White Dove. OC-17. For a goes-with-anything soft white trim: ...
  • Decorator's White. OC-149. For trim with cooler wall colors: ...
  • Cloud White. OC-130. For trim with warmer wall colors: ...
  • Chantilly Lace. OC-65.

What is the easiest paint finish to clean?

For one level of sheen up from flat or matte, eggshell and satin are good choices. “Satin is slightly shinier, and both are easier to clean than flat or matte paint,” Handel says.

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 are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

What finish should baseboards be?

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 most popular paint finish for ceilings?

Although a flat finish is most popular, more ceiling paint finishes are available: Eggshell finish: After flat, eggshell finish is the next most popular ceiling paint finish. Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections.

What paint finish do professional painters use?

Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls. It is a good middle ground, having enough sheen so that it is easily washable, but not too much to where any wall imperfection will stand out. The look of the eggshell finish is quite attractive for interior painting projects.

What is the most efficient way to paint a ceiling?

Paint in Sections With a Roller

The best way to paint a ceiling is to use a paint roller and work in grid-like sections of 3 square feet to 5 square feet each. This helps keep edges wet and allows you to see your progress to ensure an even coat. For smooth ceilings, use a low nap roller.

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