6 Best Ceiling Paints

How To Paint a Ceiling

For many, the thought of painting a ceiling is intimidating. Truth be told, painting a ceiling is not all that different from painting walls — it just requires a few tricks of the trade. And choosing the right ceiling paint is just as important as learning how to paint a ceiling.

There are several paints on the market formulated especially for ceilings. If you’re unable to find such a product, here are some properties to look for in an interior house paint that can be used on ceilings.

• Viscosity: This refers to a paint’s thickness and structure. The higher the solid count, the more it tends to cost, but the less it drips and spatters.
• Slow-drying: This helps extend the wet edge for a smoother, lap-free finish.
• Matte/flat finish: A shiny sheen reflects ambient light which can underscore flaws and defects. (Exception: Use water-resistant satin or semi-gloss finishes for wood ceilings and high-moisture areas.)
• Latex/water-based: Dribbles and sags less than most oil-based paint.
• Stain-blockers/all-in-one paint and primers: A good choice for covering watermarks or dark colors in one step.

Expert Dos and Don’ts

• Do cover the floor from baseboard-to-baseboard with a drop cloth;
• Do cut in the edge of the ceiling (at least two inches) before you roll;
• Don’t load too much paint on the roller or it will drip;
• Don’t roll paint too quickly to avoid spatters;
• Do buy the best quality paint and roller covers you can afford.