Best Ceiling Paint

Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to find a ceiling paint that is durable, long-lasting and easy to apply? Have you tried Home Depot paint department but felt overwhelmed? 

Most of us know that nothing is more infuriating than a ceiling paint that drips or dries unevenly. It can make what should be a straight forward job a nightmare!

But don't despair, we have sought out the best ceiling paints so that you can just get on with the task at hand and avoid the stress of finding the right paint for the job.

With our guide, you will be painting like a pro, and you’ll have a ceiling to be proud of.  

RUST-OLEUM 02754 White Perma Interior Paint

This interior paint from Zinsser is ideal for ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms.

It is a high performance acrylic based paint that is designed to protect the surface it’s applied to while resisting mold and mildew in high humidity areas of the home.

This is due to the antimicrobial property, which prevents microbes growing on the paint film.

Its semi-gloss finish actively reflects light and creates a feeling of space and openness.

The paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including new or previously painted drywall, cement, cured plaster or paneling.

So whatever surface your ceiling consists of, this paint will provide excellent coverage with a tough, dirt repellent finish.

Perma interior paint is a self priming paint, which means that there is no need to apply a separate primer prior to painting.

This allows application to areas which are otherwise hard to paint, including glossy surfaces.

It also covers any stains or blemishes on your ceiling and can be applied to damp masonry, although it does not actively prevent water leaks.

As well as being dirt and moisture resistant, Perma interior paint is also washable while remaining durable.

It is available in eggshell, satin and semi gloss, providing a wide range of finish choices for your ceiling project.

As an acrylic based paint, it is low odor and fast drying, allowing you to re-coat in just 2 hours. There are many colors available, from off-white to mid-tones.

For a reliable and resilient paint, you will not be disappointed in Zinsser’s Perma interior paint for your ceiling project.

Pros

• Resists mildew and mold – prohibits the growth of mold on the paint film
• Low odor formula – no strong chemical smells in your home
• Suitable for many surfaces – adheres to even glossy surfaces
• Touch dry in 30 minutes – rapid drying
• Self priming – no need for a separate primer

Cons

• Will not cover visible mold – existing mold needs to be treated prior to painting

Also available at: Home Depot, Town & Country Hardware

Behr Premium Plus Interior Ceiling Paint

Behr’s Premium Plus is a durable, acrylic-latex ceiling paint which can be used on flat or popcorn ceilings, as well as on previously painted or primed surfaces.

It provides mildew and mold resistance, making it suitable for use in rooms with high humidity such as laundry rooms, bathrooms or kitchens.

When applied to acoustic ceilings, the paint will maintain the original acoustic properties of the ceiling.

One gallon gives coverage of 250-400 square feet, depending on the porosity of the ceiling surface and the method of application.

A high quality roller or brush is recommended and if using a sprayer then an airless sprayer is advised.

For best results, any loose paint, dirt or grease should be removed from the ceiling and any imperfections repaired prior to painting.

Glossy surfaces should be scuffed or lightly sanded before applying this paint.

The splatter resistant formula spares you the annoying task of wiping up drips and splash marks.

With a matte finish, there is no glare from lighting and minor imperfections in the ceiling are well hidden with this paint.

It is also a low odor paint with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) so your ceiling will look great without giving off toxic fumes and odors.

Pros

• Durable – the acrylic-latex formula is very hard wearing
• Mildew and mold resistant – for a pristine looking ceiling
• Low odor and low VOC – reduced odor and chemical emissions for a pleasant and safe painting experience

Cons

• Not self-priming – the ceiling will need a separate primer before being painted with this paint.

Also available at: Home Depot

Valspar Ultra Flat Ceiling White Ceiling Paint and Primer

Valspar’s Ultra Flat ceiling paint offers excellent hide coverage and comes in a spatter resistant formula.

This means that your ceiling will look great, and you won’t have to worry about getting paint where you don’t want it.

The finish is dead flat so will have no light reflection, this is particularly helpful if there are imperfections in the ceiling surface.

It also means that the paint won’t show any roller lines or touch ups if applied properly.

This ceiling paint provides a mold and mildew resistant finish, but also comes with a Greenguard Gold certification indicating low emissions of volatile organic compounds.

The paint can be used on textured or flat surfaces, primed or previously painted plaster, drywall, wood or acoustic tiles.

For best results prepare the ceiling surface properly ensuring old paint or wallpaper is removed, cracks are filled, and heavy stains are appropriately sealed.

Valspar’s Ultra Flat ceiling paint can be applied with a good quality roller, brush or airless sprayer.

It is touch dry in 30-60 minutes and can be re-coated in 2-4 hours. Less time painting, more time enjoying your new ceiling!

Pros

• Great hide coverage – will do a good job of hiding blemishes on the ceiling surface
• Ultra flat finish – a non-reflecting paint that allows superior touch up
• Mold and mildew resistant – gives protection against the growth of mold and mildew

Cons

• Unsuitable for DIY use – the dead flat finish is difficult for a non-professional decorator to get right.
• Not a practical paint – this is not the most durable type of finish, so may need to be re-done frequently.

Also available at: Valspar.com

KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint

If you’re faced with a ceiling that is stained and needs repainting, this could be the paint for you.

KILZ have developed a stain blocking ceiling paint formula that removes the need for a separate product before painting.

It works on most common ceiling stains. And to make your life even easier, they have combined this innovation with a color changing technology.

So now you can cover those ugly stains on your ceiling and be confident that you won’t miss any spots.

The paint goes on pink and changes to white as it dries to help you get complete coverage.

This ceiling paint is low odor and has very low volatile organic compounds (VOC) so will not be releasing toxic chemicals or strong smells into your home.

The paint dries quickly to a flat finish and is typically touch dry in an hour, the paint color change will also take place in this time.

It can be applied to drywall, plaster, stucco, brick, masonry or paneling. Glossy surfaces should be properly prepared through sanding before being painted.

Coverage of this paint is around 250-400 square feet per gallon, depending on surface porosity and texture and the application method used.

This calculation does not include the loss of paint when spraying. Re-coating should be done for maximum stain blocking, allowing 2-4 hours between applications.

KILZ gives you two innovations in one paint with their stain blocking, color changing ceiling paint. Now there are no excuses for not having a pristine ceiling!

Pros

• Stain blocking technology – removes the need to apply a separate stain blocker prior to application
• Color change paint – the paint goes on pink and dries to white, allowing you to see where you have already painted
• Low VOC and low odor – reduced paint smell and less toxic chemicals in your home

Cons

• Severe stains – very bad stains may need additional stain blocking before applying KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint

Also available at: Hardware & Tools

INSL-X Color-Changing Ceiling Paint

A color changing paint from Benjamin Moore is a hugely useful concept.

When painting a previously white ceiling with new white paint, it can be difficult to see which areas you have covered.

This technology means that the paint goes on pink and then within an hour it dries, changing color to white.

No more guessing or missed spots! The paint should be applied by roller in long, even strokes along the ceiling while maintaining a wet edge until the whole ceiling is covered.

Coverage is between 400-450 feet per gallon, and the flat finish hides any minor imperfections or flaws in the ceiling.

INSL-X Color-Changing ceiling paint is suitable for applying to sheetrock, cured masonry, plaster, textured ceilings and even acoustic tiles.

It is easy to apply and ready to re-coat in under 2 hours.

Although it is a self-priming paint, it is advisable to cover any existing stains with a suitable primer to ensure no bleed-through occurs.

Similarly, any cracks or holes in the ceiling should be filled prior to painting.

Clean up can be done simply with soap and water, although this paint is spatter proof, so mess should be minimal.

INSL-X Color-Changing ceiling paint is a wonderful way to ensure that when you paint your ceiling, not only do you get a beautiful finish, but you don’t miss any spots. What could be simpler?

Pros

• Disappearing pink color technology – paint goes on pink and dries to white, preventing missed spots
• Self priming – doesn’t need a separate primer
• Quick drying – can be re-coated in under 2 hours

Cons

• Pink color may be too subtle – some customers have found the pink tint too subtle to see

Also available at: Walmart, Home Depot

Buyer's Guide

So now that we have looked at some of the best ceiling paints on the market, what particular features should you be looking for when choosing one for your home?

Of course, some features will be more useful than others, depending on your project. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider.

Performance And Coverage

How well the paint covers the ceiling will be a priority for most people.

After all, that’s the whole purpose of painting the ceiling, to make it look better than it was previously.

Of course, this will also be dependent on the level of preparation that you have undertaken.

The best paint in the world will struggle if it is applied over old paint, wallpaper, dirt or grease.

However, with a well-prepared surface, the paint should cover effectively without streaking or patchiness.

Most ceiling paints need two coats to achieve the best result, and once dry should be uniform and even across the ceiling.

The amount of coverage of any paint will rely on the texture of the surface, its porosity and the method used to apply the paint. A

irless sprayers will cause a loss of some material, but can give a more even finish than rollers or brushes.

Stain Blocking

Many people will undertake painting their ceiling after it becomes stained either through a water leak, the presence of mold or nicotine staining.

So for these ceilings, the paints that will block stain bleed-through is really important.

Normal ceiling paint will just allow the stain to seep through and all your hard work will have been in vain. Ensure that the stain you are covering is thoroughly dry first, though.

Using a stain blocking ceiling paint removes the need for an extra layer and more work for you.

However, check that the stain you have will be adequately covered by the paint as some severe stains will require specialist treatment prior to painting even with stain blocking paints.

Mold And Mildew Resistance

Mold and mildew are caused by a lack of ventilation in a property. Warm air rises and when it meets a colder surface it condenses there.

This leads to the growth of mold and mildew on these surfaces.

Not only is it unsightly but mold spores are a real threat to people’s health, especially young children, the elderly and anyone with breathing difficulties including asthma or emphysema. So removing this blight on your ceiling is very important.

Once you have cleaned the mold off, let the area dry and then apply a ceiling paint with mold and mildew resistance built in.

This will help prevent the mold regrowing, but any ventilation issues should also be addressed, as the mold may continue to grow on other surfaces.

Low VOC And Odor

We live in a world surrounded by man made chemicals which pollute our air, water and environment. So naturally, we want to limit any toxic substances that we introduce into our homes.

Using ceiling paints with low levels of volatile organic compounds means that you are not unnecessarily exposing yourself to toxic vapors.

This is particularly important for people with respiratory diseases.

And when the rollers and brushes are cleaned, the water is not filled with harmful chemicals that could contaminate the groundwater.

Low odor ceiling paint is a good choice for those who are adversely affected by strong odors, such as migraine sufferers.

It also makes the job of painting your ceiling more pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Way To Paint A Ceiling?

The best method of painting your ceiling will depend on the surface and its condition.

Textured ceilings are almost impossible to paint with a brush, and if using a roller, you will need to choose a specific sleeve for the task.

Flat surfaces are easier to manage and can be painted with rollers, brushes or an airless sprayer. However, regardless of surface type, the preparation of the ceiling is key to the whole task.

Painting your ceiling is basically 90% preparation and 10% actual painting, so make sure all the necessary preparations are done before you start painting your ceiling.

Isn’t Ceiling Paint The Same As Wall Paint?

Although you can paint your ceiling with the same paint that you use on your walls, it’s not a good idea.

Ceiling paint is thicker than wall paint and less likely to drip or cause unsightly runs, which will be hard to fix.

Wall paints tend to be thinner and with lower viscosity, whereas ceiling paints are designed to grip the surface. It might look like you used too much paint. 

The ceiling is as important as the walls or floor, so to make sure that it looks as good as the rest of your room, you should use the appropriate paint for your ceiling.

A badly painted ceiling will detract from the rest of the space and draw unwanted attention.

Which Finish Is Best For Ceiling Paint?

A flat or matte finish for ceiling paint is popular and will absorb light also hiding any blemishes or defects in the surface of the ceiling.

Eggshell is also a popular choice, it has a slight sheen which will absorb most light and still conceal imperfections with no need to more paint. 

Satin finishes still have low sheen, but are more reflective than eggshell.

While they are easier to clean than a flat or matte finish, they will highlight any parts of the ceiling that are not perfect.

Gloss or semi-gloss are not ideal for ceilings as they will not hide any imperfections and will reflect a lot of light. They are also difficult to apply and tend to drip.  

Looking for more ideas? Visit the Farmhouse Blog. 

We will help you find the best bathroom paint colors and the best bathroom paint ideas. Learn more about Home Depot Behr paint colors. We also will teach you how many gallons you will need based on your square footage.