Everything You Need To Know About Ceiling Paint

If you are repainting rooms in your house, the first step is likely deciding what color to paint the walls. But, don’t forget to look up, too. Giving your ceilings a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the room, conceal blemishes and potentially even make a statement if you opt for a bold color. Offered as a separate product from wall paint, ceiling paint is designed to make the application easy and the paint job durable.

Ceiling Paint vs. Wall Paint: What’s the Difference?

The most common type of paint to use while painting walls is latex-based. This can help the wall paint go on smoothly. However, if you’ve ever attempted to paint walls with standard latex paint, you are likely well aware of how common it is for the paint to drip during the process. Now imagine applying that same type of paint to the ceiling. Due to the low viscosity of latex wall paint, painting the ceiling with this type of paint is a recipe for paint drops all over the floor.

In contrast to wall paint, ceiling paint is thicker and therefore less likely to drip during the application process. This isn’t just an objective measurement: The standard unit of measure for viscosity is a Krebs Unit (KU)—and the KU for most ceiling paints is higher than the KU for most interior wall paints.

When you are in the paint store, you can also get a sense of this by holding a gallon of ceiling paint in one hand and a gallon of wall paint in the other. The ceiling paint gallon should weigh more due to it containing more solids by weight than the wall paint.

Beyond simplifying the application and clean-up process, the greater thickness of ceiling paint makes it more adept at hiding existing stains.

Types of Ceiling Paint

Within the ceiling paint category, there are different options. To determine which type of paint is right for your job, consider the function of the room you are painting as well as the type of ceiling.

Flat Acrylic Ceiling Paint

As the most common type of ceiling paint, this is best suited for low-humidity rooms, such as the bedrooms and living spaces. Flat paint does not reflect much light, which is appropriate for most ceilings.

Satin Sheen Acrylic Ceiling Paint

Flat paint is prone to staining, cracking or chipping in rooms with higher levels of humidity. For that reason, satin sheen ceiling paint is the better choice for ceilings in bathrooms, laundry rooms or any other space that remains more humid.

Semi-Gloss Acrylic Ceiling Paint

The least likely type of paint to crack in humid spaces, semi-gloss ceiling paint, is best for the ceilings directly above a shower stall or any other place subject to a lot of consistent humidity.

Ceiling Paint Costs

On average, one gallon of ceiling paint costs between $20 and $60. One gallon is sufficient to cover up to 400 square feet of space, which translates to one 20-by-20-foot room. If you plan to DIY paint your ceilings, you will also need paint brushes, rollers, roller covers, painter’s tape and drop cloth. That brings ceiling paint costs up if you don’t already have the necessary tools.

If you hire a professional painter, the national average cost to paint the ceiling in a 10-by-12-foot room is $250. That cost may increase based on the height of ceiling, the texture of the ceiling, the ceiling paint color and more.

Ceiling Paint Pros and Cons

Repainting your ceilings may feel like a lot of extra effort for minimal effects, especially if you are staying with the same general color. However, a fresh coat of ceiling paint can help brighten up the space, conceal stains and can even add intrigue if you decide to go with a bold color. If you DIY the project, painting a ceiling is a relatively inexpensive weekend project.

Ceiling Paint Pros

• As a material, ceiling paint has higher viscosity than wall paint, which makes it less likely to drip and more likely to cover stains on the ceiling.
• Painting ceilings is a simple DIY project that can be completed at a low cost.
• Although white is the traditional ceiling paint color, there are no rules. A dark ceiling contrasted with light walls can result in a unique, dramatic effect.

Ceiling Paint Cons

• Preparing to paint ceilings takes time and effort.
• Leftover ceiling paint is best used for other ceilings.
• If the ceilings are vaulted, doing the job yourself may be risky.

Ceiling Paint Considerations

When determining how much paint to buy, be sure to consider the type of ceiling. Popcorn ceilings, in particular, will require more paint to ensure the full surface area is evenly covered. Likewise, you should also consider the type of ceiling when buying the additional painting materials. Popcorn ceilings, for example, should be painted with a thick nap roller cover.

Although ceiling paints are more viscous than wall paints, not all types of ceiling paints are created equal. If you are purchasing the ceiling paint from a home improvement store or specialty paint store, ask about the differences among the ceiling paint products to determine which is right for your job.

White or off-white hues are the most popular color choices for ceilings. If the walls in the room are neutral, painters often recommend tinting your ceiling paint with approximately one-third of the color used on the walls in the room. This ties the space together and can help accentuate the height of the walls.

When to Call a Pro

While painting ceilings, it’s a given that you need to stand on a sturdy chair or ladder for an extended period of time. Depending on the height of the ceilings, this may call for a tall ladder, which is understandably a safety concern for many people. Additionally, painting ceilings can be a time-consuming task for larger spaces. A painting professional will have the tools and skills to complete the task with minimal disruption to your life.