Today, painting the ceiling surface continues to be the most relevant and budget-friendly way to finish it. Ceiling paint, its variety presented on the construction market, confronts buyers with difficulties associated with choosing the appropriate composition. Therefore, before purchasing paint that will last a long time and will not harm your health, you need to consider several options.
Types of ceiling paints
Ceiling paints are divided into the following types:
- Water-emulsion (water-dispersed).
- Acrylic;
- Latex.
- Silicone.
When choosing the best paint for the ceiling, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the material. First of all, you need to find out the following:
- brand;
- finishing color, container volume, price;
- which component is the basis;
- drying time;
- environmental friendliness, adhesion (the ability to stick to a surface);
- how much composition is used per square meter (covering power);
- the presence of a masking effect (for surfaces with flaws);
- how resistant it is to abrasion;
- How does it react to high humidity?
Step-by-step instructions for painting the ceiling
Step 1 . First, the surface is completely cleared of the previous coating. If there are seams on the ceiling, you need to tap them for loose plaster and putty, if any. All voids must be well primed and filled with putty. Using a screwdriver or any narrow object, check all joints between the ceiling and walls for voids. If necessary, they are also filled with putty. If there are large and wide cracks, they can be repaired using reinforcing mesh.
After the ceiling has been leveled as much as possible, a primer should be applied to its surface. It is applied in two layers - the process is conveniently carried out using a brush. The primer takes at least 10 hours to dry.
The sequence of preparing the ceiling for painting: a - cleaning the mortar with a scraper, b - smoothing with a flake, c - smoothing with a joint float.
Step 2 . Afterwards, the ceiling is sanded with fine sandpaper so that the surface is perfectly smooth. Otherwise, after painting, all defects and irregularities will appear.
Step 3 . Next, the ceiling is primed to enhance the adhesion of the painted surface to the applied material. The primer must be completely dry before painting.
Step 4
. The work is carried out with a long-haired roller. Before applying paint to the ceiling, the roller needs to be rolled out to get rid of excess mixture.
Instructions for painting the ceiling
Step 5 . Next, the first layer is applied very thinly. If applied tightly, the paint may begin to bubble and the ceiling will have to be redone. The entire surface must be painted at one time until completely dry. Otherwise, the paint transition will be visible. If, after applying the first layer, unpainted areas are found, then do not take up the brush. Since water-based paint dries quickly, these fresh spots will be visible even after drying. All defects are corrected when the mixture is reapplied.
Step 6 . After the first layer has completely dried, the second one is applied. As a rule, the next layer can be applied after 2-3 hours. However, it is worth checking the label for the drying time of the paint. If the covering power of the applied material is not the highest, then you can cover the surface a third time. In this case, the time for drying the second layer should be increased.
Step 7 . It is also important to take into account the direction of painting, otherwise all defects will be immediately apparent. The first layer is applied perpendicular to the second, with the last one in the direction strictly from the window.
Direction of the roller when painting the ceiling
The choice of materials for renovation may be dictated not only by criteria in terms of cost and quality. Many are also trying to solve design problems. For example, gloss perfectly reflects light and visually expands the space. However, it is worth remembering that this type of coating highlights all surface defects. A matte finish will better hide any unevenness, but a matte finish will not be suitable for frequent cleaning. Therefore, different ceiling paints are often purchased for the bathroom, living room and kitchen.
Prices for waterproof ceiling paint
waterproof paint
How to level a ceiling with your own hands?
Detailed instructions for leveling the ceiling with your own hands can be found in this article. Also read the material about painting the ceiling with water-based paint over old paint.
The best water-based paints for ceilings
Water-based emulsion is a popular, high-quality and relatively cheap finishing material. It consists of the following components: water, polymers, pigments. Most often, white water-based paint is presented on store shelves. To get the desired shade, the master tints the composition in any color.
Dufa Wandfarbe D1a
Product of the famous German brand Dufa. It is a water-based dispersion mixture. The main purpose is to paint surfaces (concrete, plaster, fiberboard, wallpaper, chipboard, etc.). Most often used for interior decoration of ceilings and walls. The resulting effect is a matte finish, with a structure reminiscent of cloth.
Pros:
- Protects the ceiling from damage.
- It lies evenly on the surface, covers stains, and masks small irregularities.
- Light wet cleaning is allowed.
- Suitable for repainting.
- Convenient packaging in plastic containers (buckets with lids) of various volumes from 1 to 10 liters.
Minuses:
- Not noticed.
Caparol Malerit ELF B1
German water-based paint is of high quality. It is popular among experienced craftsmen due to its excellent properties: ease of application, coating is applied in one layer, quick drying, absence of unpleasant odors, diluted with water. Color and texture of the painted ceiling: white, fine-grained, deeply matte.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Increased hiding power.
- Convenient packaging with a capacity of 2.5 to 12.5 liters.
- Possibility of tinting the composition.
Minuses:
- Relatively high price.
Acrylic paint Parade (Parade) W3 for interior work
This acrylic paint can be safely applied to ceilings in rooms with constant operational load. The base can be vinyl/paper wallpaper, glass wallpaper, brick, wood, concrete, cement, drywall, gypsum, plaster. The material produces a white matte finish and is characterized by high hiding power .
The ceiling will acquire a perfectly smooth matte finish that can be wet cleaned. I would like to note a decent class of resistance to moisture abrasion - III according to DIN EN 13300. Certificates allow the use of paint in medical and children's institutions. The initial properties will remain unchanged for 5 years.
For work, you can use any painting tool . Stirring is required before application; it can be diluted with water within 3% and tinted. Painting should be carried out at temperatures above +10 degrees. Layer drying takes 1 hour, complete drying takes 2 hours. Consumption – 10.8 m2/l. Price – from 1.4 tr. per bucket 10 liters.
Pros:
- ideal for interior work;
- works for any reason;
- gives the ceiling perfect whiteness;
- matte finish;
- withstands wet cleaning;
- possibility of tinting.
Minuses:
- higher consumption than competitors.
The best gloss paints for ceilings
Surfaces painted with glossy paint become smooth, even, and shiny after drying. Before applying such compounds, it is necessary to carefully prepare the ceiling by grinding. Paints that give a glossy effect are used in decorating residential premises in strict minimalist and high-tech styles.
OLYMPUS Delta
Acrylic paint has a silky glossy structure, the surfaces of walls and ceilings are easy to clean. It is recommended to use in rooms where there are often a lot of people: lobbies, shopping areas, hotels. Painting the ceiling in the kitchen with OLIMP Delta finishing material is the ideal solution.
Pros:
- The ceiling cleans well.
- Increased resistance to contamination.
- Stability of properties, appearance during changes in temperature and humidity levels.
Caparol Indeko-plus
High-quality finishing material produced in Germany, recommended for interior finishing work in premises for various purposes (residential sector, public institutions, kindergartens, schools, etc.). Thanks to its double hiding power, it is enough to apply the water-based emulsion in one layer. A ceiling painted with Indeko-plus dries quickly and does not emit a strong odor.
Pros:
- Increased degree of whiteness.
- Over time, the surfaces retain their previous qualities: the color does not change, the shine does not disappear.
- Easy to paint in one pass.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Convenient container.
Minuses:
- Expensive.
Tex Universal glossy base A
Acrylic finishing material is excellent for painting ceilings in living rooms, medical wards, kindergartens, etc. The enamel is available in super white color; subsequently, the paint can be given the desired shade using tinting. Universal acrylic paint is intended not only for interior but also for exterior use.
Pros:
- The composition is easy to apply.
- Has no smell.
- Thick consistency dissolves with water.
- The painted surface dries quickly.
- Can be tinted in pastel colors.
Minuses:
- With intensive care, the finishing layer is quickly removed and dark spots appear.
- High consumption of material.
Dulux 3D White paint with marble particles
This water-based ceiling paint has a matte finish. The composition includes optical brightener and natural marble . This results in a dazzling white color for the finished coating. The dry layer perfectly diffuses light, which greatly increases the natural radiance of white. We can talk about the visual expansion of space and the ceilings look higher (3D effect). An excellent solution for small apartments with low ceilings.
The paint is balanced in composition, it spreads very easily over the ceiling, does not drip and has virtually no pungent odor . Can be tinted in pastel shades. This material has a lot of certificates; it can be used in medical and children's institutions, but only for interior work.
The base can be wallpaper for painting, drywall, brick, concrete, plaster. But, the paint only works in rooms with moderate humidity. For a high-quality ceiling covering, two layers are enough. Tool – sprayer, roller or brush with synthetic bristles. Consumption – from 13 m2/l. Complete drying time is 2-4 hours. Price – from 3.1 tr. per bucket 10 l.
Pros:
- visually raises ceilings;
- resistance to wet cleaning;
- high degree of whiteness;
- tinting available;
- high hiding power;
- quick drying;
- low consumption;
- convenient application.
Minuses:
- Apply only at positive temperatures.
The best matte ceiling paints
Unlike glossy types of paints with a matte effect they do not give shine. If there are defects on the surface of the ceiling, matte paints are the best way to decorate them.
Dufa Euroweiss D604
Matte decorative paint is used indoors. The “super white” finishing material meets increased requirements for the whiteness of painted surfaces. The resulting coating can be washed with light solutions of ordinary detergents. You can paint plaster, drywall, concrete, plywood, plaster and other surfaces.
Pros:
- Obtaining a snow-white shade.
- The painted surface dries quickly.
- Cost-effective (moderate consumption - one liter of composition is enough to paint 18 square meters of ceiling).
- High quality finish.
Minuses:
- Not recommended for outdoor use.
Dulux Diamond Matt
Dulux uses unique Diamond technologies to produce wear-resistant paint. The water-based coating meets the requirements for environmental friendliness; the alkyd coating is characterized by increased durability. The coating has a matte structure, the painted surfaces are perfectly flat, smooth, without visible defects.
Pros:
- Convenient application without drips.
- The material has a “Leaf of Life” certificate, which characterizes high environmental friendliness.
- It is allowed to cover ceilings in medical and children's institutions.
- Long service life (about 25 years).
Minuses:
- High consumption does not correspond to the declared characteristics.
- During use, surfaces quickly become dirty, even light touches leave marks on the ceiling.
Respect acrylic paint for glass wallpaper
Respect is an economy class water-dispersion based interior acrylic paint . It is used for painting ceilings inside residential and non-residential premises. The material easily lays on substrates such as glass wallpaper, structural wallpaper, fiberglass, brick, concrete, plasterboard, wood, putty, plasters, plaster. The composition includes special components that protect the surface from the formation of moss, algae, and mold.
The material is quite easy to use - just mix it and you can work using a brush, roller or spray. The composition lays down in an even layer, does not drip, sag, or splash . There is practically no smell.
At the kneading stage, you can introduce different colors. High hiding power gives low consumption; 1-2 layers are enough to paint the ceiling. Consumption per layer – 150-200 g per square. Intermediate drying takes 1 hour, complete drying - from 3 hours. Price – from 350 rubles per 14 kg bucket.
Pros:
- forms a strong, durable coating;
- vapor permeable;
- antiseptics in the composition;
- does not fade, does not darken, does not turn yellow;
- environmental friendliness;
- affordable price tag;
- possibility of tinting.
There are no cons.
Which ceiling paint is best to buy?
All ceiling paints presented in our rating, regardless of the chosen category, have gained popularity among users due to their excellent qualities and characteristics. What is better to buy, acrylic or water-based, matte or glossy paint, is decided by the owner. It all depends on the type of room, level of illumination, ceiling design, and personal preferences of the buyer.
The best solution is PROFILUX PL-04 A universal white ceiling paint at an average price, made in Germany.
Review of the top best ceiling paints
Often, choosing a good paint can be like winning the lottery. After all, if you rely only on attractive packaging and manufacturer promises, the chances of acquiring high-quality coverage are reduced to zero. That is why, in order to avoid all sorts of problems, when choosing a paint, you should rely not only on its characteristics, but also on reviews of customers who have already tried it in practice. You can find a huge variety of water-based emulsions on sale: acrylic, silicate, latex, silicone - they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to decide which type is best to buy, but in the meantime we will introduce you to the best representatives of each category. We present to your attention the top 12 most resistant and durable ceiling paints.
| Category | Place | Name | Rating | Characteristic | Link |
| Acrylic paint | 1 | Alpina Renova | 9.9 / 10 | The best acrylic paint according to customers | More details |
| 2 | Profilux PL-04 | 9.8 / 10 | Popular budget paint made in Germany | More details | |
| 3 | OLIMP Gamma | 9.7 / 10 | Premium wear-resistant paint at a reasonable price | More details | |
| Silicone paint | 1 | Ceresit CT 48 | 10 / 10 | Silicone paint with excellent price-quality ratio | More details |
| 2 | Tikkurila Euro Extra 20 | 9.9 / 10 | The best solution for wet areas | More details | |
| 3 | Alpina Expert | 9.7 / 10 | Excellent silicone paint that has received many rave reviews | More details | |
| Silicate paint | 1 | Tikkurila Finngard Silikaattimaali | 9.9 / 10 | Popular silicate paint with the best heat resistance range | More details |
| 2 | Baumit Silikat Color Repro | 9.9 / 10 | Premium water-based paint with unparalleled characteristics | More details | |
| 3 | PUFAS Fassaden-Silikat | 9.8 / 10 | High-quality economical paint from one of the best manufacturers | More details | |
| Latex paint | 1 | Dufa Retail Eurolatex 3 | 9.8 / 10 | Honored leader among latex paints | More details |
| 2 | NEWTONE SKY | 9.8 / 10 | The best snow-white coating | More details | |
| 3 | Tikkurila Euro Power 7 | 9.7 / 10 | Good latex paint from a world famous brand | More details |
Which of these would you prefer?
Take the survey
According to the method of cleaning coatings from contaminants
The cheapest paints should not be washed even with ordinary water. When using aggressive detergents, there is a risk of washing off the composition before the putty. Some compositions are resistant to mechanical stress and moisture, so surfaces finished with them can be cleaned with damp brushes.
The most expensive paints are resistant to soap solutions and other cleaning agents. The latter type of composition is recommended for finishing ceilings in kitchens, where contamination of these surfaces is possible. For bedrooms, living rooms and so on, it is better to use cheaper options.
Chalk whitewash for the ceiling has the most reasonable cost, but this is a one-time option, since such ceilings are not washable and attract dust
Types by visual effect
Based on this feature, paints are divided into 3 types:
- Matte. This type is best suited for finishing the ceiling. It hides defects of the treated surface well, and caring for the coating is as simple as possible.
- Semi-matte. This is the golden mean between matte and glossy compositions. Suitable for painting surfaces with a small number of defects.
- Glossy ceiling paint. As the name implies, such coatings are distinguished by their shine. Because of this, the surface on which the composition is applied must be perfectly leveled, otherwise all defects will be visible.
The most popular is a matte finish, semi-gloss requires an ideal plane, gloss is the most expensive option, since it is applied only to decorative ceilings
