Q I’d like to repaint the gray drywall r f within my study a fresh white to brighten the r m up. Are the pricier items labeled “ceiling paint” really the paint that is best for ceilings, or is there is a cheaper option?
A Although the label paint that is“ceiling may have you think it’s the only viable paint for ceilings, this specialty paint (starting at $15.98 per gallon from brands like Valspar, offered at Lowes) is only regular paint developed having a viscosity, sheen, and color options that allow for a drip-free ceiling painting procedure and a low-key l k that is desirable on ceilings. These pricier paints will certainly get the job done well, but, to save $2 to $3 per gallon, you are able to ch se a paint that is regular the mix of properties present in ceiling paints. Read on to learn what kind of paint and primer you need to achieve a polished, pro-quality r f paint finish.
Start with an interior latex primer. Priming is always recommended when transitioning from a darker to a lighter r f paint color; it will improve paint adhesion and avoid the darker old coat from showing through the lighter coat that is new. With an interior latex drywall primer like Glidden Latex Drywall Interior Primer (available at Home Depot) that’s close in color to the paint before you paint over a sm th or lightly textured (e.g., knockdown texture) drywall ceiling, prime it. Opt for a primer that is high-build KILZ High-Build Drywall Primer (available on Amazon) if your ceiling has a much deeper texture ( e.g., popcorn) the products not just prime but additionally fill in gr ves and flaws into the r f.
Ch se an interior paint that is latex. The less expensive interior water-based latex paints (starting at $13.98 per gallon from brands like Valspar, available at Lowes) are sufficient while oil-based interior paints cure into a harder, more ding-resistant coat that makes them ideal for high-traffic spaces. Most likely, ceilings are seldom touched, and thus, see less daily wear-and-tear. Latex paint comes with a faster time that is drying emits less volatile organic compounds to the air which can be an essential consideration for an interior paint task with insufficient air flow. Plus, it offers better resistance to typical paint woes such as for example cracking, peeling, diminishing, and yellowing with age and/or high moisture within the r m. Simply speaking, the paint finish better keeps its integrity and color in the long run.
Ch se a paint that is high-viscosity minimize drippage. To keep paint from dripping you coat ceilings, ch se an interior latex paint with a higher than average viscosity (a.k.a thickness) onto you as. The most readily useful paint for ceilings features a consistency close to that of thinned-out honey measured in Krebs Units (KU), this might be generally speaking 106 KU or greater. You’ll find the KU dimension in the manufacturer’s specs for any given paint, if it is maybe not located on the back of the paint can itself. The slightly thicker paint sticks simpler to the r f and stays there until fully dry. While paints particularly developed for ceilings effortlessly meet or exceed that guideline ( e.g., Valspar Ultra 4000 Interior Latex Ceiling Paint, which measures 102 to 111 KU), buying a interior that is regular paint by having a comparable viscosity ( e.g https://datingmentor.org/pussysaga-review/., Valspar Ultra 4000 Interior Latex Flat Paint, with a viscosity of 97 to 107 KU) can help minimize paint drippage.
Paints with a flat (totally non-reflective) or matte (low-reflectivity) sheen shall effectively camouflage r f flaws and allow any painted walls below to just take center phase in a r m. Between your two, matte can be your best bet It dries as a slightly slicker finish that is slightly simpler to wipe clean with soapy water or even a Swiffer duster, but still won’t call attention to ceiling cracks, bumps, or seams kept by p rly finished drywall joints.
You should use paints with a hint of gloss like eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss sparingly on touches near or on ceilings such as for example molding, medallions, or tin r f tiles anywhere you intentionally desire to accentuate the architecture.
Whenever in question, white paint delivers a finish that is winning. Paint colors on the white range from sharp white to off-white would be the color of preference for ceilings through the entire inside you might ch se and they create the illusion of amplified dimensions and added light because they harmonize with any wall color. You need to be sure to pick a c l white for r ms with c l paint colors on the walls or even a hot white for spaces with warm tones.
That doesn’t suggest a ceiling that is bold color such as for instance red, navy blue, or black colored can’t wow They have undoubtedly been used to heighten drama, accentuate furnishings of the same hue, and produce comparison in a r m with light-colored walls. These accent ceilings simply l k best in spacious, well-lit spaces. It l k all the more cramped and dim if yours is a small or p rly-lit r m, beware that the pop of color above might make.