Ceiling Paint To Give Your Home a New Look

Painting ceilings began ages ago and reached its height in the renaissance period. Murals which would tell entire stories were painted on ceilings of homes, chapels, cathedrals, and many other buildings. Some cultures still have painted ceilings and walls with their own artwork, so it is no surprise that the decorative style has come again. There are tricks to painting your ceiling especially if you have decided to change the color. One of the reasons white is used in a home more often is the space or feeling of space it can provide.

If you have a short ceiling something dark like a wood ceiling will make the room feel even smaller. Cathedral ceilings on the other hand provide an air of space that tends to be more comfortable, and it is the cathedral ceilings you can really decorate with flair.

Glossy paints are best for smaller rooms with shorter ceilings. The gloss offers a reflective surface that can be used to enhance the space. A few of the common scenes on a shorter ceiling are a blue sky with white clouds. Cathedral ceilings tend to have a starry sky, especially in a bedroom. When you paint your ceilings you can have a different look for each room.

You have the option of going more traditional with a smooth texture, semi- smooth, or a popcorn style ceiling. Plain ceilings can be enhanced without paint if you wish, but before launching into those aspects let’s look a bit more at paint. The paint you choose should match the rest of the room’s decor and the walls. It doesn’t have to be the same color, but something that will meld well. Murals are still a possibility if you have a painter or you have the talent to create an image you will want to live with. A common option is Trompe l’oeil painting as it adds a bit of gusto to the ceiling.

As mentioned there are a couple of different ways you can paint your ceiling even using a white or glossy white paint. If you want a pattern, popcorn or other style ceiling you could enhance it with faux wood rafters, crown molding, and even cornices. Wood or faux wood often adds a little to an otherwise boring look, especially in cathedral style ceilings. A popular concept right now is bamboo rafters. You also have ceiling medallions which are highly popular.

Any of the ideas discussed above will add a little personality to your ceilings. You have contemporary, rustic, and other decorating styles to choose from. In fact you could go for a totally Victorian look with just a few cornices running along your ceiling. You will most likely have to consult a professional to get a majority of the work done with perfection and style, especially if you choose a more complicated ceiling look.

Add a little color to your life by painting that often ignored canvas above your head-your ceiling.

Consider changing the atmosphere in your home by painting your ceilings. They don’t have to be replicas of the Sistine Chapel, but a new color above your head will dramatically change the feeling of your room. Even a hint of color can make a difference. A light peach on the ceiling will brighten a room with a warm rosy hue much more than a cold white.

Paint can also be used to change the appearance of height of a ceiling. To bring the ceiling lower in a cavernous room, make the walls a dark color and the ceiling white. This will bring the eye to a firm point where the wall ends and the ceiling begins, making the ceiling seem closer. Blurring that line of demarcation between the walls and the ceiling will create the effect of a high ceiling, since the eye cannot tell where the boundary exists between the wall and the ceiling.

Once you’ve made up your mind to begin this project the next step is to determine what kind of paint to use. You’ll find you are faced with two genres-ceiling paint or wall paint. How much of a difference can there be in paint, you may wonder. A lot. For starters, price. Ceiling paint is cheaper, but don’t start calculating how much money you can save by painting your walls with ceiling paint. There’s a reason it’s cheaper-ceiling paint doesn’t contain some of the expensive ingredients that make wall paint resistant to smudge marks and easy to clean. Ceiling paint is also chalkier than wall paint, and can be easily damaged in high traffic areas. Ceiling paint is a flat paint that will not show imperfections as easily as glossier wall paint. It is also a thicker paint, designed to reduce splatter when applied.

While ceiling paint is exclusively for use on the ceiling, wall paint is a bit more versatile. It works quite well on ceilings since it is easier to tint than ceiling paint, so you will be able to get the exact color you desire. Ceiling paints appear in far fewer colors-generally a variation on the “white” theme. Recently, however, Martha Stewart introduced some color to the ceiling paint world, and other companies will likely follow suit, expanding your options for colorful ceilings.

You don’t have to be Michelangelo to have a fabulous ceiling. A little know-how and some paint can change your life-or at least your living room!

Knowing how to ceiling paint is more than just dipping your brush or rolling it on. I see people making the same mistakes over and over again. I also am guilty of making these very same mistakes myself until I became a ceiling paint by trade.

All the Time I See People Do Things Like…

1. Using Cheap Quality Paint…

With today’s economy and all, it seems that there is a growing trend for people to do their own panting, yet they will buy ceiling paint for their home without really thinking about what they are really getting for their money.

2. Using Spackle Instead Of Using What The Wall Is Made Out Of (Drywall Compound)…

Everyone uses this thing called Spackle. Sure it is lightweight, fast drying, and sands easy on smaller areas but it also leaves sheen or flashing marks under flat ceiling paint. If you have ever tried to fix a tape seam on a ceiling using spackle you will soon become a believer in drywall compound.

3. Not Using Primer…

If you ever go to commercial places (public bathrooms is a good example) many times you will see that the metal entry door was re paint for ceiling. and that the new ceiling paint is peeling off in the areas where hands push on the door a lot as well as other places.

The door was originally ceiling paint with an alkyd enamel finish and some employee of the store was told to re- ceiling paint it. So they were given latex ceiling paint to use and now you have a peeling, unsound finish.

I see cupboards and cabinets done wrong in homes all the time and there is peeling ceiling paint on them which lasts for years. This peeling ceiling paint even gets on things like plates and dishes and sticks to them due to static cling.

4. Not Painting the Ceilings…

Sometimes I will do an estimate to ceiling paint several rooms in someone’s home and they want the walls ceiling paint but not the ceilings. Even though the ceilings are white they still look dingy and should be freshened up with a fresh coat of white. It also makes cutting in along the top of the walls a lot easier also when paint for ceiling the walls.

5. Creating Patches or Streaks…

One of the drawbacks of using latex paint for ceiling is it is notorious for leaving patches and streaks. Using lower-grade ceiling paints only make it worse. If you ever take an angular look down the sides of people’s walls you will see patchy areas. You can even see where they rolled in an irregular fashion. Using a quality wall primer underneath the finish coat that works with all paint for ceiling finishes helps a lot.

6. Not Knowing How To Properly Paint a Door…

People usually don’t cut in the sides and edges of doors properly either. When it comes to recessed doors they don’t always brush out the door with the grain or the way the door was put together. They don’t use primer first for converting alkyd to latex or for even re- ceiling paint alkyd over alkyd. The end result is ceiling paint failure in the form of peeling or chipping.

7. Painting Over Electrical Sockets and Covers…

Old sockets and the covers can be replaced with new modern-looking white ones. This looks really nice when re- ceiling paint a room and wanting to do a complete job.

8. Crude Cut-in Lines Along the Ceiling Edge…

Most people don’t cut in good at the top of the ceiling and it looks bad. Using the right ceiling paint plus taking your time helps.

9. Only Using One Coat – Applying only one coat can cause fade-through as well as skipped areas.

10. Screw Up a Professional Paint Job in a Nice Home…

Many times someone will move into a home that was previously ceiling paint by a professional ceiling paint Not knowing anything about enamels, people can quickly screw up the woodwork, windows and doors as well as the walls.

If you feel that it is time to make a change in your home because you have been staring at the same four walls for too long, it could be that you could get away with a new layer and color of ceiling paint to make all of the change that you are going to need to feel like you have made a huge difference. While choosing the new color of ceiling paint is the most important part, thinking about how to make things a bit more interesting should be on your mind as well. Look at textured ceiling paint rollers to see if you can come up with some inspiration for a truly spectacular room.

You can get simple textured ceiling paint rollers that add just a touch of texture to your walls. There are some great patterns out there, or you can get textured ceiling paint as well as the rollers to get really creative. You will notice that your ceiling paint roller feels different to your fingers when you touch it. The material is not going to be as soft as the ones on typical ceiling paint rollers. This is the way they are supposed to be. This allows them to deposit more paint for ceiling in some areas, and also to move paint for ceiling away when against the wall to achieve a certain look. They really are quite neat if you take the time to study them.

Though some pick one color and then the textured ceiling paint rollers to go with that color, you can get even more creative than that. You can choose one texture in one color, and then you can go over it with another color with a different texture. You may not want to do this randomly though. Perhaps you could take a class at your local home store about using textured rollers, or you could buy a few that you think look interesting, along with the ceiling paint you want, and try out a few designs on a spare board before you touch your walls. That way you know you like what you are about to do.

Because you can use textured ceiling paint rollers over and over again, just like other rollers, you can put them away for later. You may be less likely to use the same pattern again, but it never hurts to make sure that you clean them out correctly and put them away the right way so that you have them again in the future. If something happens to your home, you have them for patch jobs and touch ups. Wash them with the appropriate soap until the water runs completely clean, and then allow them to air dry completely before you stash them away in a sealed plastic bag for later use.

When the time comes to update a room that you have used textured ceiling paint rollers on in the past, you may have to sand the walls down first if your texture is thick. Otherwise, it could show through your new ceiling paint job if you opt for going with single, flat color again. Feel the wall with your hands if you worry that the texture may show through and decide if you think sanding should be done. This can be time consuming, so think about that as you choose how much texture you want to put on your walls. The truth is that you don’t need much to make a huge change, so keep that in mind as you go.

Ok, so you’ve spent a reasonable amount of money and had your rooms plastered, or you may have even had a go yourself (Well done) but I find that many people haven’t the right information concerning how to ceiling paint the finished work, your plaster’r should tell you how to correctly paint for ceiling the finished wall or ceiling once it is dry, but here’s a little reminder anyway.

1: Make sure that the freshly plastered wall or ceiling has completely dried out, you should be able to tell when this is because the whole of the plastered surface will become one colour, with no dark areas, sometimes, you may find that the external wall of your room will take a little longer to dry out than the rest of the room.

2: Once completely dried, get yourself some basic MATT Emulsion ceiling paint it doesn’t matter if it is of a ‘thin’ consistency (in fact, all the better.) Now, if you find that your emulsion is very thick, it needs to be watered down first (so that this first coat, once applied, sinks into the plaster.) Pour half of the emulsion into a roller bucket (A large square bucket) & mix in with this, about fifty percent water, mix it well together, now the consistency of the mixed MATT emulsion should resemble ‘thick water.’

3: Use a sheep skin (or synthetic) ceiling paint roller, &, roll the head of this over the surface of the mixed emulsion (taking care not to completely saturate the whole of the roller head,) then roll out the emulsion covered roller head over the inside of the roller bucket (to even out the ceiling paint Now, starting from the top of the wall (Or one corner of the ceiling) apply the roller head to the surface & gently roll the ceiling paint on (up & down, back & forth) until the emulsion is spent onto the surface. You will notice that there will be roller edge marks (resembling lines of emulsion) you must use your roller and gently roll over these so that the lines dissipative. Continue until you completely cover the whole ceiling or wall.

5: Using a quality ceiling paint cut in around all of the edges, trying to blend it into the existing emulsion. You will be left with a patchy ceiling paint surface, this is normal, because the first coat that you have just applied acts as a sealer, ready to take the next coats of emulsion. This sealer (or mist coat) keys into the plastered surface, and is vital for your trouble free ceiling paint project. Let this completely dry out before continuing with any other coats of Vinyl Silk, Vinyl Matt, or just plain Matt Emulsion Paint:

6: But, before you continue ceiling paint any further, get out your scraper, & check over the dried, & ceiling paint wall, what you’re looking for is any splashes of plaster that may have stuck onto the finished surface (once you have given the surface the first coat of paint for ceiling you should be able to see any discrepancies, sort these out first before continuing.)

Here are just a few pointers: Don’t be tempted to use a ‘thick consistency emulsion’ for the first coat, you may just be successful (without it peeling off once dried) but wet it down first to be on the safe side: Never apply Vinyl Silk emulsion straight onto a new plastered wall or ceiling (A surety that this will definitely peel off once dried because this coat of ceiling paint sits on top of the surface, instead of sinking into the surface) Always make sure that your paint for ceiling roller, your roller head, your paint for ceiling brush, & your emulsion is clean (Nothing looks worse than little bits stuck to your finished, paint for ceiling surface.

Thank you for reading this article, I hope that it will help you in your quest to correctly ceiling paint your freshly plastered surface: & don’t forget, for more ideas on interior surface preparation, please take a look at ‘Texture Revival.’

Paints that are of excellent quality provide superior coverage, do last longer than usual and are easier to get rid of compared to cheap paint for ceilingss Buying the best in the market, even if it will cost more, will get your money’s worth in the long run.

Oil based ceiling paints based enamel is a type of ceiling paint that is generally used for windows and doors since it does not wear down easily. In contrast, characterizing the level of smell an oil based ceiling paint has, is stronger compared to other types. Drying time is longer than usual as well. Oil based enamel paint for ceiling also need thinners or mineral turps when cleaning up.

Water based enamel ceiling paints is the freshest addition to the numerous of ceiling paints that are already available in the market today. Using this kind, it gives a high gloss appearance without too much of a smell as well as the long drying period.

Satin ceiling paints that have semi gloss

This type can be more washable compared to flat finishes with low sheen ceiling paints this is usually used in the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas given that its resistance to moisture is higher than other the types.

Accent ceiling paints with low sheen

This type is usually applied for walls with the exception of kitchens, bathrooms as well as your laundry area. This type is also washable besides having some upright hiding clout.

Gloss ceiling paint

This type of ceiling paint is typically used for windows and doors. It is characterized for having a high level of moisture resistance and is very much washable. It is important to sand up the surface of your furniture before applying this type of ceiling paint since any blemishes are easily seen.

Acrylic Paints

These water based ceiling paints are commonly applied for your house’s ceilings and walls. Acrylic paint for ceiling dries fast compared to other types, odorless and extremely low levels of VOC.

Beautiful, ornate, antique tin ceiling tiles are very popular today and are being used as decorative accessories, wall décor, supports for artwork and of course, for home remodeling projects. These elegant and charming “collectibles” are back in vogue and continue to attract many buyers.

Ceiling tins can be found in original form or as newly manufactured products made to mimic the charm and elegance of the older looks. There are several groups of people who are eager to find tiles in their original form: collectors, homeowners and artists/crafters.

First, let us begin with a little background about tin ceiling tiles. Pressed or embossed tin ceilings were very popular during the Victorian Era as an affordable substitute for the plaster-designed ceilings found in wealthy European homes. Thin metal sheets of tin, copper or stainless steel were stamped with intricate patterns and often ceiling paint white to resemble the more expensively-produced, hand-carved or molded plaster ceilings. Companies in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania mass produced thin metal plate during the late 1800s and created numerous patterns from which buyers could choose.

During the WW II Era, tin ceiling tiles went out of favor as metals were conserved for the war effort, and other types of ceilings were promoted. By the 1950s and 1960s, acoustic drop ceiling tiles and dry wall dominated the marketplace and could be found in homes, hotels and buildings.

Because original tin ceiling tiles have such pretty designs and craftsmanship, many people like to collect these lovely antique pieces. Collectors enjoy finding tiles of different sizes, as well as seeking out tiles with unique patterns, shapes, colors and symbols.

On online sites , these tiles are categorized under the heading “Architectural & Garden” in the antique category. Searching the words antique ceiling tins will bring you into the section where you will find early tin ceiling tiles. Using the phrase vintage ceiling tile generally calls up a list of “vintage style” or “reproduced” tiles. Prices vary according to the size, quantity and uniqueness of design. For collectible older tiles, prices vary according to rarity, availability, intricacy of pattern and whether a particular tile has been reproduced You can expect to find small ordinary tiles for as little as $5 and fancier larger tiles or groups of tiles from $25 and up.

With so many reproduced tiles available it may get a little tricky to tell the vintage pieces from the newer models. Older ceiling tin is heavier than the newer version and has surfaces showing lots of rust, dents, chippy ceiling paint rough scaly edges and sharp nail holes.

Although reproductions are made to look like the real thing, you will notice that the new items are lighter and smoother and are simply too perfect. Also worth mentioning is that sometimes old tiles appear new when they are not. This can happen when a vintage piece is cleaned and refinished or an original tile is framed with an old door or window trim.

Unlike older tiles which rust, newer tiles are often made with a special powder finish which is rust-proof, allowing for indoor and outdoor use. But even “cleaned up” older tiles look and feel differently than new ones. Collectors who handle lots of these detailed works of art learn to distinguish the differences.

While true collectors mix and match their collections with different examples of tiles, homeowners who may want to remodel a kitchen ceiling or frame a fireplace need to find multiple tiles. They generally look toward new versions of these handsome decorative items.

Reproduced tiles are made from a variety of materials such as tin, vinyl, wood and plastics, and they come in numerous colors and finishes. Popular colors for store-bought tin tiles are copper, bronze, gold, black, silver, rust, burgundy, mocha and whites or un ceiling paint for custom colors. There are many companies that carry a variet of colors and styles. A newer tile snaps locks. These tiles can be screwed into any ceiling (drop, popcorn, etc.). You can order sample tiles to evaluate before you begin a project.

While the snap-lock variety of ceiling tile is very popular, there are other innovative applications of ceiling tiles on the market today. For example, you can now purchase tiles that come in rolls like wallpaper , as well as peel-and-stick types of ceiling tiles.

Besides using tiles for the ceiling, homeowners often add tile as a kitchen backsplash or a medallion for hanging fixtures. Some creative folks even use ceiling tiles as faux headboards. Another group of individuals who look for vintage tiles is artists and crafters. These talented folks make handsome objets d’art out of these architectural salvaged masterpieces.

Many artists like to ceiling paint on vintage ceiling tiles. One artist I am familiar with, looks for tins that are more than 100 years old, in good shape and require minimal prep work. The artist I am referring to generally passes up tiles that have holes or dents, preferring instead pieces with unusual designs or shapes which inspire her to use the background as part of her subject matter and design work.

Other crafters have had great success selling frames made out of old tiles and inserting a canvas with florals and other images. While many current artists are discovering a variety of ways to use old ceiling tins and other salvage materials, the Pennsylvania Dutch have crafted objects from tin for a very long time. For example, they are noted for creating barn stars out of old tin roof material. Many stores specializing in country gifts sell reproduction stars.

Interest in architectural salvage continues to grow as collectors, homeowners and artists are falling in love with old world craftsmanship. Using reclaimed ceiling tin as decorative accessories in today’s homes is an excellent way to blend older traditions with modern day lifestyles.

Top quality ceiling paints not only apply easier and give you better coverage but they last for longer and are easier to clean than cheaper low grade ceiling paints Buy the best that you can afford with your budget – it will pay for itself in the long run.

ACRYLIC PAINT
Acrylic or Water based paint for ceilingss is the most commonly used ceiling paint for walls and ceilings throughout your house. The ceiling paint is fast drying, often nearly odor free, and nowadays it has very low VOC levels

OIL BASED PAINT
Oil Based or Enamel ceiling paint is most commonly used for doors, skirts and windows, this is a hard wearing ceiling paint but it does have a high odor level, a long drying time and it will yellow with age. It also needs to be cleaned up with mineral turps or thinners and often has high levels of VOC’s.

WATER BASED ENAMEL
Water based Enamel is fairly new to the market place and is a great way to achieve the high gloss look of an enamel with out the smell, long drying time, or the yellowing effect that you get from an enamel over the long time, though it does not have the hardness of a traditional oil based product.

FLAT PAINTS
Flat ceiling paints are most commonly used on ceilings, some people still use them on their walls for the hiding power, though I would recommend a low sheen for walls as a flat will mark and scuff very easily and is not as washable as the higher gloss level paint for ceilingss SHEEN/ACCENT PAINTS
Low Sheen ceiling paint is most commonly used for walls. It is suitable for all rooms in your house except, laundries, kitchens and bathrooms, it is washable and still has some decent hiding power.

SEMI GLOSS/SATIN PAINTS
Semi Gloss ceiling paints are much more washable than low sheen or flat finishes but it does not have the same hiding power as low sheen or flat ceiling paints it is commonly used in Kitchens, Laundries and Bathrooms because of its higher moisture resistance and ease of cleaning.

GLOSS PAINTS
Gloss ceiling paints are mostly used for doors, architraves, and windows. This ceiling paint has a high moisture resistance level and is highly washable. It will show up any imperfections in the surface, so it is important to make sure that you have prepared the surfaces properly first before applying it.

The most popular paint for ceiling sheens that you can buy are: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss. The sheen of a ceiling paint refers to how shiny or bright the ceiling paint looks after it has dried. The sheen influences how good the finish will hold up to crayon, finger marks, and how well it hides imperfections.

The ceiling paint sheen you choose should be based on the desired durability, look, and ambiance you want.

1. Flat – a finish that creates an opaque look, that is beautiful on ceilings and interior walls. Of all the sheens, it is the most dense, and absorbs the most light. It isn’t suited for baths, kitchens, or children’s bedrooms because it doesn’t clean well. If the children in the house put finger marks or scribbles on this type of finish, the only way to fix it, will be to ceiling paint over them.
2. Eggshell – this type of finish gives a low luster feel and is primarily used for many decorative finishings on interior walls. It generally holds up better to scribble marks than a flat ceiling paint and can be used around children.
3. Satin – has more sheen than an eggshell finish, and cleans better than the flat and eggshell finishes. It can be used for woodwork, walls, doors, and hallways. You can’t scrub this finish as much as the glossier ceiling paints but you can use it in bathrooms or kitchens.
4. Semi-gloss – this paint for ceiling sheen gives a shiny look to a room, but is not the shiniest finish. It can be scrubbed vigorously and still maintains its original look.
5. High-gloss – this is the shiniest finish you can buy, and reflects a lot of light. It is stain resistant and can be scrubbed. It is ideally suited for kitchens and baths, or any area in your home that gets the most wear and tear.

After getting through one of the most overwhelming tasks in home ceiling paint which is choosing the right color and you thought you are finished with decision making, then comes another selection to go through. Paint finishes are what helps you achieve the texture you prefer -rich, sleek, or average and the durability that the room requires, making the result last for the longest possible time. With the right color and finish, you can turn your New York home into the ultimate haven of relaxation and beauty whether you are in Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens.

Matte Paint Finish

Also referred to as a flat finish, this does not offer any sheen when the paint for ceiling has dried. The beauty of a matte finish, compared with other ceiling paint finishes, lies in its bare simplicity. Because it does not reflect light, but rather absorbs light, it is perfect in camouflaging wall imperfections such as cracks and small bumps. It serves as a great choice paint for ceiling ceilings as well as for use in low-traffic areas. As they do not wash well, it is not ideal for kid’s rooms, baths and kitchens. And even with the washable types advertised today, touching up scratches and marks may still need a bit of ceiling paint. Paint Finish

As the name indicates, the ceiling paint finish will give an appearance like that of an eggshell. Though of low sheen, it is among the top choices of contractors and designers in adding artwork to walls like murals. Even through repeated washings, an eggshell ceiling paint finish is able to maintain its look making it ideal for use in rooms where the need for beauty and durability to go hand in hand is a must. As it does not absorb stains and can withstand scrubbing, it is most popular in baths and kitchens.

Satin Paint Finish

Offering that smooth, velvety look that lasts a satin ceiling paint finish is most often used to ceiling paint ceilings, doors, windows and trims. Other than these, it can also be used for walls and particularly ideal for areas receiving lots o traffic. As it holds up to light scrubbing and washing, it can be used for baths, kitchens and kid’s rooms.

Semi Gloss Paint Finishes

Semi gloss ceiling paint finishes afford any interior surface a subtle sheen that is great at highlighting. Its reflective nature does not make it helpful if you are trying to cover up any flaw in the walls or imperfections in application. It is ideally used on cabinets, doors, trim and woodwork. In the old days, it was a popular choice for walkways, baths, and kitchens but today, even if it can stand the conditions, it is not as popular. 

Glossy Paint Finishes

Careful surface preparation is crucial when opting to use glossy ceiling paint finishes as its very high reflectivity makes just the littlest of blemishes magnified.  Though not a good candidate for your interior walls, this can create the most dramatic effects on your furnishings. Especially for very formal or contemporary designed rooms, your cabinets and trim can add a touch of sleekness with glossy ceiling paint finishes.