All over Portland, even in many of the showiest rooms in the most elegant houses, we find that ceilings are painted with plain, flat white paint. Why is this? Is it a lack of creativity? Is there some law against using a bit of color or sheen on the ceiling? Or is it possible to use interior paints with a bit of shine on your ceilings?
There are good reasons for painting a ceiling with flat white paint. First of all, white matches with everything, so it is hard to go wrong. Also, it brightens a room. Finally, white feels more distant, giving a more open, airy feeling to a space. But why use flat paint?
One reason for using flat paint on ceilings is that it hides imperfections on the surface, while paints with more reflectiveness draw attention to blemishes. Also, flat paints are often preferred for ceilings because we want the walls and other décor to be the visual focus in a room. Putting a glossier paint on the ceiling would draw the eye upward, distracting from the main attraction in the room.
With all that said, however, there is also a case to make for using a ceiling paint with some shine to it!
When Would You Use Ceiling Paints with Gloss?
The effect of high-sheen paints is to draw the eye and attract attention. If your ceiling has something special about it that you want to draw attention to, glossy paints are a great way to do it! Paints with reflectiveness to them create a sleek, modern look when used on a ceiling. Also, there is an element of surprise that you introduce with a glossy ceiling, adding more depth and visual interest to a room.
If you are considering using non-flat paints on your ceiling, here are some helpful factors for you to keep in mind:
The style of the room: a formal, traditional sitting room or dining room can be livened up considerably with a glossy ceiling, if the rest of the room has a crisp, stately appearance. Also, a minimalist, modernist style room can be a great place for using light-reflecting paints overhead. On the other hand, informal spaces and rooms with a rustic or rural vibe are not the place for these.
The shape of the room: if you are going to draw attention to your ceiling, make sure it is one that is worthy of attention! There should be a pleasing regularity to the overall shape of it, with no unusual angles or asymmetrical architecture.
The quality of the drywall finishing: because glossy paints will draw attention to any flaws or irregularities in the surface, you only want to use them if your drywall has been finished to a very high level of smoothness. It would be a good idea to have your interior painting company perform skim coating on the ceiling (or wall) prior to using paints with high sheen.
Sundeleaf Painting
Using glossy paints requires a high degree of professionalism at every step. First, the surface preparation must be done with utter meticulousness. Depending on the prior surface coating, primer may be necessary. For a uniform, attractive finish, there must be multiple coats of paint. And most importantly, each coat of paint must be applied with precision and skill, to avoid leaving roller marks or brush strokes. The key to successful use of glossy paints in in creating a blemish-free finish.
Discerning homeowners in the Portland region have trusted Sundeleaf Painting for this kind of craftsmanship for over 90 years! We work in high-end homes and commercial buildings throughout the Portland area, providing unbeatable quality and attention to detail. In addition to interior painting, we also offer exterior painting, wood restoration, concrete cleaning, deck refinishing, and much more.
If you have not yet worked with Sundeleaf Painting, a great way to get to know us is by scheduling your free estimate. In addition to giving you a quote for your interior painting, we can also help you decide if or where glossy paints would be a positive addition to your home! Contact our office today to get started!
