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What Ceiling Paint Should You Use in Omaha, NE?

December 2nd, 2024

5 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Persons hand with glove rolling white paint with a roller onto a ceiling.

It’s easy to overlook ceilings since they’re literally over our heads, but a faded, stained, or patchy ceiling can bring down the look of an entire room. When it’s time to paint, the ceiling is an area that deserves special attention. If you're considering hiring a painter, you might wonder what kind of paint they’ll use and if it’s any different from what goes on your walls. After all, ceilings have unique challenges—so they deserve a unique paint solution.

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve handled countless ceiling painting projects in Omaha and know that the right ceiling paint can make a huge difference. As a team dedicated to high-quality residential painting, we’re here to help you discover the best products and practices so you can make informed decisions on your project. 

By the end of this article, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of ceiling paint options, how they differ from wall paints, and which products are best suited for your home. We’ll cover brands, finishes, and common questions to help you feel confident in your next painting project. Whether you’re a DIYer or hiring a professional painter, you’ll have the knowledge to ensure a flawless finish overhead.

Ceiling Paint vs Interior Paint

Ceiling paint isn’t just “any” paint. It’s formulated specifically for the job. Ceilings often endure smoke, cooking residues, dust, and other buildup, yet they don’t receive the same regular cleaning as walls or floors. Unlike wall paint, ceiling paint has a flat, low-reflective finish to mask imperfections. Plus, it’s thicker, so it’s less likely to drip—something we can all appreciate when working overhead!

Differences of Interior vs Ceiling Paint:

  1. Flat Finish: Most ceiling paints are flat, which helps to reduce the glare from lights and hides surface imperfections. Ceilings with a bit of texture or slight imperfections benefit from this flat finish.
  2. Thicker Consistency: Ceiling paint has a thicker consistency to prevent dripping, which is crucial when applying it overhead. This is especially helpful for those aiming for smooth, even coverage.
  3. Low Reflectivity: Unlike walls, ceilings are supposed to stay in the background. A low-reflective finish ensures that the ceiling doesn’t detract from other features in the room. Shiny or reflective surfaces highlight every flaw, and the light can create an uneven look.

Brush & Roll Painting painter spraying the ceiling of a house in Omaha with white paint.

Comparing Ceiling Paint Products

When it comes to choosing the right ceiling paint, the brand matters. Different products have their pros and cons, and some are better suited to specific home environments or needs. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options.

1. Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint

  • Finish: Flat
  • Notable Features: This paint is formulated to minimize splatter and provides a mildew-resistant finish, which can be a big plus in humid areas like bathrooms.
  • Colors: Ready to use white and is tintable to 400+ of colors
  • Coverage (Sq. Ft./Gal): 250-400
  • Mills 
    • Wet: 6.4 Dry: 2.1 mils @ 250 sq ft/gal 
    • Wet: 4.0 Dry: 1.3 mils @ 400 sq ft/gal 
  • Pros: Behr Premium Plus has good stain-blocking qualities, making it a great choice if your ceiling has some discoloration or mild water stains.
  • Cons: While durable, it can require an extra coat for the best coverage.

2. Sherwin-Williams ProMar Ceiling Paint

  • Finish: Flat
  • Notable Features: Known for its affordability and strong coverage. It’s often the go-to for professional painters because it goes on smoothly and dries quickly.
  • Colors: Ready to use white and is tintable to hundreds of colors
  • Coverage (Sq. Ft./Gal): 350-400
  • Mills: 4 mills wet, 1.2 mills dry
  • Pros: The ProMar line is a favorite in the industry for its reliable, consistent finish.
  • Cons: It might not perform as well in rooms with heavy moisture, so consider a different product for bathrooms or kitchens.

Sherwin-Williams ProMar has a great track record in residential projects. It’s an ideal choice if you want a trusted, contractor-grade paint.

3. Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint

  • Brush & Roll Painting top choice
  • Finish: Ultra-flat
  • Notable Features: This paint offers ultra-flat coverage, which is ideal for hiding imperfections. Plus, it’s zero-VOC, so it’s safer for indoor air quality.
  • Colors: Available in all colors
  • Coverage (Sq. Ft./Gal): 400-450
  • Mills: 3.8 wet, 1.4 dry
  • Pros: Great for high-end finishes and rooms with direct light. Its ultra-flat finish is a top choice for making any imperfections nearly invisible.
  • Cons: It’s one of the pricier options, but the quality and coverage can make it worth the investment.

For Omaha homeowners who want a premium finish, Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint is an exceptional choice. It’s especially ideal if you have textured or uneven ceilings.

4. PPG Ceiling Paint + Primer in One

  • Finish: Flat
  • Notable Features: This paint-and-primer combo saves a step, ideal if you’re looking to cover up stains or if the surface hasn’t been painted in a while.
  • Colors: Ready to use white and is tint-able to light colors
  • Coverage (Sq. Ft./Gal): 300-400
  • Mills: 4.0 wet, 1.3 dry
  • Pros: The primer function helps with adhesion and ensures the top layer looks uniform, even if the ceiling has discoloration.
  • Cons: It’s not as splatter-resistant as some other options, so some care is needed during application.

PPG’s ceiling paint is an all-in-one solution that can save time and reduce the need for multiple coats. For those covering older or damaged ceilings, this product can give an even and clean look.

What to Look For When Choosing Ceiling Paint

Not all ceiling paints are created equal, and the ideal choice will depend on factors like your ceiling’s condition, the room’s humidity, and even your lighting. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Durability

Ceilings aren’t regularly scrubbed, but they do gather dust and grime. A high-quality ceiling paint with good durability can help reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.

2. Stain Resistance

Some ceiling paints are better at hiding stains than others. If you’re covering a ceiling with smoke stains, water damage, or other discolorations, look for products specifically designed with stain-blocking qualities.

3. Finish Type

Flat is the standard for ceilings, but there are also options for low-sheen finishes. Avoid semi-gloss or gloss paints, as these reflect light and show imperfections.

4. Ease of Application

If you’re tackling this as a DIY project, go for paints with anti-splatter formulations and a thicker consistency. These are easier to control, especially for overhead painting.

Entryway in Omaha in the middle of having the ceiling painted white with a long paint roller against a closet.Ceiling Paint in Omaha Homes

As homeowners in Omaha, we know that Nebraska’s weather can go from humid to bone-dry depending on the season. This fluctuation impacts interior painting decisions, especially for rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. 

Ceiling paints with mold and mildew resistance can help protect your ceilings in high-humidity areas.

Additionally, homes in Omaha tend to have a mix of modern and older construction. Older homes may have textured or popcorn ceilings, which are better suited to high-quality, ultra-flat ceiling paints. 

If your Omaha home has textured ceilings, consider using something like Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint, which helps minimize shadows and keeps imperfections hidden.

Tips for Ensuring the Best Ceiling Paint Finish

  1. Prime First if Needed: If you’re covering up dark spots, water stains, or mildew, applying a primer first will help improve coverage and finish.
  2. Use the Right Tools: Ceiling rollers with thicker nap (3/8 inch or more) can help with textured surfaces. Consider an extension pole or sprayer to make the job more manageable.
  3. Work in Sections: Tackle small sections at a time. Working this way helps you maintain consistency and keep track of where you’ve applied paint.

Painting Your Ceiling in Omaha

Painting your ceiling can have a huge impact on the look of your home. With the right ceiling paint, you’ll see a transformation that brings brightness and cleanliness to any room. From flat, splatter-resistant finishes to high-quality stain-blocking products, choosing the right ceiling paint ensures your project is a success. 

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we know how much a flawless ceiling can transform your space. If you’re considering hiring a professional for your next project, we’re here to offer advice and guidance for your project. Just click below to talk with our team and get a quote. Let’s make your ceiling something worth looking up to.

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Hiring a painter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your project. When it comes to your home, you want to make sure you are making the right decisions. 

If you’re not ready to get a quote, click the button below to download your guide to hiring a painter. This guide will help you research painting companies, compare quotes, and choose the best one for your project.

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Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager. Kaylea is a Journalism and Media Communications summa cum laude graduate with a minor in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Kaylea manages the marketing for Brush & Roll Painting.