Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Best Paints For Kitchen Ceilings







Paint kitchen ceilings with an easy-to-wash paint.


All paint is not created equal. When painting your house, different types of paint should be used in different rooms for varying functions. You should use high-quality brands because they offer better coverage in fewer coats. They may also be more environmentally friendly with a less pungent odor. Kitchen ceilings are different from other ceilings in your house because of the higher amount of grease and dirt.


Finishes


Ask most people what type of paint to use on a ceiling, and they will say flat, which is generally the rule. Flat or matte paint hides imperfections and helps the ceiling blend in. However, kitchen ceilings are prone to grease and dirt, especially in the area above your cooking surface. Flat paints are difficult to clean. If and when they get dirty, you'll need to repaint the entire ceiling. For that reason, you should paint kitchen ceilings with eggshell or satin paint. Eggshell has more of a sheen than flat paint, and satin is one step up, offering an even shinier, pearl-like finish. Both are easier to wash than flat paint.


Warning


High-gloss paints are ideal for messy parts of the house because dirt wipes off with ease, and they resist water and grease. However, the higher the gloss, the more surface imperfections are noticeable. Unless your kitchen ceiling is in perfect condition, you may want to stay away from gloss paints. In addition, the shine brings the eye to the ceiling. Undoubtedly, you don't want to bring all the attention to your ceiling. Keep the gloss paint for woodwork, cabinets and trim.








Coverage


One gallon of paint typically covers 400 square feet of wall or ceiling. The quality can affect this measurement, though. Thinner paint will cover a larger area, although it probably won't be a smooth finish and more coats will be needed. Quality paint may not go as far because it is thicker. Read the paint can label for an estimate as it varies by product. When applying paint, use thin layers to avoid drips and clumps. Two to four coats offer the best coverage.


Roller Type


A roller should be used when painting a ceiling because it offers an even-looking finish on a larger space. Roller covers have varying nap length, which is the thickness of the pile. Smooth ceilings should be painted with a smooth roller, which has a nap of 3/16 or 1/4 inch. Ceilings with a medium texture such as sand require a 1/2- or 3/8-inch nap. If your ceiling has popcorn attached to it, use a rough roller with a 3/4- or 1-inch nap. Latex paints perform the best with synthetic fiber roller covers. The handle should be threaded so it can be attached to an extension pole for painting the ceiling.

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