DIYbanter - View Single Post - Semi-Gloss on Plaster Ceiling?

SteveBell

wrote:

On Aug 26, 10:39*pm, Joe wrote:
On Aug 26, 1:16*pm, wrote:

Some of the home improvement shows on TV have featured either
gloss or semi-gloss white ceilings in homes. *They say that it
increases the illusion of ceiling height. *I like the idea, but
my ceilings are plaster, and have a lot of "character" (which
some might call "imperfections".)

Would a gloss or semi-gloss paint call out these imperfections and
magnify them? *Would it be a mistake to use anything other than
flat paint?

Keep in mind that flat paint in an area like a kitchen ceiling that
may sometimes need cleaning is not a good choice. Stop by a paint
store, or a paint department and check the label on products
specifically intended for ceilings. Take the opinions of TV home
improvement hosts with several grains of salt. Many of them are
simply regurgitating what they remember from classes in art school
a couple of years ago. Too many factors are involved in decorating
rooms skillfully to claim that a white ceiling making the room seem
higher is right for your home. In fact, it could kill the ambience
in some rooms making them appear rather austere. Guests in a north
facing room with light blue walls and a bright flat white ceiling
for example, might think they had wandered into the freezer by
mistake. Whatever, choose wisely and if it doesn't look 'right',
repainting will often make it acceptable.

The question is more about sheen than color. White is the color we'll
be using...it's just a matter of flat or semi-gloss. I've heard that
every imperfection will jump out at you with semi-gloss...

Yes, semi-gloss paint shows imperfections more plainly, but flat paint
won't hide big problems.

I always recommend that people use the shiniest paint they can stand.
Glossier paints last longer and are easier to clean. Flat paints suck
up dirt and never let it go.

The contractor who built my house used flat paint. Every time I've
tried to clean it, I wind up rubbing the paint off. Ceilings gather
dust, and you seldom get up there to clean them. Flat paint makes it
harder to clean.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX