10 best paints for walls and ceilings. Acrylic, latex and water-based compositions

Repair and decoration of premises is always a long and sometimes painful search for the best paint. It must cope with design tasks, and be environmentally friendly, safe, and durable. Each of us has our own criteria for choosing paint. Therefore, before choosing paint for walls and ceilings, it would not be superfluous to get acquainted with the rating of the best offers on the market in 2021.

We have collected the top best paints that will definitely satisfy all your requirements and help you create the interior of your dreams. The rating of wall paints included only proven brands, the quality of which we are 100% sure of.

What is the best paint for walls and ceilings

Decorative painting of walls and ceilings remains a popular type of decoration. Designers love this option for the ability to create individual solutions, a variety of shades, and high performance characteristics.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is the leader among the entire range of paint and varnish coatings. The composition is formed on the basis of acrylic resins, pigments, water and is ideal for interior work. The absence of “complex” substances makes the material affordable.

You can count on high performance characteristics:

• environmental friendliness is the absence of toxic substances during painting and drying. The material can be used to decorate children's rooms;
• does not burn, does not ignite;
• a rich palette of shades and colors - the range of some brands reaches 15-30 thousand items;
• durable elastic layer – this means there will be no cracks, peeling or other defects;
• applied to concrete and plaster layers;
• tolerates humidity and temperature changes;
• dries quickly.

Among the disadvantages, one can note only low vapor permeability, which is bad for painting bases made of porous materials (for example, shell rock). The scope of application deserves special attention. Some compositions work only at normal humidity levels, while others demonstrate high moisture resistance. The texture of acrylic paint can be matte or glossy.

When choosing, look at:

• manufacturer (Parade, Aquest);
• compound;
• degree of adhesion;
• type of base;
• packaging (tubes, plastic buckets, spray cans).

Water-based paint for walls and ceilings

The composition includes water, a synthetic binder, pigment, and functional additives. After drying, the material forms a durable coating. Water-soluble pigments are required for tinting. Among the brands I can recommend DULUX, Tex, Lakra.

Among the operational characteristics are:

• explosion and fire safety;
• resistance to alkalis and other aggressive environments;
• low abrasion;
• moisture resistance;
• vapor permeability;
• excellent hiding power;
• is friendly with almost all substrates (including concrete, brick);
• easy application.

If we talk about the disadvantages, there is some susceptibility to mold and mildew in poorly heated and damp rooms . When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of antifungal additives when it comes to finishing in such places. In addition, the material does not like low temperatures and can crack in such conditions.

Water-based paint is available in several types:

• polyvinyl acetate - ideal white paint for walls and ceilings;
• silicone - a universal option for any ceilings;
• silicate – a good solution for wet rooms;
• acrylic – we discussed this option above;
• latex - here you can see excellent matte textures, interesting interior options.

I will add that washable paint will make it easier to care for the walls and ceiling. If you are planning wet cleaning during operation, pay attention to latex and acrylic varieties of coatings (TEX, Tikkurila).

Our rating includes the best paint manufacturers:

• Beckers is a Swedish manufacturer that produces environmentally friendly paints and varnishes. All paints are made without the use of toxic substances and allergens. Moreover, each product ingredient is subject to strict quality control. Today it is a European leader in the segment of paint production and formulation development. Count on the high price segment;
• Tex is a Russian company that has been operating in the coatings market for more than 15 years and holds a strong position. Today it belongs to the Tikkurila brand. These products are characterized by excellent price-quality ratio. This is a typical mid-price segment. All paints are as commercially available as possible and demonstrate good performance characteristics;
• Parade is a brand owned by a Russian group that was founded in 1996. The brand specializes in the production of high-quality paints that are suitable for comprehensive solutions to finishing and repair tasks. All materials are produced on modern equipment and are of decent quality;
• Marshall is a fairly popular Turkish brand. It is known for the professional quality of its paints at affordable prices. With their help you can achieve a practical, modern coating. All materials are produced using advanced technologies and are really worth the money;
• Hermes (Respect) is a Russian manufacturing company that has been producing paints since 2006. Today, the brand firmly occupies its niche, offering products with high consumer properties and affordable prices;
• DULUX is an international paint and varnish brand, known for high-quality interior, universal, and facade paints. The products demonstrate excellent balance of formulas and are manufactured using the most advanced technologies. You can count on long-term color retention and durability of the finished coating;
• Tikkurila is perhaps the most famous Finnish manufacturer of paint and varnish products. It produces excellent paints with high technical characteristics. All materials are manufactured with an emphasis on safety and environmental friendliness. The price tag can be stinging.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing paint for the ceiling, it is recommended to adhere to the following criteria:

• When choosing the color and texture of the material for painting the ceiling, you need to take the interior style of the room, its purpose and the dominant color shades as a guide. Ceiling paint can be matte, semi-gloss or glossy. The latter option helps to achieve a visual expansion of space. Matte white paint imparts a discreet nobility and balance to the home.
• Preparing the base for painting is labor-intensive, because... the finished surface must be perfectly flat. It will require laying several layers of putty and sanding. It is impossible to disguise even small defects with painting: as a rule, they become even more noticeable. First of all, this applies to glossy compositions that highlight all the depressions or bulges well. Matte paint is more practical in this regard, as it allows you to hide minor flaws. The best option in such situations are semi-gloss materials.
• Water-based paint contains water, so it does not tolerate freezing very well. Based on this, it is not recommended to purchase material in winter from unheated markets and warehouses. In essence, these are paints for ceilings in residential premises.

• It may seem that both expensive and cheap paints have similar characteristics. Expensive brands have superiority in practicality: this means material consumption per m2 of base. This is especially noticeable when painting large spaces.
• It is worth understanding that the popularity of a brand does not always indicate its quality. Sometimes lesser-known materials have better performance characteristics. The point is in fakes, which often use popular logos. In addition, new manufacturers are trying to win their place in the sun due to the high quality of their products and their low cost.
• In most cases, paint buckets contain instructions that the material is intended for finishing ceilings. If there are no indications of narrow specialization, then universal paints for interior work are a suitable option. As a rule, these compositions adhere very well to the base, which allows you to get rid of drops on the surface.
• Sometimes during painting, instead of the declared snow-white surface, a slight tint appears on the ceiling. Good manufacturers specifically introduce a special pigment into the composition, which helps to quickly notice unpainted areas. As a rule, after drying the surface becomes completely uniform and white.

• Using glossy paint, a mirror effect is created on the ceiling. Perfectly smooth surfaces painted in this way look especially beautiful. Glossy compositions are recommended for use in small rooms to achieve a visual expansion of space. After drying, such a ceiling can be wiped with a damp cloth.
• Due to the fact that matte paint absorbs light, it can be used to mask small defects in the base. The layer turns out to be dense, which in some cases makes it possible to save on the number of approaches. After drying, matte paint becomes covered with small pores, making it difficult to clean.

Beckers Beckerplast 3 BAS VIT latex-based water-based paint

This is latex water-based paint with a matte finish , designed specifically for interior work. The base is a modern latex copolymer. Once applied to the ceiling, it forms a washable layer of perfectly snow-white color. The finished coating will successfully withstand 2000 wash cycles. The composition can be used on putty, plastered, previously painted, concrete, plasterboard and even fabric surfaces.

During operation and during the drying period, the product emits a subtle odor. When applied, the coating is dense and even. The finished layer dries quickly and does not turn yellow during use . The manufacturer recommends applying a primer layer under the paint. No dilution required. Consumption – 8-10 m2/l. It is acceptable to use brushes, rollers, and sprayers. The declared service life is 10 years. White color can be tinted. Price – from 5 tr. per bucket 10 l.

Pros:

• works on most types of surfaces;
• creates a washable coating;
• without smell;
• quick-drying;
• wear-resistant;
• perfect snow-white matte finish.

Minuses:

• high price.

How to paint a ceiling

The beauty and durability of the coating depends on adherence to technology. Before painting, the surface is cleaned of wallpaper, paint or whitewash. If there are large cracks, the holes are sealed with putty. After drying, the protruding roughness is treated with sandpaper and primed.

If you need to apply enamel over the old one, then you cannot use water-based types over alkyd paint. The new coating will bead up and peel off when humidity or temperature changes. Professionals recommend painting with a finish that is identical in composition.

Removing wallpaperSource proffstroygroup.ru

The consistency of the enamel should resemble liquid sour cream. Dilute to the desired state with water, but not more than 10% of the volume of the jar. Thick textured paint on the ceiling is used when applying patterns with a relief roller. The entire finish is tinted at once, otherwise it will be difficult to achieve a suitable shade later.

Enamel consumption is calculated based on the surface area above the head. To get the figure, multiply the length of the walls by the width (5x4 = 20 m2). The manufacturer indicates information about the costs per square on the material label. If the ceiling is problematic, then for high-quality painting, the volume is doubled.

It is more convenient to paint the surface above your head with a spray gun. If you don’t have professional equipment, then a lint roller will do. The diluted and tinted enamel is poured into a cuvette, the tool is immersed and rolled out. Begin painting on surfaces opposite the window. The final layers come from the direction of the glass block.

How to paint a ceilingSource opotolkax.com

Water-based paints dry quickly, so don't stop and paint over untouched areas with a brush. All defects are removed after drying and applying the next tier. Enamels that harden for a long time do not form joints, which allows you to manually mask out unsuccessful details.

Water-based paint "Tex" Universal interior

This universal water-dispersion paint is designed for painting ceilings in rooms with normal and high humidity . The material works well on plasterboard, concrete, brick, plastered, wooden substrates, glass wallpaper, and structural fiber wallpaper.

As a result, the ceiling will acquire a deep matte finish with a lot of useful properties: resistance to wear, UV, and wet cleaning. In addition, the coating is vapor-permeable and breathable. The composition is safe for children's and medical institutions.

The paint is very easy and convenient to apply with any painting tool after thorough mixing. Average consumption – 5-7 m2/kg. Complete drying occurs after an hour and a half. Resistance to washing is achieved 14 days after staining. If necessary, the product can be tinted. The cost of a 14 kg bucket is from 1.2 tr.

Pros:

• perfect white color;
• works for different reasons;
• dries quickly;
• possibility of clearing;
• deep matte;
• forms a “breathable” coating;
• easy to apply.

Minuses:

• not the most economical consumption among the samples in our rating.

Water-based paint "Tex" Pro, super white, for concrete and plaster

Tex offers a matte, waterproof, latex-based paint. The material works successfully for painting ceilings in wet and dry rooms . It can be used even in places with high operational load, where the surface is exposed to condensation and steam. We can talk about masking minor irregularities. The base can be concrete, drywall, plaster, wood, or paintable wallpaper.

Consumption per layer – 7 m2 per liter . To obtain a high-quality coating, two layers will be required. Layer drying takes 1 hour. Ready for washing occurs after two weeks. You can use any painting tool, but the manufacturer recommends using velor rollers with medium pile.

The product has no pronounced odor and is environmentally friendly. The base is modern, high-quality acrylate latex. Tinting is possible with universal or acrylic colors in pastel and rich colors. Price – from 1036 rubles per 9 liter bucket.

Pros:

• deep matte finish;
• any tinting;
• works in damp areas;
• the finished coating can be washed with a damp sponge;
• environmental friendliness;
• easy application;
• affordable price.

Minuses:

• higher consumption compared to competing comrades.

Composition of façade water-dispersion paint

The composition of this type of paint is an emulsion of various polymers that are in a solid state . These are mainly acrylic-type polymers. The basis of this material is water, however, it is not washed off with water.

The main distinguishing feature, which is based on the composition, is the component used for binding.

Depending on this, the colors are:

• polyvinyl acetate (in other words, they are called PVA paints);
• latex;
• acrylic.

Acrylic paint Parade (Parade) W3 for interior work

This acrylic paint can be safely applied to ceilings in rooms with constant operational load. The base can be vinyl/paper wallpaper, glass wallpaper, brick, wood, concrete, cement, drywall, gypsum, plaster. The material produces a white matte finish and is characterized by high hiding power .

The ceiling will acquire a perfectly smooth matte finish that can be wet cleaned. I would like to note a decent class of resistance to moisture abrasion - III according to DIN EN 13300. Certificates allow the use of paint in medical and children's institutions. The initial properties will remain unchanged for 5 years.

For work, you can use any painting tool . Stirring is required before application; it can be diluted with water within 3% and tinted. Painting should be carried out at temperatures above +10 degrees. Layer drying takes 1 hour, complete drying takes 2 hours. Consumption – 10.8 m2/l. Price – from 1.4 tr. per bucket 10 liters.

Pros:

• ideal for interior work;
• works for any reason;
• gives the ceiling perfect whiteness;
• matte finish;
• withstands wet cleaning;
• possibility of tinting.

Minuses:

• higher consumption than competitors.

Acrylic paint Marshall snow white

Marshall Ceiling is a snow-white water-dispersion acrylic paint with a perfectly matte finish. It is recommended to apply the composition in two layers. The consumption will be 9 m2/1l . Maximum drying time is 4 hours. One hour is enough for interlayer drying. I’ll say right away that the consumption of this comrade is slightly higher than that of its competitors.

To work, you can use a roller, sprayer or a good old brush. Before painting, only stirring is required; when working with a brush or roller, the paint does not even need to be diluted. The product does not give off a strong odor, applies evenly to the base, and does not splash . The result is a bright, truly snow-white coating.

The material is intended for interior use only and can be applied to plasterboard, concrete and plaster. It is only suitable for dry rooms; the finished coating is only resistant to dry cleaning. The cost of a 2.5 liter bucket is from 290 rubles.

Pros:

• gives a perfectly matte finish;
• dries quickly, easy to apply;
• has no smell;
• forms a truly snow-white coating;
• affordable price tag.

Minuses:

• only for dry rooms;
• consumption.

How to choose the right composition

The choice of water-dispersed dyes is large. What parameters are taken into account when selecting VDC:

• surface material;
• manufacturer's reputation;
• external or internal works;
• operating conditions - humidity, exposure to light, low or high temperatures;
• availability of certificates, product authenticity;
• best before date.

See also

Top 5 Brick Paint Brands for Interior and Exterior

A dye with a glossy effect requires careful preparation of the surface; during use, the surface is easier to clean. Matte paints look brighter and the coverage of the composition is higher.

Help: acrylic dyes are considered universal, suitable for all types of coatings and conditions.

Respect acrylic paint for glass wallpaper

Respect is an economy class water-dispersion based interior acrylic paint . It is used for painting ceilings inside residential and non-residential premises. The material easily lays on substrates such as glass wallpaper, structural wallpaper, fiberglass, brick, concrete, plasterboard, wood, putty, plasters, plaster. The composition includes special components that protect the surface from the formation of moss, algae, and mold.

The material is quite easy to use - just mix it and you can work using a brush, roller or spray. The composition lays down in an even layer, does not drip, sag, or splash . There is practically no smell.

At the kneading stage, you can introduce different colors. High hiding power gives low consumption; 1-2 layers are enough to paint the ceiling. Consumption per layer – 150-200 g per square. Intermediate drying takes 1 hour, complete drying - from 3 hours. Price – from 350 rubles per 14 kg bucket.

Pros:

• forms a strong, durable coating;
• vapor permeable;
• antiseptics in the composition;
• does not fade, does not darken, does not turn yellow;
• environmental friendliness;
• affordable price tag;
• possibility of tinting.

There are no cons.

Technical characteristics of coloring compositions

In addition to water, pigments and a binder base, the composition of the coloring matter includes additives that improve the characteristics of the material:

1. Defoamers that reduce foaming.
2. Thickeners are substances that promote uniform distribution of the mixture over the surface.
3. Plasticizers. They give the coating elasticity and plasticity.
4. Antiseptics.
5. Means that prevent freezing.
6. Preservative components.
7. Anti-corrosion inhibitors.

The film-forming base reaches 50% of the solution, fillers and pigments - 37%, plasticizers account for 7% of the total mass of the coloring matter.

Technical characteristics of the dye:

• specific gravity - about 1.35 kg per 1 liter;
• consumption of water-based paint per 1 m² – from 150 to 200 ml.

DULUX paint dazzling white on drywall

This is a water-dispersion paint for ceilings with a matte finish . The dazzling whiteness promised by the manufacturer is achieved due to the marble particles included in the composition. Thanks to this clever component, the ceiling will reflect light. The room will appear taller and lighter. We can safely recommend this composition for renovation in rooms with low ceilings.

In addition to excellent whiteness, you can count on the smoothest possible finish. The material is characterized by high hiding power and is able to mask minor surface defects. There will be no special problems in application; the paint does not drip or splash. There is no pungent odor, as well as the possibility of tinting . The application is intended only for interior work; the material can be used in medical and children's institutions.

In addition to drywall, the base can be wallpaper for painting, brick, plaster, concrete. Moderate humidity should be maintained in the room (utility rooms, offices, bedrooms, living rooms, etc.). Tools – synthetic brushes, rollers, sprayers. Consumption – 13 m2/l. The result is obtained by applying two layers. Ready for use in 2-4 hours. Price – from 2.5 tr. per bucket 10 liters.

Pros:

• high hiding power;
• low consumption;
• does not cause drips or splashes;
• high degree of whiteness;
• practically odorless;
• shows resistance to washing.

Minuses:

• does not work in wet areas;
• applied only at positive temperatures;
• not tinted.

Popular manufacturers

The variety of brands producing ceiling enamels in construction stores is great. The choice of paint depends on the personal preferences of the manufacturer, financial capabilities and the effect to be achieved. Among the popular ones, we highlight 8 manufacturers who have won the trust of users.

Tikkurila

The famous Finnish brand creates high quality finishes. The materials are used when working with problematic surfaces; they work well on putty, drywall and wood. The mixture contains substances with antibacterial properties that prevent the development of dangerous microflora and can be used in the bathroom and kitchen.

Finnish paintsSource cmp24.com.ua

To get a perfectly flat ceiling, one coat of paint is enough. After painting, Tikkurila dries within 2 hours. The enamel does not smell, so it can be used in the nursery and bedroom. A wide color palette will allow you to accurately select the shade to suit the design of the room. The only disadvantage of the brand’s products is the high price, which is compensated by durability and ease of use.

Caparol

A popular manufacturer from Germany offers high-quality water-based finishing for children's rooms, bedrooms or rooms with an aggressive environment. Water-based silicone or acrylic ceiling paint fits perfectly on surfaces of any complexity. The material does not fade from direct sunlight, does not fade and does not stink. Once applied, the enamel will last for several years without the need to refresh it every year.

Ceiling paints CaparolSource atlant-shop.com.ua

Dulux

A popular European brand creates safe paints that can be used in a nursery or bedroom. Finishes based on acrylic or latex have low consumption, which compensates for the high cost of the compositions. When painting a ceiling with cracks with enamel, the defects are “absorbed.” The products do not have a heavy odor and are not afraid of moisture, which allows you to paint surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.

Dufa

A well-known manufacturer of building materials for the overhead area produces acrylic and water-based paints. The decorative matte surface will harmoniously fit into the interior of the living room, bedroom or bathroom. The painted ceiling does not fade in the sun and is not destroyed by exposure to humidity. The durability makes up for the high price.

SNIEZKA (Snow)

The popular Polish brand produces high-quality enamels that do not smell, retain their beautiful appearance for a long time and have an effect that reflects dirt. The compositions dry within 2.5 hours without leaving any unpleasant stickiness on the surface. The manufacturer offers enamels in white, so they are tinted with pigment before use.

Polish enamels for ceilingsSource korbutov.ibud.ua

Tex

The Russian brand produces inexpensive water-based paints for ceilings. Antiseptic substances are added to the finishes to prevent the formation of mold. Budget enamel has low coverage, so to get a perfectly flat surface you will have to apply 3 layers.

Halo

The Russian brand offers inexpensive water-based, acrylic and latex compositions. The line contains textured options that allow you to get voluminous decor on the ceiling. The paints are easy to use and tinted. After painting, the surface above your head dries quickly and does not smell.

Ceiling paintsSource stroybaza.dn.ua

Expert

A Russian manufacturer of budget finishes produces a line of ceiling enamels. After application, the space appears truly white. When adding pigments, the desired color is not always obtained, so professionals recommend using it in a snowy tone. The materials dry quickly, have no odor and do not wear off over time. They look great both in gloss and matte.

Dulux 3D White paint with marble particles

This water-based ceiling paint has a matte finish. The composition includes optical brightener and natural marble . This results in a dazzling white color for the finished coating. The dry layer perfectly diffuses light, which greatly increases the natural radiance of white. We can talk about the visual expansion of space and the ceilings look higher (3D effect). An excellent solution for small apartments with low ceilings.

The paint is balanced in composition, it spreads very easily over the ceiling, does not drip and has virtually no pungent odor . Can be tinted in pastel shades. This material has a lot of certificates; it can be used in medical and children's institutions, but only for interior work.

The base can be wallpaper for painting, drywall, brick, concrete, plaster. But, the paint only works in rooms with moderate humidity. For a high-quality ceiling covering, two layers are enough. Tool – sprayer, roller or brush with synthetic bristles. Consumption – from 13 m2/l. Complete drying time is 2-4 hours. Price – from 3.1 tr. per bucket 10 l.

Pros:

• visually raises ceilings;
• resistance to wet cleaning;
• high degree of whiteness;
• tinting available;
• high hiding power;
• quick drying;
• low consumption;
• convenient application.

Minuses:

• Apply only at positive temperatures.

How to dilute and add color

When working with paint, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Failure to comply with the technology will result in the composition being too thick or liquid. In the first case, it will look like poor-quality whitewash, and as a result of using a liquid solution, unsightly streaks will form on the surface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB-i9pDQEBM

When painting with a spray gun, the paint is diluted with ether, alcohol or distilled water. This must be done both at the beginning of work and before applying the second layer, while the composition is diluted directly in the spray gun bottle. In appearance, the dye should resemble full-fat milk.

The classic emulsion has a white color, which can be given any shade. This can be done using special colors. When tinting yourself, it makes sense to make a supply of solution for subsequent renewal of the coating. A special thinner-conditioner is added to water-dispersion paint for ceilings.

First, the emulsion is diluted in a small container and applied with a roller to a cardboard sampler. The choice of color scheme most often depends on the room: if the windows face south, the room is cooled with blue, green and purple paint; the room in the northern part of the house is painted in shades of yellow, red or brown.

To protect against streaks, use a tinted primer. It also allows you to make the color of the coating more saturated.

Dulux Bindo 7 BW matte latex paint

Dulux offers latex ceiling paint with a matte finish. The material is excellent for processing large areas . It has an excellent composition, is very easy to apply, does not drip or splash, quickly levels out and does not have a pungent odor. We can talk about economical consumption. In addition, the composition is environmentally friendly, which is confirmed by the “Leaf of Life” eco certificate. The paint also has other certificates that allow its use in medical and children's institutions.

The composition is intended only for interior work and is designed for dry substrates: concrete, plaster, brick, wallpaper for painting, drywall. You can paint ceilings in rooms with moderate humidity , for example, in locker rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and offices. You can use synthetic brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Dilution is required before use. For optimal results, two layers are required, layer-by-layer drying time is 1 hour, full readiness occurs in 2-4 hours. Price – from 3.9 tr. per jar 10 l.

Pros:

• high hiding power;
• resistance to washing;
• environmental friendliness;
• without a pronounced odor;
• quick drying;
• wide tinting;
• successfully emphasizes the surface relief.

Minuses:

• not suitable for wet areas.