Even specialist paints that are designed not to drip or spatter will do exactly that if your brush or roller is overloaded. Painting ceilings has the potential to cause a lot of mess and potentially damage your precious carpets and furnishings beyond repair, so it pays to be prepared. READ NEXT: The best paint rollers for your home How much preparation do I have to do? Bear in mind, though, that the glossy sheen will show up every imperfection in your ceilings, so if you want a gleaming skating rink effect on your ceilings, you may need to enlist the help of a professional decorator.

The ceilings will need to be sealed with a suitable sealant, and you’ll want to combine a water-based gloss paint with an extender, a product that dilutes the gloss paint and allows for easier, smoother application. If you really have a hankering for gloss ceilings then it’s not impossible, but it will require a lot more legwork and preparation if you want good-looking results. You don’t necessarily need to use a specialist ceiling paint, but if you can budget for one, it’s well worth considering – they may make your life even easier as they’re designed to avoid spatter and dry more slowly for a better finish. If you want an easy life, then we’d advise using a simple matt emulsion as it will be easy to apply and will give results that won’t show up every last bump and lump in your ceilings. How to choose the best ceiling paint What’s the best type of paint for ceilings?

Best ceiling paint for treating mould: Dryzone Anti Mould.

Best budget ceiling paint: Wickes Matt Emulsion.

Best ceiling paint for a pro finish: Dulux Matt Emulsion.

If you’re not sure where to start, then read on and the quick primer below will run you through the process, from choosing your paint to picking up a brush or roller and getting to work. From anti-mould paints for warding off outbreaks of black mould through to cheap, simple matt emulsions that are ideal for tackling a whole home’s worth of ceilings, there’s something here for every job. Here we’ll run you through all the key things you need to know, and recommend a selection of paints that are perfect for coating your ceilings with a minimum of hassle. Choose the right equipment, though, partner it with a tin or two of the best ceiling paint you can afford, and an unpleasant job becomes just that little bit easier. Painting walls is one thing, but refreshing your ceilings is a job that’s just a tad more daunting – and awkward to boot.

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