Painting a ceiling might seem like a simple last step. But as soon as you’re under it, roller in hand, it can become surprisingly frustrating. The light catches every streak and the finish look can look patchy even after two coats.

The ceiling is the one surface where imperfections can really stand out. But the good news is that with the right paint and a few techniques, it’s easy to get a clean, even result that transforms the room.

Haymes Paint have been making paints tailored for Australian homes since 1935. Now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we’ve built a reputation for product performance and painter trust. In this article, we’ll explore why ceilings need specialist paint, what makes our Expressions® Interior Ceiling the right choice, and how you can achieve a professional-looking result.

Why ceiling painting is difficult, even for experienced painters

Walls are within easy reach, while ceilings are not. You’re working at full extension, applying paint above your head, often in awkward lighting. It’s no surprise the ceiling is where streaks, roller lines and uneven coverage tend to show up.

And it’s not just the angle. Overhead light from downlights or windows casts shadows across the surface, making any inconsistency more visible. Some ceilings also have patched or textured areas that react unpredictably to light unless you use the right kind of paint.

Why you need ceiling-specific paint, not leftovers

It’s tempting to use leftover paint that’s in the shed. But standard wall or trim paints usually have a sheen level that’s too high for ceilings. They reflect light, exaggerating surface flaws and leaving a finish that looks uneven from different angles.

Ceiling paints are made differently. They’re designed to dry ultra-flat, helping to mask imperfections and reduce light bounce. The consistency is also better suited to overhead application, less splatter, fewer drips, and a smoother result. 

A product like Expressions® Interior Ceiling gives you an advantage before you even start painting. It’s made for this job.

Why Expressions® Interior Ceiling makes ceiling painting easier

This isn’t a repurposed wall paint. Expressions® Interior Ceiling is formulated specifically for overhead work and the visual demands of ceilings. Here’s what else makes it stand out:

• Ultra-flat finish – Gloss level of 1.5–2.5 at 60° reduces reflection and hides imperfections.
• True white base – Bright, clean white straight from the tin or tintable for a softer ceiling tone.
• Superior coverage – Up to 16m² per litre, minimising the number of coats.
• Low VOC and low odour – More comfortable to use in enclosed or occupied rooms.
• Fast drying – Recoat in just two hours, speeding up your project.
• Versatile application – Suitable for brush, roller or spray.

Important note: Expressions® Interior Ceiling is not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or laundries. For those spaces, use Kitchen & Bathroom, which handles humidity without compromising finish. 

What about priming?

For bare plasterboard or patched areas, a ceiling primer like Ultracover® is recommended before your first coat of paint. This helps seal the surface and ensures consistent absorption. 

Step-by-step: How to paint your ceiling like a pro

Even with the right paint, ceiling jobs need a methodical approach. Here’s how to get the best result. 

Tools checklist:

• 10–12mm nap roller (for light texture)
• Extension pole (for even pressure and ease)
• Angled brush (for cutting in)
• Drop sheets, painter’s tape, sugar soap, patch filler, ceiling primer (as needed)

Prepping the surface:

1. Lightly wash the ceiling using Haymes Paint Unikleen Sugar Soap to remove dust or grease.
2. Fill any cracks or dents with patching compound, then sand smooth.
3. Prime any new plaster or heavily patched areas, with Haymes Paint Ultracover®, before your topcoat.

Application tips:

1. Cut in edges first using an angled brush.
2. Roll in overlapping, consistent W-patterns about 1m² at a time.
3. Keep a wet edge as you move to avoid lap marks.
4. Apply a second coat after two hours for full coverage and consistency.

Avoiding the mistakes that lead to streaky ceilings

Here are the pitfalls that most often trip up DIYers, and how to avoid them:

• Using the wrong paint – Ceiling paint is ultra-flat for a reason. Wall paint tends to reflect.
• Painting in poor lighting – Shadows make it easy to miss spots. Use work lights if needed.
• Not prepping properly – Dust, stains or glossy patches stop paint from adhering evenly.
• Only applying one coat – Even with good coverage, a second coat evens out sheen and colour.
• Wrong roller nap – Too short, and it won’t hold enough paint. Too long, and you risk texture.

These are simple to fix with good preparation, and the right paint choice from the outset.

Still unsure about ceiling paint? Here's why it matters 

Some painters wonder if ceiling paint is just clever marketing. Couldn’t you just use low sheen wall paint? It’s a fair question, but ceiling paints serve a very different purpose. Their ultra-flat finish reduces light reflection, which helps disguise everything from minor dents to uneven patches. That’s not something a standard wall or trim paint is made to do. 

And if you’ve painted a ceiling before and ended up with visible roller marks or sheen inconsistencies, the paint could be the reason. Expressions® Interior Ceiling was designed to solve that exact problem, giving you a surface that looks calm, consistent, and beautifully finished.

Bring your room together with a professional-looking ceiling

When it’s done right, a freshly painted ceiling does more than sit quietly above a room. It elevates everything beneath it, wall colours, lighting, furnishings. It makes the space feel clean, complete and considered.

With Expressions® Interior Ceiling, you're choosing a paint made to make your job easier and your results better. No second-guessing, just a smooth, flawless finish every time.

Start your next project with confidence by finding your local Haymes Paint stockist for professional products and more expert guidance.