Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint
Benjamin Moore's Waterborne Ceiling Paint is positioned as best-in-class for ceiling paint thanks to its ultra-flat, non-reflective finish, superior hide and low-splatter formulation that minimizes the appearance of imperfections on large overhead surfaces. While it sits at a premium price compared with the others on this list, its coverage and durability often reduce the need for multiple coats and future touch-ups, giving a long-term technical and financial advantage over cheaper alternatives like SICO or CIL. For projects where ultimate uniformity and longevity matter, it outperforms market-leader value options such as Behr and mid-range offerings like Dulux.
Ultra-flat ninja
Low-odor bliss
Ultra-flat ninja
Low-odor bliss
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint for its excellent hide, true flat finish and minimal splatter; it's seen as premium and long-lasting though more expensive. "
Superior hide
Ultra-flat finish minimizes glare for a smooth, uniform ceiling appearance
Superior hide
Ultra-flat finish minimizes glare for a smooth, uniform ceiling appearance
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Eco-Friendly Living
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Benjamin Moore's Waterborne Ceiling Paint is positioned as best-in-class for ceiling paint thanks to its ultra-flat, non-reflective finish, superior hide and low-splatter formulation that minimizes the appearance of imperfections on large overhead surfaces. While it sits at a premium price compared with the others on this list, its coverage and durability often reduce the need for multiple coats and future touch-ups, giving a long-term technical and financial advantage over cheaper alternatives like SICO or CIL. For projects where ultimate uniformity and longevity matter, it outperforms market-leader value options such as Behr and mid-range offerings like Dulux.
Ultra-flat ninja
Low-odor bliss
Superior hide
Ultra-flat finish minimizes glare for a smooth, uniform ceiling appearance
Waterborne acrylic formula with low VOCs and fast drying times
Ultra-flat ninja
Low-odor bliss
Superior hide
Ultra-flat finish minimizes glare for a smooth, uniform ceiling appearance
Waterborne acrylic formula with low VOCs and fast drying times
$70-110 CAD
Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint
Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint earns its market-leader status by balancing strong performance with broad retail availability and a competitive price point, making it a go-to choice for DIYers and pros alike. Its waterborne formula delivers consistent coverage and easy application, offering better immediate value than premium brands while often matching or exceeding the mid-range performance of Dulux and SICO for everyday ceiling jobs. Financially it represents a cost-effective middle ground—less expensive than Benjamin Moore but more reliable than the lowest-cost options for large-area ceiling coverage.
One-coat magic
Stain-block hero
One-coat magic
Stain-block hero
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint for strong coverage at an affordable price and good mildew resistance; some report occasional touch-ups or slightly higher sheen than expected. "
Budget-bright
Specifically formulated for ceilings with a non-reflective flat finish
Budget-bright
Specifically formulated for ceilings with a non-reflective flat finish
Time-Saving Convenience
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Optimized Work Efficiency
Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint earns its market-leader status by balancing strong performance with broad retail availability and a competitive price point, making it a go-to choice for DIYers and pros alike. Its waterborne formula delivers consistent coverage and easy application, offering better immediate value than premium brands while often matching or exceeding the mid-range performance of Dulux and SICO for everyday ceiling jobs. Financially it represents a cost-effective middle ground—less expensive than Benjamin Moore but more reliable than the lowest-cost options for large-area ceiling coverage.
One-coat magic
Stain-block hero
Budget-bright
Specifically formulated for ceilings with a non-reflective flat finish
Good stain resistance and consistent hide at an affordable price
One-coat magic
Stain-block hero
Budget-bright
Specifically formulated for ceilings with a non-reflective flat finish
Good stain resistance and consistent hide at an affordable price
$45-70 CAD
Dulux Ceiling Paint Flat White
Dulux Ceiling Paint Flat White is noted for its bright, consistent whiteness and good reflectivity, which helps ceilings look clean and spacious; its low-VOC, quick-dry formulation is technically attractive for both residential and commercial ceilings. Priced typically between economy and premium brands, Dulux delivers a strong compromise of optical performance and environmental considerations, often producing a visibly brighter finish than economy SICO or CIL products while being more affordable than Benjamin Moore. For projects prioritizing ceiling brightness and fast turnaround, Dulux is a solid mid-range choice compared with Behr's broad-market appeal.
Consistent flat
Drip-resistant grin
Consistent flat
Drip-resistant grin
Review Summary
"Dulux Ceiling Paint Flat White is commonly reviewed as easy to apply with a consistent flat finish and good value, but darker ceilings often need a second coat and it’s less stain-resistant than top-tier options. "
Ceiling-bright
Classic flat white formulation that reduces light reflection for even appearance
Ceiling-bright
Classic flat white formulation that reduces light reflection for even appearance
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Time-Saving Convenience
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Dulux Ceiling Paint Flat White is noted for its bright, consistent whiteness and good reflectivity, which helps ceilings look clean and spacious; its low-VOC, quick-dry formulation is technically attractive for both residential and commercial ceilings. Priced typically between economy and premium brands, Dulux delivers a strong compromise of optical performance and environmental considerations, often producing a visibly brighter finish than economy SICO or CIL products while being more affordable than Benjamin Moore. For projects prioritizing ceiling brightness and fast turnaround, Dulux is a solid mid-range choice compared with Behr's broad-market appeal.
Consistent flat
Drip-resistant grin
Ceiling-bright
Classic flat white formulation that reduces light reflection for even appearance
Designed to resist drips and spatter for cleaner application
Consistent flat
Drip-resistant grin
Ceiling-bright
Classic flat white formulation that reduces light reflection for even appearance
Designed to resist drips and spatter for cleaner application
$40-65 CAD
SICO Ceiling Paint Flat Finish
SICO Ceiling Paint Flat Finish is a value-oriented, contractor-friendly option that provides reliable flat coverage at a lower upfront cost, making it attractive for large or budget-sensitive ceiling projects. Its practical formulation focuses on ease of touch-up and acceptable hide, which can require extra coats compared with premium products like Benjamin Moore but keeps material costs down versus higher-priced solutions. When comparing total project spend and simple performance needs, SICO is a sensible economical pick alongside, but generally cheaper than, Behr and Dulux.
Stain-block shield
Even-coverage charm
Stain-block shield
Even-coverage charm
Review Summary
"SICO Ceiling Paint Flat Finish is viewed as a solid budget-friendly choice with decent coverage, though some users report patchiness and the need for extra coats on uneven or stained ceilings. "
Quiet-matte finish
Flat finish optimized to hide imperfections and reduce sheen on ceilings
Quiet-matte finish
Flat finish optimized to hide imperfections and reduce sheen on ceilings
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
SICO Ceiling Paint Flat Finish is a value-oriented, contractor-friendly option that provides reliable flat coverage at a lower upfront cost, making it attractive for large or budget-sensitive ceiling projects. Its practical formulation focuses on ease of touch-up and acceptable hide, which can require extra coats compared with premium products like Benjamin Moore but keeps material costs down versus higher-priced solutions. When comparing total project spend and simple performance needs, SICO is a sensible economical pick alongside, but generally cheaper than, Behr and Dulux.
Stain-block shield
Even-coverage charm
Quiet-matte finish
Flat finish optimized to hide imperfections and reduce sheen on ceilings
Low VOC options with good adhesion to common ceiling substrates
Stain-block shield
Even-coverage charm
Quiet-matte finish
Flat finish optimized to hide imperfections and reduce sheen on ceilings
Low VOC options with good adhesion to common ceiling substrates
$45-75 CAD
CIL Smart3 Ceiling Paint
CIL Smart3 Ceiling Paint differentiates itself financially and technically by combining paint and primer-like properties in one product, reducing labor and material costs for full-ceiling jobs and making it an efficient choice for renovations. While its finish may not match the ultra-flat perfection of a premium Benjamin Moore product, the Smart3 approach offers strong adhesion and stain-blocking benefits that outpace many economy paints and can eliminate a separate priming step compared with SICO or some Behr applications. For buyers seeking time and cost savings on typical ceiling work, CIL Smart3 is a practical, performance-minded alternative.
Triple-action hide
Low-VOC friendly
Triple-action hide
Low-VOC friendly
Review Summary
"CIL Smart3 Ceiling Paint is valued for low VOCs and easy rolling application, but reviewers commonly note coverage is thinner than premium brands and may require additional coats for full hide. "
Quick-dry perk
Smart3 technology offers improved hide with reduced odor during application
Quick-dry perk
Smart3 technology offers improved hide with reduced odor during application
Eco-Friendly Living
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Time-Saving Convenience
CIL Smart3 Ceiling Paint differentiates itself financially and technically by combining paint and primer-like properties in one product, reducing labor and material costs for full-ceiling jobs and making it an efficient choice for renovations. While its finish may not match the ultra-flat perfection of a premium Benjamin Moore product, the Smart3 approach offers strong adhesion and stain-blocking benefits that outpace many economy paints and can eliminate a separate priming step compared with SICO or some Behr applications. For buyers seeking time and cost savings on typical ceiling work, CIL Smart3 is a practical, performance-minded alternative.
Triple-action hide
Low-VOC friendly
Quick-dry perk
Smart3 technology offers improved hide with reduced odor during application
Fast drying and provides uniform coverage on both new and previously painted ceilings
Triple-action hide
Low-VOC friendly
Quick-dry perk
Smart3 technology offers improved hide with reduced odor during application
Fast drying and provides uniform coverage on both new and previously painted ceilings
$45-75 CAD