How Does Heat Reflective Ceiling Paint Work?

How It Works

• The paint contains microscopic ceramic spheres filled with gas that transform into insulating materials when the paint dries. This creates a radiant heat barrier that reflects heat away from the surface, whereas non-reflective paint absorbs heat. The reflection keeps the temperature of rooms more constant.

Other Benefits

• Besides reflecting heat, the insulating properties of the paint reduce the noise in rooms and lower the atmospheric humidity. Mold and mildew growth can be reduced by using heat-reflective paint in typically moist rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms, where water condensation on ceilings is common.

Paint Types

• Heat-reflective paints are acrylic-based and available in primer and topcoat varieties. The two types of primers for interior use are white primer and a gray aluminum-ceramic type that adds extra insulation to the ceiling. For best results, use a primer covered with a topcoat. If you use only a topcoat-type paint, apply two coats. You can apply both types over old paint or on newly constructed drywall or sheetrock ceilings.

Paint Additives

• To convert regular paint to heat-reflective paint, you can mix it with a specially formulated powder. This is the most cost-effective option if you have already purchased regular interior paint. The heat-reflective additive successfully mixes with acrylic primers and topcoats. Since the additive adds about 20 percent volume to paint, you need to mix the two substances in a container large enough to accommodate the final product.

Additive Effects on Paint

• Although the additive will not alter the chemical properties of the paint, it affects the sheen, color and viscosity. The additive slightly dulls the sheen, lightens dark colors and makes white paint shades brighter. It also thickens the paint and increases the drying time. You should let heat-reflective paint dry for three days before touching it and 24 hours before adding a second coat.

Paint Surfaces

• If the ceiling is already coated with an oil-based paint, use shellac, alkyd or polyurethane paint mixed with the additive. Wallpapered ceilings need to be first coated with a drywall primer combined with the additive. Ceilings previously painted with latex or acrylic paint or vinyl-paneled ceilings require a coat of heat-reflective acrylic primer under the topcoat.