Macphersons Eclipse Vs Tikkurila Anti-Reflex are two products which are very different to each other; however, they are the two most popular choices amongst professional decorators when it comes to painting ceilings. It is easy to see why and they’re both great products. As a decorator I use both on a regular basis.
Problems When Using Inferior Products on a Ceiling
I’ve been a decorator for most of my working life and I can tell you that 10 years ago we wouldn’t bother having a conversation about white emulsion. Unfortunately, nowadays you do encounter some very noticeable problems when using inferior products. The paint has changed for the worse, probably down to cost cutting. Flashing, picture framing, roller marks and other defects mean choosing a good quality ceiling paint is now very important.
Macphersons Eclipse
Available online, any Crown Decorating Centre and plenty of independents, Macphersons Eclipse is a standard contract matt. This means the paint does not contain many polymer binders and it is suitable for use on bare plaster. You can even use it on plaster that’s “nearly” dry, as Macphersons Eclipse allows plaster to breathe.
The opacity of Macphersons Eclipse is bang on, so much so that previously painted ceilings often cover in one good coat. Flashing and picture framing are minimal, and it is easy to achieve a nice flat finish. Re-coat time is around 2 hours, but it can be a lot sooner. In fact, you can back-roll pretty much straight away, which has the effect of applying two coats. When applying paint with an airless sprayer you can apply 2 or even 3 coats of Macphersons Eclipse one after another without issue.
There are a few limitations when using Macphersons Eclipse. A contract matt is fine on most ceilings, but I wouldn’t use it in a kitchen or bathroom. I’d be apprehensive of using it in a room with a log burner as I think the paint would hold onto any future smoke damage. You can’t really use contract matt over the top of silk paint either, or you run the risk of crazing.
All being said, I do still love Macphersons Eclipse on a ceiling. It is great on bare plaster, great when spraying, cheap and readily available. The most important factor is the finish which is nice and flat. Click here to see latest prices.
Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2
Tikkurila Anti-Reflex is a different animal. Available from Tikkurila Pro Centres, a couple of dozen independent merchants, or online by clicking here. Recoat time is around 2 – 4 hours depending on conditions. Tikkurila Anti-Reflex is close to a durable matt, meaning there are a lot of polymer binders in the paint and it is suitable almost anywhere.
This product is not suitable for bare plaster, so if you’re going over a new ceiling, make sure you give it a coat of contract matt like Optiva Primer or MACPHEARSONS ECLIPES before applying your Anti-Reflex. However, you can use it over previously painted surfaces includig silk.
The opacity of Tikkurila Anti-Reflex is quite poor, and you rarely get away with 1 coat over previously painted ceilings. It is about twice as expensive as Macpherson Eclipse too!!
So, what is so good about Tikkurila Anti-Reflex? Well that’s an easy one, the finish is to die for!! Tikkurila Anti-Reflex has a very luxurious dull finish. Picture framing is never an issue and roller marks just melt away. Even imperfections on plasterwork are less noticeable due to the lack of sheen. Tikkurila Anti-Reflex even sprays well. Just use nice, big, thick coats to combat the opacity issue and you’re good to go.
The Conclusion
I use both Macphersons Eclipse AND Tikkurila Anti-Reflex, it completely depends on the job I’m working on. If you need a quick freshen up, then Eclipse is the way to go. Eclipse is cheap and quick.
If the job needs to be right or the ceiling is particularly “light sensitive”, then Tikkurila Anti-Reflex is an amazing product. I can’t recommend it enough.
The Alternatives
We’re spoilt for choice nowadays with the vast range of emulsion products available to us. Tikkurila Anti-Reflex and MacPhersons eclipse are both amazing products, but there are alternatives.
If you want a very low-sheen ceiling paint to rival Tikkurila Anti-Reflex, then Teknos Teknoceiling is well worth a look. I’d say the finish isn’t quite as good, but the opacity is a lot better. Plus, you’ll avoid all the usual defects like flashing.
If you want a high-opacity contract matt to rival MacPhersons Eclipse, then why not try Armstead contract matt. You’ll find it cheaper, easier to use and better to spray. The finish isn’t quite as good, but it’s very close.
When you say about inferior paint products over the last 10 years with getting flashing and roller marks , it’s more a case of the dodgy plasterers and tackers when you can’t get rid of brush and roller marks it’s more a case of plaster being over polished and patchy ceilings more a case of uneven plaster board a prior to painting which leaves light shadows been decorating for 38 years love macphearsons eclipse. 👍
Have to agree with the previous post. Also in the last ten years, or so, there are a lot less artexed ceiling which hid both poor paint and application. I love the finish of AR2 but it is a grey white compared with some.
Agreed l use both these products both great.
Leyland super lextex flashes.
Johnsones contract while great coverage flashes terrible.
Amstead contact drys too shiny, flashes terrible also see every roller mark on ceilings spotlights etc