Embodiments of the invention provide fiber mat facers, ceiling panels, and method of manufacturing the same. A fiber mat facer may include a non-woven web of fibers having a first group of fibers with an average fiber diameter from about 6 μm to about 20 μm and a second group of fibers with an average fiber diameter from about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm. The fiber mat facer may also include a binder to bond together the non-woven web of fibers into the fiber mat. The binder may include a water repellant additive. The binder and/or fiber mat facer may further include an additive that enhances the opacity of the fiber mat facer. The fiber mat facer may also include a paint applied to an outer surface of the facer. The paint may include an additive that enhances the visual appeal of the facer and/or ceiling panel.