If you are getting ready to paint the inside of your house, you may wonder if you can recycle any of the paint you already have. So, the question is Can Ceiling Paint Be Used On Walls? What about the other way around? Are the paints compatible with one another?
You can use ceiling paint instead of wall paint on your interior walls if you want a smooth and flat finish. There are a lot of perks that come along with applying paint to the ceiling. Moreover, you may also use ceiling paint as a primer for doors, walls, and trim. This is if you follow up the ceiling paint application with a topcoat with a higher gloss.
However, it is helpful to grasp the difference between painting the ceiling and painting the walls. This will enable you to understand the conditions in which one may be more or less appropriate than the other. In the following piece of article, we will discuss these changes along with the benefits and drawbacks of applying ceiling paint to wall surfaces.
Content
Can Ceiling Paint Be Used On Walls?
You may paint the internal walls using paint designed for the ceiling. However, the end effect will be far superior if you utilize ceiling paint as a primer.
You will spend less time and money on the painting job regardless of your chosen method. There are a few more benefits and drawbacks associated with using ceiling paint for your walls, including the following:
- Durability
- A high level of viscosity
- There are just a few colors.
- Capability to conceal scuff marks on walls
Also Read: Can You Paint Over Flex Seal? A Proper Guide in 2022
Difference Between Ceiling And Wall Paint
The primary factors that differentiate the two are the viscosity or “thickness” levels of the paints used for walls and ceilings. Paint for the ceiling has a greater viscosity than paint for the walls, which means that it is more viscous and will adhere more effectively when applied.
When rolled onto the ceiling, it is supposed to have a reduced tendency to drop or spatter, thanks to the increased proportion of solids in the paint mix. Paint for the ceiling also provides more “covering” or more users from a single application layer, as opposed to the traditional method of applying two or even three coats to cover a surface adequately.
Finishing
The majority of ceiling paints have a finish that is flat and glossy. This indicates that the paint has very few or perhaps no reflecting qualities. A coating that was reflective or had a high gloss level would draw unnecessary attention to the ceiling. The flat white paint looks good with many ceilings, including popcorn and boxed ceilings.
When designing office space with contemporary interior decoration, flat paints are often used on the ceiling and the walls. Eggshell is the most common kind of finish for wall paint. Eggshell is a texture comparable to flat, but it also includes some reflection.
Paint for the flat ceiling goes nicely with paint for the flat, eggshell, pearl, or satin walls. You might continue painting the ceiling onto the walls if you want the walls to have the same shine and color as the ceiling.
This would need more painting time, though. To get a more aesthetically pleasing look on the ceiling, you should apply a semi-gloss finish under no circumstances.
Capability to Cover Up Marks on Walls
Because of its thick consistency, ceiling paint has good blocking properties and is an excellent choice for use as a primer on walls and trim in places with a lot of foot activity. Ceiling paint is an easy way to hide mildew stains in a house that have developed as a consequence of inadequate ventilation. These stains may appear in areas that are susceptible to developing mildew.
Additionally, it is an excellent choice for cleaning areas riddled with cigar or cigarette smoke, food spatter, handprints, scuff marks, and other stains. Even while ceiling paint can’t completely hide every kind of stain, it’s better at hiding blemishes than regular wall paint.
Durability
Paints with a flat finish are often used for ceilings since they have a far longer lifespan than paints with a semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen. If your walls are prone to scuffs or scratches, painting the wall’s surface with flat paint may help improve its look for a more extended period.
Limited Color Options
Most ceiling paints are made to facilitate a simple painting application so that the ceiling will have a uniform and undecorated look after it has been painted. Having said this, the color selections available for ceiling paint might be somewhat restricted compared to the ones available for wall paint. You may, on the other hand, go to a local paint shop and have your paint mixed there, or you can do it yourself.
Pricing
It can be more cost effective for you to paint your walls using ceiling paint. On average, this paint is 15-20 percentage points less expensive than most other interior paints. If you are painting the whole inside, using ceiling paint as a primer may save you from having to purchase an additional product. This is especially beneficial if you are on a budget.
The ability to cover a large surface area and conceal imperfections on the wall in a single coat means you will spend less money on this product than on wall paint. However, the price of certain latex ceiling paints might be much more than that of latex wall paints.
When to Use Ceiling Paint on Walls?
If you want the walls and the ceiling to have the same color and shine, Can Ceiling Paint Be Used On Walls? It’s a fantastic alternative to consider if any of your rooms feature noticeable:
- Stains
- Scratches
- Grazes and scrapes
- Cigarette smoke
- Handprints
- Cooking spatter
Even though ceiling paint is not optimal for concealing all sorts of stains, the paint’s coverage and viscosity provide significant benefits when it comes to blocking. Paint for the ceiling is also an excellent choice for specific spaces, such as:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Private offices in the home
Wall defects such as dents, gaps, or patchwork are easier to conceal because of the flat, matte surface. Additionally, there is often not much difference between the freshly retouched paint and the previous wall surface. Please stay away from the bathroom and kitchen since they are both filthy and need latex paint rather than oil-based paint.
Can You Use Ceiling Paint as an Undercoat (Primer) On Walls?
Flat ceiling paint may be used as a primer for other surfaces, such as walls, doors, and trim. In most cases, the paint may be sanded relatively quickly, allowing for the application of a final coat of paint with a greater gloss. Primarily, doors and trim need to be painted with a semi- or high-gloss finish, as this kind of paint makes it easier to maintain cleanliness on the surface.
Can I Mix Ceiling Paint With Wall Paint?
You may combine the paint on the walls and ceiling if they are both of the same kind. Altering the color of the paint by mixing it gives you more options, which is convenient given that ceiling paint is often white. Check that both the font and the finish are the same. The most prevalent kind of latex paint is flat latex. Before you paint the whole project, it is a good idea to test to see if there are any difficulties.
How to Use Ceiling Paint on Walls – A Proper Way
Follow these instructions if you want to paint the walls using ceiling paint. You may also use flat ceiling paint to prepare interior wall or door paint. In this scenario, the ceiling paint may be used in place of the primer, and the other steps of the painting procedure can be carried out as normal.
1: Get The Space Ready
Before you begin painting the room, you need to prepare it by moving any furniture, fixtures, or other items you don’t want to be painted over or damaged. Before removing any light fixtures or ceiling fans, be sure the power is turned off. The next step is removing debris and dust from the ceiling and walls. This is necessary since paint does not stick well to unclean surfaces.
Last but not least, examine the ceiling and the walls for any flaws, such as cracks or holes. You may make rapid repairs to these problems by using caulk or spackle.
Put down a drop cloth or tarp to catch paint splashes, and then gather all your supplies. Be careful to put on your safety goggles and open the windows, so there is enough ventilation. Most paints include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which escape into the air when the paint dries. However, it is preferable to err on the side of caution.
It’s possible that using painter’s tape can assist you in preventing paint from getting on your windows, doors, and trim. If you want to paint both the wall and the ceiling the same color, there is no need to tape off the ceiling.
2: Put the Primer to Use
Applying primer to the ceiling and walls will increase the amount of time the paintwork looks good. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer, paying particular attention to the drying time.
3: Begin the Process of Painting the Ceiling
If you are painting the walls and the ceiling with the same color, you should begin painting at the highest point and work your way down. The ceiling should be painted first, followed by the walls and the trim. In this method, the newly applied coat of paint will conceal any splatters or drips on the wall. To provide an equal coating, work in parts organized like a grid. Try to keep the paint roller from going straight over your head.
4: Cut the Corners
You’ll need a pair of scissors and a paintbrush to trim the corners and paint the edges where the wall meets the ceiling. During this stage of the process, you will be painting the ceiling. While you were doing so, there is a chance that you missed some places with the roller.
5: Move to the Walls
The next step is to paint the walls with your roller. Keep working on the artwork in successively smaller portions. First, finish up the current wall, then go on to the next. If more coverage is required, apply another coat of paint.
FAQs
-
Can I Paint the Ceiling First or the Walls First?
While painting a whole room, it is advised that you start at the ceiling and work your way down. As a result, you should start by painting the ceiling, followed by the walls and trim. The rationale is that if you paint the ceiling first, you won’t have to worry about paint spatter, roller mists, or drips ruining the freshly painted walls.
-
Is It a Good Idea to Paint the Ceiling if I Clean the Walls So Often?
Ceiling paint does not take easy to clean because of its composition and gloss. That’s why it’s not a good idea to put it in the kitchen or a space where kids hang around. To avoid scraping the walls afterward, ceiling paint should not be used as the last layer in any area.
-
Does the Ceiling Paint Work on Doors?
Although ceiling paint may be used as a primer, it should not be used for actual door painting. The primary explanation is that doors are constantly subjected to high stress. A door’s paint job wouldn’t endure long. Another factor is the inability to wipe off flat ceiling paint and the general messiness of doors.
Final Words
Can Ceiling Paint Be Used On Walls? Painting a ceiling is not restricted to its name alone. Priming and bottom coating with this product may be quite helpful for any room in the home. If you need to cover up old stains on the ceiling, ceiling paint is your best option.
If that’s all you have, then, by all means, use it; keep in mind the long-term consequences. This guide should have taught you a thing or two about ceiling paint, including its helpful characteristics and how it performs in various settings.