Whether you just bought a new home or you're renovating a room, you eventually have to worry about what those walls look like! You may be wondering if you can use just any kind of paint on your walls? Like ceiling paint, for example. We've done our research on everything paint to cut through any headaches it might cause and answered these questions for you!
Yes, you can use ceiling paint on your walls. However, there are things to consider before choosing to do this:
- There is a difference between ceiling paint and wall paint.
- Ceiling paint isn't made to be cleaned like many wall paints.
- Finishes are limited for ceiling paint.
You can use it, but you may not enjoy the finished look or how it holds up in the months to come.
We understand how much can go into finding the perfect paint for your rooms. You have to think about style and functionality. Looking through all of those color swatches is just the beginning! To save yourself from the pain of staring down those endless aisles of paint cans, keep reading!
Things to consider before using ceiling paint
There is a reason why it's called "ceiling paint," after all, and not just paint. There are advantages and disadvantages to using it on your walls. Both from a functional and stylistic viewpoint.
There is a difference between ceiling paint and wall paint
Have you ever noticed how wall paint tends to drip and run? When you're painting your ceiling, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is dripping and splattering. To prevent a huge mess, ceiling paint is made much thicker than wall paint.
Ceiling paint isn't made to be cleaned like many wall paints
While you may find some durable ceiling paints, your standard can isn't made for wear. Whether it's the standard flat finish or its formula in general, it doesn't hold up as well as most wall paints in this area. Due to its finish, it will likely also show marks and grime more easily. Even if you scrub the dirt off of an area of ceiling paint, guests may still see the spot you cleaned due to the wear of the paint.
Ceiling paint isn't made for your walls
Generally, ceiling paint right off the shelf only comes in a flat or matte white. This is to stop it from reflecting too much light and being distracting. This isn't always a good quality for walls, where you may want some light-reflecting. Ceiling paint is designed to give a smooth and even finish. This way, some spots on your newly painted surface won't accidentally be thinner or look different than the rest of the surface.
Things ceiling paint does well
The name "ceiling paint" is very misleading. Yes, that is the primary purpose of this product but paint the ceiling is far from all it can do. Using it on your walls and more can give you some unexpected benefits.
Can ceiling paint be used as drywall primer?
It does this job exceedingly well. One of the main purposes of ceiling paint is to cover marks and other blemishes on the ceiling. It fulfills this purpose on walls also. Its superior covering power and flat finish make for an excellent primer and undercoat to your standard interior paints.
Is ceiling paint cheaper than wall paint?
We have found that ceiling paint does cost less than your standard interior wall paints. This is due to the lack of options that ceiling paint comes in. So the reduced price does come at a cost.
Is ceiling paint better for the walls of some rooms than others?
That may depend on what the walls in your home already look like. Ceiling paint can be used in all rooms. Because of its ability to cover blemishes, it may be better suited to some rooms, more so than others.
If the stains of the last tenant are giving you a hard time covering up, then ceiling paint may be your saving grace. There are some very stubborn and common stains, such as grease or smoking stains. Using ceiling paint under your finishing paint in these areas may have the covering power you need.
Can ceiling paint be the same color as walls?
While you may only find white ceiling paint right off the shelf, you can have it tinted. With many architecture and different styles, having your ceiling the same color as your wall can look great! It just depends on your tastes.
Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls offers a unique style. Depending on what color you use, you may love it so much you never want to go back to white ceilings! This style might leave all of your guesting wanting to do the same thing in their homes!
Things ceiling paint do not do well
Ceiling paint can undoubtedly be used for more than you might expect, but that doesn't mean it can do everything. There are parts of its design that make it the weaker option for some situations. In these areas, it's best to stick with the paint that's meant to go there.
Can you use ceiling paint on doors?
If you're in a pinch, you certainly can use ceiling paint on doors, but you may quickly come to regret it. Doors get a lot of people, and often pets, constantly touching them. Ceiling paint is not usually made to be highly durable. It's not made to be rubbed and cleaned, and it does not wear well in high traffic areas. So if you choose to use ceiling paint on a door, you may soon find it chipped and worn looking.
Does ceiling paint have the same finishes as interior paint?
Ceiling paint comes in flat and eggshell. That's usually it. Interior paint offers a wide variety of finishes, from semi-gloss to satin and beyond. Each of those finishes reflects and catches the light in different ways. This is to help you define the style of each room differently. Since ceiling paint doesn't have this variety of finishes, it most likely will not give you the finished look you want.
Should you use ceiling paint on walls, you clean a lot?
Due to the formula and finish of ceiling paint, it doesn't do well with being cleaned. This means it is not recommended in a children's room or kitchen. Any room where you can see yourself having to scrub a wall is a room where ceiling paint should not be used as the topcoat.
Finishing touches
Ceiling paint doesn't need just to be limited by its name. It can be a very useful primer and bottom coat for all the rooms in your house. Ceiling paint does incredibly well in rooms with stubborn previous stains that you need to cover. It's a great substitute for specific situations if it's all you have, but make sure to think about the long-term effects of using it.
To stop you from regretting using ceiling paint, it shouldn't be used as a topcoat. Its limited finishes also tie your hands when it comes to styling. Finally, make sure not to use it on doors or other high traffic areas because it is not meant to withstand wear and tear.
For more very important painting knowledge, click on the links below!