Painting Ideas & Tips
  • July 17, 2023
  • Interior Painting

Can I Use Ceiling Paint On Walls?

You might be considering using the ceiling paint you have while you are about to paint your home interior. If you want a smooth and flat finish, you can opt for leftover ceiling paint to paint the walls of your home. Also, you can use it as a base coat or a primer if you paint a high gloss coat on it. In this article, we will look into most people’s question, “Can I use ceiling paint on walls?” and its properties and when to use it.

What is Ceiling Paint?

Knowing the key differences between ceiling and wall paint is crucial before choosing the right product. Ceiling paint is specially designed to paint ceilings. Due to its sticky and thick nature, it drips less and makes it easier to cover imperfections on the ceiling and typically available in semi-gloss and flat finish, with other choices.

Difference Between Ceiling and Wall Paint

Here, we will examine the key differences between wall and ceiling paints. Given below are the factors which signify their differences.

Price

Ceiling paint is cheaper compared to wall paint. If you paint your complete interior, use ceiling paint as a base coat. It is 15-20% cheaper than wall paint, can be a budget-friendly option, and can save you from buying extra paints. It also covers the wall marks better than wall paint, as it is thin compared to ceiling paint which ultimately saves you some bucks.

Viscosity

Viscosity and thickness are the significant differences observed in paint selection. The ceiling paint has more viscosity and thickness, which makes the paint stick better to the ceiling. Due to its high viscosity and thickness, the paint rolls smoothly and doesn’t splatter or drip when applied. This paint can be used in high-traffic areas with poor ventilation and more prone to stains. Due to its high viscosity, it can be used as a primer or a base coat for walls, doors or trims and later can be coated with wall paint.

Coverage

Ceiling paint offers more coverage when compared to wall paint because it takes more coats for wall paint to cover the scuffs and wall markings on the wall. Still, the imperfections can be covered with a single coat due to the thickness and viscosity. It is ultimately costing you less paint to get the job done.

Colour Options

Ceiling paints usually don’t come in various colour options as it tends to be undecorated and uniform. The colour options will be limited than wall paints. You can choose your desired colour to be mixed at the local paint store.

Finish

Most ceiling paints have a flat gloss finish, meaning there will be less or no reflection, and if painted with a high gloss finish, more attention will be drawn toward the ceiling. The flat white paint looks ideal for all kinds of ceilings. Wall paints generally have an eggshell finish, meaning there will be more reflection than ceiling paint, but it doesn’t have any sheen and cannot be bonded with semi-gloss paint.

Satin and pearl finishes are available in the market, which makes the surface easy to clean or wipe off dirt more easily than ceiling paints. But, If we want the same finish as the ceiling, you can use ceiling paint on the walls.

Durability

Compared to high or semi-gloss paints, flat paints come with more durability. If the walls are prone to more traffic, then flat paint will be a great option to enhance the wall’s appearance for a longer period.

When to Use Ceiling Paint on Walls?

Making a room look cozier and eye-appealing with a single colour is possible. Home designers often use this hack to match high vaulted ceilings and walls in a large room to make it look comfortable and neat.

  • It is a matter of comfort over style. When using ceiling paint on a wall, When completing a new construction or renovation, for example, painting closets using ceiling paint can be a simple method to avoid the headaches of taping.
  • Another preferred ceiling paint area is stairwells because they can hide stains, scuffs, and imperfections while covering this heavily used area from fresh markings.
  • In an area where messes are unavoidable, ceiling paint can also be effective and used as wall paint. Because the area may be repeatedly painted without requiring the application of several coats of primer and paint, it may work well in a playroom or finished basement.
  • A single coat of ceiling paint is enough to retain a frills-free room to make it look fresh for a longer period rather than breaking down whenever someone accidentally leaves markings on the walls.
  • When you have decided to paint your room completely white, ceiling paint can be used instead of wall paint.
  • Some paint brands are planning to launch more colour options in ceiling paints. Still, there is an option of mixing different colours in a local paint store that can be advisable to obtain the desired colour for your room.

Conclusion

It is okay to use ceiling paints for walls. These are considered a budget-friendly option if you want the same colour, a flat finish for the overall room, and a great choice for hiding imperfections or scuffs on the walls. Interior designers use this hack to create an even texture and finish in offices and households. Executive Touch Painters have over 30 years of experience in painting and renovations. We provide the best finishing you are looking for in your home. For more details, don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (416) 410-0164 for a free estimate.