If you are thinking of doing a little home remodeling, you may worry about what those walls look like! You may wonder if you can use just any kind of paint on your walls. Like ceiling paint, for example.
Can you use ceiling paint on the walls? Now, we will discuss whether we can use ceiling paint on walls or not.

What is ceiling paint
Ceiling paint is a type of paint that can be used on ceilings and walls. It is very thin paint that can be easily applied with a brush or a roller, and it is typically used to cover up the existing ceiling or wall paints.
Ceiling paint is more viscous (thicker) than wall paint. Mostly, ceiling paint is latex-based and is designed to have a smooth, even finish that can be easily applied. Ceiling paint is typically available in either a flat or a low-gloss sheen.
One of the advantages of ceiling paint is that it is formulated to resist staining and soiling from smoke and cooking vapors, whereas wall paint is not. Ceiling paint is also designed to resist mildew.
You may usually get away with only painting one coat with ceiling paint as its higher viscosity, and ceiling paint is also made to dry more quickly.
What are the differences between ceiling paint and wall paint
It’s common to use ceiling paint on areas apart from the ceiling. Nevertheless, it is helpful to understand the difference between ceiling paint and wall paint and to know in which circumstances it may be more or less fitting. Below, we will discuss the differences between ceiling paint and wall paint.
The ceiling paint doesn’t reflect light. This is the thing that makes it so great at hiding imperfections along the edges of a room. It’s ideal for “evening out” walls that are full of blemishes, bumps, and marks.
Ceiling pain has a higher viscosity than wall paint. Viscosity may be thought of as a paint’s “thickness” level. It’s designed with more solids in the paint mix so that it won’t drip or splatter as much when rolled onto the ceiling. And also, ceiling paint offers more “coverage” or more use from one application layer instead of applying two or three coats to sufficiently cover a surface.
Better coverage – It’s easier to achieve a smooth, uniform finish with ceiling paint. Because, in addition to adding body to the paint, a high viscosity also supplies full, opaque coverage in one coat. That means it will cover stains and discolorations on your ceiling with much less effort.
Durability – Ceiling paint offers strong adhesion to a variety of textured surfaces like stucco, drywall, and plaster. It’s more durable than many types of wall paint and doesn’t crack or peel. You’ll find that you have an option of water-based (latex) or oil-based ceiling paint as well.
Can you use ceiling paint on walls
It’s possible to use ceiling paint to create a cozier aesthetic in a room. Sometimes, using ceiling paint on a wall is just a matter of convenience over style. For instance, painting closets with ceiling paint can be an easy way to avoid the hassles of taping when doing a new build or renovation.
And also, stairwells are prime spots for ceiling paint because durable ceiling paint can hide dirt, scuffs, and imperfections while protecting this high-traffic area against new markings. Moreover, ceiling paint can work in a room where messes are bound to happen. For example, a playroom or finished basement could work better with ceiling paint used as wall paint simply the reason why the room can be repainted over and over again without the need to apply several layers of primer and paint.
One coat of ceiling paint over the existing ceiling paint every few years can be enough to keep a frills-free room fresh without the need to cry every time someone drags a marker across a wall. In addition, ceiling paint can easily be swapped for wall paint when the objective is an all-white room where light doesn’t bounce around.
Can You Mix Ceiling Paint With Wall Paint
Nobody stops you to mix ceiling paint and wall paint. but you should make sure the two paint products being mixed are the same paint types. It just means you need to mix latex with latex instead of mixing latex and oil.
Mixing ceiling paint with wall paint only works in one direction. This may be alluring to mix wall paint into ceiling paint to make a custom color for the ceiling, but the low viscosity of wall paint could cause drips. As a result, the final product might not dry accurately.
Combining ceiling paint and wall paint as an undercoat and topcoat using separate applications is the best way to maximize the perks of both mentioned paints. This provides not only the efficiency and durability of using ceiling paint on the wall but also highlights the beauty of true wall paint.
Types of ceiling paint finishes
There are various types of ceiling paint finishes. Below list of ceiling paint finishes that you can get some information on.
Durability | Hide imperfections | Perfect for | |
---|---|---|---|
Semi-gloss | High | Low | Trim, cabinets, doors, and kitchen |
Satin | Medium | Medium | Bathrooms, family rooms, laundry rooms, children’s rooms |
Eggshell | Medium-low | Medium-high | Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms |
Flat or matte | Low | High | Adults’ bedrooms, ceilings |
Gloss | High | Low | Trim, cabinets, doors, furniture |
Types of ceiling paint
There are different options within the ceiling paint category. To determine which type of paint is right for your job, consider the function of the room you are painting as well as the type of ceiling.
Flat Acrylic Ceiling Paint
This is best for low-humidity rooms, such as bedrooms and living spaces. Flat paint does not reflect much light, which is appropriate for most ceilings.
Satin Sheen Acrylic Ceiling Paint
Flat paint is prone to staining, cracking, or chipping in rooms with higher levels of humidity. For this reason, satin sheen ceiling paint is the better choice for ceilings in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other space that remains more humid.
Semi-Gloss Acrylic Ceiling Paint
The least likely type of paint to crack in humid spaces, semi-gloss ceiling paint, is good for the ceilings directly above a shower stall or any other place subject to a lot of consistent humidity.
Types of ceiling textures
There are some different looks and styles of ceiling textures available. These textures, created using plaster, mud, or other compounds, are an easy way to change the look of a room.
If you wonder how (and why!) to add some flair to your ceilings, keep reading for more information on common ceiling texture styles.
Flat or Smooth ceilings | skip trowel ceilings | knockdown ceilings |
orange peel ceilings | swirled ceilings | popcorn ceilings |
Flat or Smooth Ceilings
If your house has sheet rock ceilings, you have the choice to leave the ceilings flat (or smooth).
Flat ceilings have a classic and understated look. You know, ceilings are rarely a focal point in the room. If you really want them to recede and not be a part of your decor, opt for a flat ceiling.The drawback of flat ceilings is that every imperfection will show. If you live in an older house that you’ve added onto or tend to scuff, a flat or smooth ceiling may not be the best option.
Smooth ceiling textures also demand more work. To hide the imperfections of construction, you need more layers of mud and additional sandings.
Skip Trowel Ceilings
It is a popular style for textured ceilings, skip trowel gives the ceiling dimension with a subtle “stuccoed” look. Skip trowel texture is hand applied using coarse sand and joint compound. A trowel is then used to spread the compound and create the texture.
Skip trowel is also popular in high-end homes for its look. If you’re looking for a classy, low-key texture for your ceiling, a skip trowel could be the one.
Knockdown Ceilings
Knockdown is a texture that’s similar in style to skip trowel. It starts by spraying the ceiling with a watered-down compound. As the compound partially dries, it drips a bit, creating “stalactites.” These stalactites are then scraped away, leaving a stuccoed texture.
Like a skip trowel, knockdown is good for concealing minor imperfections or adding some subtle depth to a room. It requires extra labor however to knock down the texture manually with a trowel after the texture is sprayed.
Orange Peel Ceilings
Orange peel texture bears some resemblance to an orange peel.
You get this slightly bumpy, but still soft-looking texture by spraying drywall compound onto the ceiling. It’s close to a splattered look but finer. Furthermore, it’s smoother and more subtle than knockdown and is a good choice for modern homes.
Orange Peel ceilings are also commonly seen on business premises. It supplies the look of a textured ceiling while remaining easy to wipe clean as needed.
If you’re erring towards a texture but want a subtle, understated look, the orange peel may be a good option. It is also the easiest and most affordable texture method for ceilings. And also, it is the most popular choice for drywall texture on walls
Swirled Ceilings
The swirled ceiling texture isn’t common as often as some other textures here, but it’s worth considering. It’s a beautiful, unique look.
Swirled ceilings consist of a pattern of full or half circles, made by “swirling” a tool or sponge through the compound before it sets. The result is a striking “fanned” pattern with an art deco-esque flair.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings are popular in many homes. Built into the 90s, the rough, bumpy look of a popcorn (or cottage cheese) ceiling was a cost-effective way to quickly make a ceiling look uniform.
They have fallen out of favor recently, largely because of the texture, it is difficult to clean. When dust, smoke residue, and cobwebs build up, it can be harder to clean a popcorn ceiling without knocking off some of the texture. For this reason, we mostly get requests to remove popcorn ceilings’ textures and replace them with a different finish.
The increased surface area of a popcorn ceiling is good for absorbing and muffling sounds (hence their formal name of “acoustic ceiling”). Some people may still choose them in family rooms or other loud spaces for these reasons.
Is it possible to use ceiling paint as an undercoat on walls
Yes, it is possible.
Using ceiling paint as a primer is actually a good way to use ceiling paint on a wall. A flat ceiling paint can be used as a primer for interior surfaces. Sanding is very cozy before applying higher gloss finish coats. A white primer is normally applied to interior doors.
Firstly, ceiling paint works beautifully as a paint sealant. It’s nearly a shame not to use ceiling paint as a primer if you have a leftover bucket.
What is the best ceiling paint
One question commonly asked by people is: “What is the best ceiling paint ceiling?”
Ceilings should be painted in flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that:
- Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings.
- Ceilings don’t receive much wear and tear, so glossy, durable paint is not necessary.
- If you live in an older home, and if there are architectural blemishes in the ceiling, flat paint hides imperfections well.
- Flat paint also dries more evenly than most other types of paint.
What are the best colors for the wall
Colors have a significant role in our life. The paint colors you choose affect the look of your home. Colour can make or break a space depending on the combinations you prefer.
The color combination you choose for interior walls has a profound effect on your family, and many people tend to do mistakes when choosing color combinations.
Now, we inform the best color combination for your home interiors. Let’s check the best interior wall color combinations.
Colors | Their outlook meaning | Which room is suitable |
---|---|---|
Green | Color of harmony, renewal, fresh and subtle | Almost any room |
Gray | Makes a room feel more spacious | A bedroom |
Blue | Has a calming, stabilizing effect | A living room, a kitchen, and a kid’s room |
Beige | Gives a stunning, classy effect | A bedroom, a living room |
Black | Has the unexpected and dramatic effect | A bedroom, a living room |
Yellow | Looks more exciting, and dynamic | A living room and rooms that are smaller |
Orange | The color of laughter and celebration | A playroom or exercise space |
White | Makes your interiors look clean, elegant, and spacious | Any room |
Brown | Making us feel fresh, calm, and append a natural ambiance | Small spaces such as powder rooms, on accent walls, or in rooms with little visible wall space |
Conclusion
To sum up, you may use ceiling paint to paint the walls in your home. Hopefully, this article may help you learn more about ceiling paint features. You can put ceiling paint on walls, doors, or trim if you plan top coating with a higher gloss finish.
FAQs
Yes, you can use ceiling paint on walls. Nevertheless, there are things to consider before choosing to do this.
The difference between ceiling paint and wall paint is their viscosity or “thickness” levels.
Yes, you can use flat ceiling paint as a primer for walls, doors, and trim.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint is best for interior walls.