Whether you have leftover ceiling paint after a major paint job or are simply drawn to the low price of ceiling paint, you might consider whether it would be a good idea to use it on your walls. This is a valid question many have asked over the years, and the answer is simple.
Ceiling paint can easily be utilized as a primer on your walls. Ceiling paint has exceptional adhesion capabilities and coverage, so any cracks, chips, or stains will be completely disguised. It will provide a smooth, flat finish that is simple to sand and paint over.
Ceiling paint can be used to paint drywall, door frames, window frames, and most other surfaces. It will leave a flat, smooth finish with minimal gloss. However, it should only be used as a primer for any applications other than ceilings and then painted over with a different type of paint.
Can You Use Ceiling Paint On Walls?
Ceiling paint is a great option for painting your walls, but it should only be used as a primer in this case. A primer is an essential component of any paint job because it considerably extends the overall lifespan of the job. Keep in mind that a primer’s job is to protect and seal any bare surfaces, such as plaster and wood.
As long as a topcoat with a slightly higher gloss finish is applied, ceiling paint will serve as an excellent primer for walls, doors, and other trim. Ceiling paint has a flat surface that is not suitable for use on walls and is readily discolored.
You can keep the walls easy to clean and stain-resistant by using ceiling paint as a primer and then completing a top coat of wall paint with a more appropriate finish. You’ll also reduce the likelihood of grime sticking to the surfaces.
You will save time and money by using ceiling paint as a primer. This refers to the time spent painting the surfaces and the time saved on excursions to the hardware store and other such activities.
Ceiling paint is both highly durable and viscose. This creates a thick paint that effectively conceals most imperfections and marks on walls and other surfaces. Ceiling paint usually comes in a limited palette of hues. When it comes to ceiling painting, most people avoid anything too daring.
When ceiling paint is used as a primer, the dried surface is very easy to sand, resulting in a smooth and flat surface to which other paints can be applied.
It’s vital to remember that drywall is incredibly porous when using ceiling paint as a primer. As a result, any paint applied to the drywall will absorb quickly.
Keep in mind the distinction between a primer and an undercoat. A primer is used to preserve and seal bare surfaces. In contrast, an undercoat is applied to previously painted or primed surfaces. The main purpose of an undercoat is to cover any underlying colors and prevent them from shining through.
The Difference Between Ceiling Paint & Wall Paint
Ceiling paint differs from conventional paint in several ways. It’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between the two. This will assist you in determining which choice is best for your application.
Ceiling paint is thicker than normal paint in general. Its intrinsic thickness helps prevent it from leaking off the ceiling and running down the walls when utilized in a ceiling application. Ceiling paint can easily disguise most stains and small flaws on wall surfaces due to its inherent thickness.
This makes applying the next coat of paint easier because the surface is uniform, smooth, and clean.
Because of its high viscosity, ceiling paint usually only requires one coat to cover most surfaces. The majority of wall paints, on the other hand, have a low viscosity. This means that at least two to three coats of paint will be required to provide adequate coverage.
Ceiling paint has a far better hold on the ceiling than wall paint since it is substantially thicker. Fewer unattractive runs come from less paint leaking throughout the painting process. Once the paint has dried, these are very difficult to repair and remove.
Ceiling paint has a very flat finish. This is in stark contrast to the eggshell, pearl, and satin finishes offered for wall paint. Each of these finishes has advantages and disadvantages best suited to specific situations.
As a result, ceiling paint should only be used as a primer on walls. The flat, somewhat dull surface makes the walls look lifeless and more stain-prone. Use high-quality wall paint in the desired hue and finish over the ceiling paint for optimal results.
Ceiling paint comes in a relatively limited variety of hues. This is because most people paint their ceilings white or shades thereof. Ceiling paint manufacturers have traditionally had little need to offer a large choice of hues because the bulk of these colors would go unpurchased.
Ceiling paints have a limited color palette when compared to wall paints. Wall paints come in virtually every hue imaginable.
Ceiling paint has the potential to outlast wall paint in terms of longevity. Ceiling paint is exceptionally long-lasting and can potentially outlive most wall paints. Despite their ease of cleaning, semi-gloss and high-gloss wall paints are significantly less durable than most ceiling paints.
However, ceiling paint will only be used as a primer on the walls. It will hold up to multiple color changes in the coats of paint above it.
The cost of paint is an important factor to consider, especially when covering large areas. Ceiling paint is far less expensive than wall paint. Ceiling paint is cheaper to buy at first, and it also ends up being a cheaper option when you consider how much is needed.
Ceiling paint can achieve outstanding coverage with only one application due to its viscosity. As a result, ceiling paint will go further than wall paint because less of it is needed. The project cost will also be lower if less paint is required overall.
Conclusion
There’s no reason not to utilize leftover ceiling paint as a primer if you have a sufficient amount leftover from a project. Ceiling paint as a primer has various advantages, including its low cost and excellent coverage.
After painting your primer layer with ceiling paint, give it a good sanding, and you will be ready to add the top coat of paint with ease. Remember, however, that a wall painted with ceiling paint as a primer will still require a minimum of two coats of the appropriate wall paint.