Ceiling paint needed?

Question

My wife wants me to paint a few small rooms that we have. She went to Home Depot and bought white Behr paint. But she didn't buy ceiling paint. Can I use the regular paint for the ceiling as well as the walls? What's so special about ceiling paint? Thanks

Answer 1

If it's flat white latex, go ahead.  If it's semi-gloss, you can still paint the ceiling with it, which is a little known trick to make the ceiling appear taller.  But many people don't like the sheen on the ceiling, so try a spot first.

If it's not pure white (or eggshell white), or it's not flat, or it's not latex/acrylic (as in it's oil paint), don't paint the ceiling with it.

The biggest advantage to actual ceiling paint vs. flat wall paint is cost.  Ceiling paints don't have to have all the wear resistance additives of wall paint, so it tends to be a little cheaper and cover a larger area per gallon.

Answer 2

Ceiling paint is a flat, bright white paint.  

You need a flat, not a semigloss or glossy finish.

Ceiling paint contains a lot of white pigment, titanium dioxide.  Many other whites may require more coats to cover.

If it is a flat white, I would use it but be prepared to make a second coat.  If it is semigloss or gloss and I had no other use for it, I would use it only to use it up and then cover it with ceiling white.

Answer 3

The first piece of advice I'm going to give you is take the Behr Paint back!!!  Behr is very labor intensive and the whites are horrible. . . the ceilings will be at least three coats with this paint and more likely five coats before it's right. . . or you give up.  I charge at least 30% more when a customer insists on Behr or I will decline on the job.  Any "professional" painter will tell you the same.

Now as to "Ceiling White".  This product is relevant for several reasons.  The first is it's a brilliant flat white that works best for lighting and aesthetics.  Secondly, it will diminish or eliminate most imperfections in the ceilings that will otherwise stand out.  The best ceiling white is at Lowe's, or believe it or not, Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart has Sherwin-Williams make their Color Place line of paints and it's Sherwin-Williams premium products and the prices are half the cost of Sherwin-Williams.