If you’re like most people, you probably have a few cans of leftover paint sitting in your garage or basement. And when it’s time to paint a new room or touch up some walls, you might be tempted to just use whatever paint you have on hand. But can you mix ceiling paint with wall paint?
It is not advisable to mix paints with different formulations. Because wall paint is glossy, it is more durable than flat ceiling paint. If you mix it into ceiling paint, the shine and durability of the end product will be compromised.
Still, if you want to try it, we recommend trying the mixture in a small, inconspicuous area first before committing to a bigger project. This will help you identify whether or not the colors match and the finish looks right. When you do this, mix a small amount of ceiling and wall paint so that you don’t waste a ton of paint if the result isn’t what you expected.
To get a good outcome, keep the following tips in mind:
- Before mixing any paints, check to see if the paints are compatible with each other. You can’t simply mix water-based paint with oil-based paint. Mix the same type of paint so that the end product is safe to use on your walls. The good news is, ceiling paints are available in both oil and water-based formulas.
- Second, consider the sheen of the paint. Wall paints are glossy (eggshell or satin) while ceiling paints are flat. So, based on what you want the finish of your final paint to look like mix accordingly.
- Wall paint is thinner than ceiling paint and so to get a good coverage, add more ceiling paint to the mixture. Otherwise, the mixture can drip or may not dry properly.
- Finally, remember that mixing two different colors of paint will likely result in a new shade altogether. If you’re trying to achieve a specific color scheme, it’s best to stick with one brand or type of paint throughout your home.
Mixing Instructions:
- First, stir your can of ceiling paint thoroughly with a stir stick
- Next, pour an equal amount of wall paint into the mixing container as you did with the ceiling paint
- Stir the two paints together until they are completely combined
- Once the paints are mixed, you can begin painting your walls and ceilings!
FAQs:
Is Ceiling Paint and Wall Paint the Same?
Ceiling paint and wall paint are two of the most common types of paint that people use in their homes. Although both are water based paints they are not the same.
Ceiling paint is designed specifically for ceilings. It is thicker than wall paint which makes it less likely to drip when applied to a ceiling. In addition, ceiling paints come with flat or matt finish. Wall paint, on the other hand, is designed for walls and therefore come with a more glossy (satin), durable finish.
Can You Use Ceiling Paint on Walls As a Primer?
Rather than trying to mix paints intended for use on different parts of our walls, it is better to use one as a primer and the other as a topcoat. Because ceiling paint is thick and opaque, using it as a primer will be a smart choice. It will make imperfections in your walls less noticeable.
Furthermore, ceiling paint is white or off-white in color, so it can help brighten up your walls. Just make sure that you select a ceiling paint that is suitable for use on walls (check the label) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Can You Use Wall Paint On Ceilings? Read here!
To Summarize
We don’t suggest mixing paints that are meant for different purposes. You should use your paint on the right type of surface and for the right type of usage. If you find yourself with leftover ceiling or wall paint, we’d suggest saving it for touch-ups rather than attempting to mix it with another type of paint.