Are you doing a home DIY project with more ceiling primer than paint and want to know if you can use it instead?
The ceiling primer shouldn’t be used as paint because the finish won’t give the desired texture. While similar in colors, the primer is chalkier and dryer and isn’t stain resistant. Ceiling paint can be used as a primer if the color is lighter than the final coat.
It sounds like paint can be primer, but primer can’t be paint! In this article, we’ll explore the uses of Kilz ceiling primer and other options for painting your ceiling.
Can Kilz Primer Be Used As Paint?
Kilz primer is designed to go on before the final color to protect the paint and produce an even starting coat color. This helps the final color go on smoother, easier, and more uniform.
Kilz is cheaper than paint because of the way it’s made, making it an appealing choice instead of pricier ceiling paints. However, the primer’s lack of latex won’t maintain an impeccable look for very long. It can begin to collect dust, dirt, and stains.
The chalky texture isn’t only in appearance. It will rub off onto anyone or anything that comes into contact with it. We’re not assuming you’ll be reaching up to touch your ceiling every day, but it can become more noticeable in dry areas or conditions.
Some people argue that you can use Kilz as ceiling paint, pointing out that it saves money and no one will look at your ceiling anyway. The final choice is always up to you – but we recommend going the extra mile and buying yourself a can of paint.
What Is Kilz?
Kilz is one of the most recommended primer brands for walls or ceilings. Its unique texture helps the final top coat adhere to the primer while it adheres to the ceiling. Due to the rough surface, the primer will collect dust and dirt if left unfinished for a long time.
Kilz is excellent for hiding stains and odors like old paint jobs, the spaghetti your child threw at the ceiling, and cigarette smoke stains.
Why Use Kilz?
Even though most people don’t use Kilz as a top coat, many homeowners and contractors still purchase and rave about the product. What makes it so unique?
You save money. By using one coat/can of Kilz, you’ll be able to use only one coat/can of the final topcoat color. This is a substantial monetary save because ceiling paints can get very expensive, especially when painting a large room.
You save time. With one ban of Kilz comes one coat of the topcoat, meaning you only have to paint the entire ceiling twice. This helps save time when going around tight corners, going over heavy stains, and fixing any extra blemishes.
Kilz Primer Cost Vs. Ceiling Paint Cost
The Kilz Original Interior Primer costs an average of $20 for a gallon. The price doesn’t usually exceed that and can be lower depending on where you shop.
Traditional ceiling paint costs range from $20 to $60 per gallon, depending on the type of paint and the color. This means that ceiling paint can be three times more expensive than Kilz primers – pointing out why people prefer to paint their ceiling with Kilz.
Types of Ceiling Paint
If you aren’t familiar with painting, you may not know that wall and ceiling paint are two different types. Their viscosities vary by product, as do their chemical compounds. In this section, we’ll discuss what paints to use instead of Kilz primer.
Flat Acrylic
This is the most common type of ceiling paint used in low-humidity rooms like bedrooms and living spaces. Flat paint reflects the least amount of light, which is what you want in areas you want to reduce glare. For example, you wouldn’t want your living room ceiling to reflect light onto your television or your bedroom ceiling to reflect light while trying to sleep.
Satin Sheen Acrylic
This acrylic is utilized in high-humidity rooms, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or outdoor porches. It will reflect a little more light but remain primarily unnoticeable.
Semi-Gloss Acrylic
This paint is often used directly above showers or in outdoor spaces due to the paint’s extremely high tolerance for humidity. It is the most reflective paint for ceilings, but you don’t need to worry about that while you’re taking a shower. If anything, it’ll give you a little extra light!
Summary
Kilz primer shouldn’t be used as ceiling paint in professional environments because of its chalky texture and unfinished appearance. Many homeowners still use it due to its low cost and efficiency in covering unwanted stains or cracks. Ultimately, the decision is up to you on how you want to finish your ceiling project.
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FAQs
Can you use Kilz primer on a ceiling?
Kilz primer can be used on any surface you plan on repainting. Walls, ceilings, and decks can benefit from a layer of Kilz primer. Kilz also sells ceiling paint products with a primer built in for an easy, one-coat project.
What is the difference between ceiling paint and wall paint?
Ceiling paint typically has a matte finish and a thicker compound to protect the material from dripping during application. Wall paint is often made from latex and is thinner, resulting in an easier time spreading the paint more evenly but a more challenging time covering up stains.
You can use your leftover ceiling paint as wall primer due to its viscosity and ability to easily cover stains and odors. Due to its thickness, ceiling paint is more expensive than traditional wall paints, leading many homeowners to create wall paints with a slightly higher viscosity to use as ceiling paints.
What primer is the best for ceilings?
If you’re painting over a smooth ceiling, you can use an interior latex drywall primer as your base coat. If you’re painting over thicker grooves or indentations like a popcorn ceiling, Kilz High-Build drywall Primer helps to eradicate the imperfections in the ceiling.