Can I use the same paint for ceiling and trim?

Author: Dr. Jewell VonRueden  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

Painting the ceiling the same color as the trim and walls is our favorite option. Our walls, ceiling, and trim are all painted with Sherwin Williams Creamy.

What paint to use for ceiling and trim?

For ceilings, a flat or matte finish with water-based or latex paint is ideal for minimizing glare and hiding imperfections. For walls, the best choice depends on the desired look: Flat or matte for a smooth appearance. Eggshell or satin for a subtle sheen and durability. Semi-gloss or gloss for high-traffic areas.

Do you need different paint for ceiling?

You can definitely use your other paint on the ceiling. There's no reason you HAVE to use ceiling paint. Just keep in mind that if you're using a paint that's not flat, any flaws in your ceiling will be more visible.

Can you use the same white paint for walls and ceilings?

Yes, it's fine. Sometimes brilliant white can look a bit clinical, a lot of the time I prefer something with a hint of colour just to soften it a little, depending on the room colour.

Can you use the same type of paint for walls and trim?

Yes, you can paint trim and baseboards the same color as walls. However, for better results, use an eggshell kind of matte finish for the wall and a satin finish for the baseboards.

Choosing the Right Sheen for Your Ceilings

Do you use the same paint for trim and ceiling?

You won't have to buy two different types of paint; the look will be consistent across the walls and ceiling. However, in other instances, it may look better to contrast the finish but keep the color the same, with semi-gloss on the walls and trim and flat on the ceiling.

Do professionals paint trim or walls first?

If you ask a professional painter, most will say they paint the trim first. If you're more concerned about painting the bulk of the room, the walls will be more important.

Do I need to sand the ceiling before painting?

Lightly sand the entire ceiling to ensure that the paint adheres properly and the surface is smooth. This will help remove any loose or flaking paint and create a better surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.

What is the most popular white paint for ceilings?

Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.

What is better, eggshell or satin?

Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

Should ceiling paint be flat or eggshell?

Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room. Another benefit of a flat finish is that it doesn't scuff easily.

Can you use ceiling paint on baseboards?

The bottom line is no. Ceiling paint was made for ceilings, not walls. And while you may see some conflicting information online and our competitors may tell you something different, at Two Brothers Painting, it is our professional opinion that ceiling paint should not be used on walls.

Why is ceiling paint different to wall paint?

Unlike wall paint, ceiling paint has a thicker consistency, which helps reduce splatters and drips during application. This type of paint is typically formulated to have a flat or matte finish, which helps to hide imperfections on the ceiling surface and reduce the reflection of light.

What do contractors use for ceiling paint?

Ceilings should almost always be painted in a 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 a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.

What do you paint first ceiling or walls or trim?

  1. Paint the Ceiling First. The ceiling of an interior should be painted first, as this is the area where we have the least control. ...
  2. Paint the Trims Next. Once you're done with your ceiling it's time to move onto the trims. ...
  3. Proceed to the Cut-Ins. ...
  4. Finish by Painting the Walls. ...
  5. Wrapping Up.

What is the best paint for trim and baseboards?

What is the best paint to use on trim and baseboards? Because it dries quickly and is easy to clean, latex paint is a popular choice for trim and baseboards. It is also resistant to peeling and fading, allowing it to keep its appearance for an extended period of time.

Should ceiling and trim be the same color?

If your crown moulding is going into a room with high ceilings, you may want it to be the same color as the ceiling to make the room appear smaller. The opposite is valid for a room with low ceilings, as a trim in a contrasting color will make the room appear more spacious.

What is Sherwin Williams' most popular white color?

What is the Most Popular Sherwin Williams White Paint?
  • Best All Over White: Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008.
  • Best Cool White: Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005.
  • Best Off White: Sherwin Williams Natural Choice SW 7011.
  • Best Modern White: Sherwin Williams Egret White SW 7570.

What is the ideal paint for ceiling?

You can use a wall emulsion to paint ceilings, all interior wall emulsions are technically suitable for ceilings too but for the best finish, a flat matt paint on a ceiling gives the best overall look. It helps to hide any uneven areas or surface imperfections that are often highlighted by the light.

What is the trick to painting ceilings?

When painting smooth ceilings, the best strategy is to roll parallel with the main source of natural light, such as a big window, as it helps prevent roller lines. If you roll perpendicular to the dominant light source, the roller lines can form a slight shadow. The same applies when spraying.

What happens if you don't sand before repainting?

Poor paint adhesion is one of the most common consequences of skipping the sanding step. Without sanding, the cabinet surface remains smooth and may have a glossy finish or residual substances that hinder the paint from properly adhering.

Why do painters paint the ceiling first?

Start with the ceiling

We recommend you start your decorating project at the top and work your way down. Taking this approach will allow you to avoid dripping any paint onto freshly painted areas. Before you start painting, clean your ceiling, fill any holes or cracks and sand it.

Is it okay to cut in one day and paint the next?

Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.

What is the general rule for painting trim work?

The general rule when painting both trimwork and walls is to paint the trim first. Apply two coats of paint to the trim and let it fully dry before painting the walls. Another trimwork painting rule is to choose a color that's different from the wall color. Be sure to use the same color for all trim.

Should you tape walls when painting a ceiling?

If you're only painting a room's ceiling, mask off the tops of the walls or the crown moulding with 2-inch painter's tape to keep roller marks off the walls. Avoid 1-inch tape, which is not wide enough to prevent the paint roller from touching the wall.

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