Painting - Ceiling paint used for texture wall paint

Hi Everyone and boy am I glad I found this site...I really need some insight here. I bought tons of textured ceiling paint thinking I could use it on my living rooms wall with no problem. (I'm looking for that Italian Cottage look.) Well, after I have searched the web about this idea no one seems to actually use TEXTURED CEILING PAINT but all sort of different compounds. Uhg. what can i do?

mcalnin, I've been thinking about your problem since you posted it and assume you can't take it back. If the stuff is smooth enough, not popcorn like, you could cut it into drywall joint compound which is what most textures are done with. If you can't return the product it sounds like you may have that Italian Cottage look in a few more rooms. Best of luck and get back in here if we can help....Mike

Thanks for replying Mike! What I have is not popcorn stuff it is in a huge bucket (really heavy) and simply called smooth ceiling texture paint. It looks like a form of wet cement. I did ONE wall and it does look nice but now I'm afraid if I am doing the wrong thing! yes, i'm in therapy. ;-) What kind of primer do you recommend? I see h2o spots in the corner of the walls. THank you thank you thank you. I have been so lost about this project now I feel like I'm getting somewhere.

I 'll stay with the fact that you need to use what you have and if it looks nice whats the problem. There is the remote chance that some texture wiz will call you out on it but so what. If you got a finish you like the first shot you have done very well. This material you have is probably almost (won't be wrong on that point will I) the same as paint with drywall compound in it to thicken it up. You could get more texture by adding drywall compound to it. I don't know what finish you want to end up with but one nice look is to sand pole the points off of the texture.
To hold back the water stains use an oil based stain killer like KILZ Original (use two coats) or any oil based primer sealer....Mike

Thanks Mike! Your a true hero in my book--thanks for your help. But (sorry to say) i have just yet one more question...what is a "sand pole"? Thanks for your time and great advice, I have bookmarked this so when ever I need you guys I know where to look.

What you are describing sounds like a "pole sander" used to sand drywall. It is essentially a sanding block on the end of an extension pole with a swivel. It allows you to sand walls and ceilings without having to climb a ladder. Should be able to find the animal in the drywall section of your local home improvement center.