Difference between revisions of "Paint a Popcorn Ceiling"

#Test the ceiling’s water solubility. To figure out the best way to paint a popcorn ceiling, you need to know if it’s ever been painted before. A popcorn ceilings that hasn’t been painted previously is usually water-soluble. If you paint it with a roller, the ceiling may absorb moisture from the paint and the texture can come off on the roller. Test your ceiling’s water solubility by spraying a small, unnoticeable spot with water. If the area becomes soft, your ceiling hasn’t been painted before.<ref name="rf1">http://www.familyhandyman.com/ceiling/how-to-paint-popcorn-ceilings/view-all</ref>

#Remove and cover the furniture. Painting an overhead surface means that there can sometimes be drips, so you need to protect the furnishings in the room. Take as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. If there are large, difficult to move items, cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to keep the paint off them.<ref name="rf2">http://www.house-painting-info.com/articles/acoustical-ceiling/</ref>

#Use painter’s tape and plastic to cover fixtures and walls. If possible, it’s best to remove light fixtures before you paint the ceiling. However, if you can’t, make sure to wrap them completely in masking paper and painter’s tape. You’ll also need to cover the walls, including windows, fans, vents, and doors, with plastic sheeting. Be sure to make an extremely tight seal at the point where the ceiling meets the wall with painter’s tape.<ref name="rf2" />

#Have the right safety gear. Before you move on to making ceiling repairs or painting the ceiling, make sure that you have the proper safety equipment to protect yourself. When you’re working on an overhead surface, it’s easy for debris, paint, and other materials to fall in your face. Always wear a dust mask and safety eye mask or glasses.<ref name="rf3">http://www.familyhandyman.com/ceiling/how-to-paint-popcorn-ceilings/view-all#step1</ref>

#Make any necessary ceiling repairs. Once the room is covered in plastic, it’s important to fix any damage to the ceiling before you start painting. For small areas that require repair, you can use a can of spray acoustic texture. For larger areas, you’ll likely need to use powder texture that mixes with water and apply with a pneumatic hopper. <ref name="rf4">http://www.house-painting-info.com/articles/acoustic-ceiling/</ref>

#Choose the right finish. When you’re painting a popcorn ceiling, paint with a flat or matte finish is usually the best option because it won’t draw attention to any areas with uneven texture. However, if you prefer a satin or semi-gloss finish, you can usually use those without any problem.<ref name="rf2" />

#Decide on the best color. White is the traditional paint color for ceilings because it keeps the focus on the walls. It can also help brighten up the room and make low ceilings appear higher. However, you may opt for another light color for your ceiling, such as a pale yellow or gray. It’s best not to use the same color on the walls, though.<ref name="rf5">http://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_guide_interior_paints_selecting_a_sheen_for_ceiling_paint_HT_BG_PA</ref>

#Thin the paint. Acrylic paint works best on popcorn ceilings, but if you apply it straight, it will be too sticky and actually wind up pulling some of the texture from the ceiling. To make it more workable, thin the paint before applying it. With a popcorn ceiling, you can use water to thin the paint -- aim to add approximately a ½-quart of water for each gallon of paint.<ref name="rf2" />

#Use an airless, vibrator type paint sprayer. When you’re painting a ceiling, an airless paint sprayer usually works best because it fans the pain out in droplets to help evenly coat the surface.<ref name="rf6">http://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-sprayer-buying-guide/project</ref> When you’re working on an overhead surface such as a ceiling, you want to choose a model that has a suction set and a portable paint reservoir instead of the usual jar. A sprayer that comes with a backpack type setup is usually the most convenient.<ref name="rf1" />

#Test the tip on cardboard. Using the right tip on your paint sprayer is key to a successful paint application. With thinned acrylic paint, a 415 or 515 tip usually works best. To make sure that the tip you’ve chosen is appropriate, test it by spraying a piece of cardboard to see the pattern of the paint.<ref name="rf2" />

#Spray in one direction. When your paint sprayer is ready, it’s time to spray the ceiling. Step up on a ladder so you can comfortable hold the nozzle approximately 1-foot from the ceiling. For the first coat, spray the paint onto the ceiling in a single direction, moving in a steady motion.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Be sure to hold the sprayer so it’s perpendicular to the ceiling.<ref name="rf7">http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/painting-with-an-airless-sprayer/view-all</ref>

#Apply a second coat in the opposite direction. After you’ve finished spraying the entire ceiling in the first direction, you’ll want to apply a second coat. This time, move the spray over the ceiling in the opposite direction of the first coat.<ref name="rf2" />

#Choose a roller with large nap. For the best paint application with a roller, you want to use a roller head that has a thick enough texture to really absorb the paint and smooth it across the ceiling. Roller covers that are made of lambswool or synthetic material and at least 1-inch thick are usually the best option. <ref name="rf2" />

#Use a bucket for the paint instead of a tray. Instead of pouring the paint into the usual roller tray, it’s better to use a 5-gallon bucket. Because it can hold more paint, you won’t have to bend as far to reload the roller so you can work more quickly and efficiently.<ref name="rf2" />

#Roll on paint in straight pattern. When you’re painting a textured popcorn ceiling, you don’t need to apply the paint in a zigzag fashion as you usually would with a flat surface. Instead, roll the paint on in a straight pattern, using the lightest pressure as possible as you move over the surface.<ref name="rf8">http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/tips/how-to-paint-a-ceiling#13</ref>

#Cut in edges with a brush. While you should try to get as close as possible to the edges of the ceiling with the roller, you won’t be able to fully paint along those edges without a brush. If you’re planning on painting the walls too, you can roll over and down the edges. However, if you’re not painting the walls, use a brush to cut in the edge with a gentle dabbing motion.<ref name="rf2" />

#Apply several coats. For complete coverage, you’ll need to apply two to three coats of paint to the ceiling. Before starting a new coat, though, be sure to allow each coat to dry completely, which can take three to four hours. Use the same straight pattern and gentle technique when you roll on another coat, but apply it in a perpendicular direction to the previous coat.<ref name="rf8" />