DIY: Painting a Popcorn Ceiling

When it comes to painting a popcorn ceiling, just follow these tips and tricks:

1. Decide what method of painting you are going to use

 When painting a popcorn ceiling, you can either use liquid paint and a segmented foam roller, or you can use an airless spraying device. Both methods can be effective, but the sprayer method tends to yield better results. This is because using a roller often results in pieces of the “popcorn” falling off in the painting process. Either way, make sure you have all the equipment necessary for whichever method you choose.

2. Prep the room you’re going to paint

DIY projects like this can be messy. Before you start, make sure you cover items in the room you’re going to be painting with some heavy duty old sheets or towels. If you are using a spray can, make sure you thoroughly cover every area you don’t want painted in the room with plastic sheets and tape them down with sturdy masking tape. Remove any furniture that cannot be properly covered so as to avoid catastrophic drips and spills!

3. Dust the ceiling

Using a feather duster, dust off the ceiling. Be sure to get into the nooks and crannies so as not to leave any gunk behind when painting.

4. Start painting

If you are using liquid paint, grab your paint tray and fill the basin full. Using a segmented foam roller, roll on some paint and remove any excess by rolling the brush over the textured surface. Start painting your ceiling with long strokes that go in one direction. Do not roll back and forth! This can over-saturate the ceiling and cause the paint to peel. Be sure to let the paint dry completely between coats.

If you are using an airless spray device, spray the ceiling in one direction until the surface is completely covered. If the sprayer isn’t flowing well, try adding a small amount of water to the paint to thin it out. You may need to apply more than one coat to effectively cover the ceiling to your liking. If this is the case, be sure to wait at least two hours between coats to be sure the paint has time to dry. Spray your next coat in the opposite direction you sprayed your first coat.