5 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Organize Your Home and Life. Load the brush with ample paint, but use a light touch and avoid overworking the area. But rather than grin and bear it, why not paint it? You may have to fill gouges, tape the seams, and sand the ceiling to create the ideal surface for a new coat of paint. Jennifer Noonan. Popcorn and other textured surfaces require more paint to achieve full coverage, … Applying a good stain-blocking primer like from Kilz can be a good way to hide the old stains, especially if you have an old ceiling. "Very easy to understand the knowledge about the tool and what to look for if is worn when renting (sprayer nozzle), "I had no idea that the popcorn could come off if I used a brush, and that a spray would be best. Be sure to hold the sprayer in a way that it is perpendicular to the ceiling. For stains, roll or spray paint the stained spot, with the same color the ceiling will be painted with, and let dry completly before painting the entire ceiling. How To Spray And Repair Popcorn Ceiling Texture Diy Painting Tips Painting over a popcorn ceiling how tos diy complete guide to painting popcorn textured ceilings homeadvisor textured ceiling painting tips you painting over a popcorn ceiling how tos diy. Using an angled brush, cut in the perimeter. Again, heavy duty plastic should be draped on the walls, floors, and furniture to prevent overspray. Popcorn ceilings are a magnet for stains caused by residue from things like grease, mildew, and cigarette smoke, turning a bright white surface dingy and discolored. Can I use Kilz to paint a 30-year-old ceiling? The easiest way to add glitter to a popcorn ceiling is with a glitter glaze, which is a transparent topcoat that is mixed with glitter. How can I make sure my paint job is uniform when painting my ceiling? If you don't want the popcorn texture, and removing it is too much work for you, you can cover it up with ceiling panels or ceiling planks. If your home was built prior to 1979, your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos, which is extremely harmful to the lungs. That means you can have your popcorn, or acoustical, ceiling looking like new in no time. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. ", ceiling had popcorn texturing, which I wanted to match if possible. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If it passes through it easily, you've got the consistency right. While it's drying, mask off the walls and floor with masking tape and tarps, plastic sheets or drop cloths. Cut in around the ceiling edge with an angled brush. Approved. When you finish with one strip of the ceiling, overlap the painted section with your next pass over the surface for the most complete coverage. 1. After this, you can scrap it with a floor scraper, or a similar bladed tool. Just like spraying with paint, spray your texture in long even strokes that overlap by roughly 50%. If it’s still too thick, add more water. Popcorn ceiling is seen as dated by many prospective home buyers, so modernizing the look of your ceiling by removing the popcorn material and giving it a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint could definitely help in raising your home’s value, should you ever decide to put it on the market. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. Usually, the rough texture is created with a paint roller with a medium or long nap. Skim coating and priming the popcorn ceiling before painting can help you get better adhesion for the paint. ", information about the thickness of paint, and the best color for type of ceiling. But you can only roll it once and let it dry before I try rolling it again and you can only roll it in one direction. You can go with a looser seal when you’re rolling on the paint. To figure out the best way to paint a popcorn ceiling, you need to know if it’s ever been painted before. It actually did a great job. First, always test for asbestos before attempting DIY popcorn ceiling removal (use of asbestos in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints was banned in 1977).You can use an EPA-approved test kit sold in home improvement stores or have a professional come test the ceiling … Ceiling that have never been painted should be sprayed, as trying to roll is a mess. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. In this case, 98% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 2. If you have popcorn ceiling, though, the texture may make you think twice about painting. When you begin rolling on the paint, start near a corner and work in small sections. Cutting in paint where the ceiling meets the walls helps prevent you from getting … The texture was sprayed onto ceilings wet, and when dry, covered any imperfections, provided some fire protection, and even dampened sound. Jennifer Noonan, 10 Home Gym Must-Haves to Help You Lose the Quarantine Weight, 12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House, The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes, The Best Paint Colors for Low-Light Rooms, 7 Unusual Tricks for Your Cleanest Floors Ever, 14 Impressive Fireplaces That Feature Tile in a Big Way. Popcorn is one of the options available and the process involves spraying it on. If your ceiling has never been painted before, you can remove damaged areas by applying water to them and scraping away the damage. Armstrong Ceilings offers an Easy Up® track and clip system which makes installing beautiful ceiling planks over your existing popcorn ceilings very doable. If you are also going to paint the walls, paint the ceiling first and then wait for the ceiling to dry before painting the walls. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. A friend patched the hole with drywall, but the rest of the. Whats people lookup in this blog: Can You Paint A Popcorn Ceiling With Brush Cheap paint can be OK, but may require multiple coats. Thank. Before painting popcorn ceilings, it might be a good idea to clear as much furniture from the room as possible. This will ensure you get sufficient paint without needing to continuously reload your roller. Applying a good stain-blocking primer like from Kilz can be a good way to hide the old stains, especially if you have an old ceiling. Painting the ceiling a color can make a small room seem bigger, or a room with a high ceiling seem more intimate. Prices can range from $12.00 a gallon to $50.00. Step 1 - Preparation Airless spraying devices are ideal for painting popcorn ceilings, but they can easily make quite a mess. Remember to place a roller screen inside the bucket. There are a variety of options available, from smoother and more subtle applications to those that create a thick, plastered appearance. If you notice that it’s rounded or has grooves along the edge, it is probably worn out and should be replaced. The lesson for this step is that you don’t have to use ceiling paint! Prime the surface of your popcorn ceiling “After that’s finished, lightly paint the edges with an angled brush, and repeat for three to four coats,” Delucia says. What is the best paint to use for a popcorn ceiling? STEP 5 Since you won’t want to be bending to refill your roller more than necessary to paint popcorn ceiling, use a long-napped roller cover to load on plenty of paint in one swoop. Painting your ceiling should be done in a two-step process. Just like spraying with paint, spray your texture in long even strokes that overlap by roughly 50%. By Jennifer Noonan. By far the easiest way to spruce up the ceiling is to paint it. It can vary from model to model. A popcorn ceilings that hasn’t been painted previously is usually water-soluble. Thank you for the knowledge. A fresh coat will instantly lend a lighter, brighter look sure to open up the room. Usually, the rough texture is created with a paint roller with a medium or long nap. Popcorn ceilings have a rough texture--from far away, it looks like kernels of popcorn. Now I do. I would avoid oil-based primers, because they may just cover vs. soak into the texture. Kilz Max would be good, or Zinser 123. But the rough texture catches lots of dust and cobwebs and it can be difficult to know how to remove popcorn ceiling. Step 6: Spray The Ceiling. Painting a Popcorn Ceiling It may make you hesitant to paint this kind of surface because of its texture. Have plenty of ventilation when spraying or rolling the Kilz, as it is very toxic. If you try to apply another coat while the ceiling is still wet, you may wind up pulling off some of the popcorn texture. Skim coating and priming the popcorn ceiling before painting can help you get better adhesion for the paint. A tight seal is especially important if you’re planning to spray the ceiling. ", http://www.familyhandyman.com/ceiling/how-to-paint-popcorn-ceilings/view-all, http://www.house-painting-info.com/articles/acoustical-ceiling/, http://www.familyhandyman.com/ceiling/how-to-paint-popcorn-ceilings/view-all#step1, http://www.house-painting-info.com/articles/acoustic-ceiling/, http://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_guide_interior_paints_selecting_a_sheen_for_ceiling_paint_HT_BG_PA, http://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-sprayer-buying-guide/project, http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/painting-with-an-airless-sprayer/view-all, http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/tips/how-to-paint-a-ceiling#13, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. And, rather than a roller pan, get the sort of 5-gallon bucket with a screen or grid—that’s what pros rely on to ensure the roller is sufficiently loaded with paint. A fresh coat of paint can spruce up the popcorn ceiling and make it look better. Check out KILZ Original Low Odor Primer. A flat latex paint is best; you can use a higher-end paint or paint/primer. STEP 6 Allow the first coat adequate time to dry per the manufacturer’s recommendation, and then roll a second coat, again in one pass only but in a direction perpendicular to the first coat. A 2-inch trim brush works well for cutting in the edges. Thanks! Painting the ceiling is an inexpensive way to brighten up a room. Step 6: Spray The Ceiling. I'm looking now for something to possibly spray on the ceiling to disinfect the problem. The popcorn effect—so called for its resemblance to America’s favorite fluffy snack—is the result of loose particulate materials mixed into paint and applied to a surface, usually with a sprayer. This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. You'll need to use a roller with a thicker knap (the fibers covering the roller) that's made for textured surfaces. Before you apply a popcorn ceiling, you should remove all of the furniture from the room. Popcorn ceilings were all the rage back in the '60s and '70s. How to Paint a Popcorn Ceiling. With a brush loaded with paint, gently cut in and paint along the edges of the ceiling. Drips and splatters from the paint can get on furniture, light fixtures, floors, walls, and mouldings, so make sure anything that can't move (including ceiling lights, fans, and chandeliers) is covered with drip cloths. Protecting your floors is a must. The first step in any paint job is to gather all your … Airless spraying devices are ideal for painting popcorn ceilings, but they can easily make quite a mess. For tips on using a roller to paint the ceiling, read on! Plus, the texture proved to be a formidable dust catcher, difficult to clean and repair. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. The roller has slits in it. Dip your roller into a roller pan, or if you want to go pro, use a 5-gallon bucket with a screen or grid for faster application. To paint a popcorn ceiling, start by choosing an acrylic paint in the color and finish you want. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. These two coats will give you the most even uniform coverage across the whole ceiling—minimum overhead for maximum color refresh. Use 2-inch masking tape to keep the sheeting in place and to provide a defined edge for the paint. If it doesn't pass through freely, add more water. % of people told us that this article helped them. Remove the furniture from the room. Work in sections when you're painting a ceiling, dividing it into back left, back right, middle left, and middle right, for example. If you find the paint is running between the shiplap planks, run a screwdriver along edges between the planks while the paint is still wet. Primer – Prime your newly uncovered ceiling before applying a fresh coat of paint. When it comes to removing popcorn ceilings, I tried the budget-friendly water and scraping removal method when I made over the guest bath a few years ago. If the ceiling is a relatively small area, then a paint sprayer may be overkill and take more time in preparation than it’s worth. STEP 3 Use a feather or microfiber duster—or your vacuum with the soft bristled dusting brush attachment—to banish dust from all nooks and crannies so that it doesn’t speckle the paint you apply to the popcorn ceiling. That will make it easier to wash off any paint drips or splatter at the end of the day. Load the brush with plenty of paint but apply with a light touch. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Textured ceilings can be painted using a brush and a thick roller or with an airless sprayer, but using a sprayer is by far the easiest and most efficient way to get the job done fast. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat to cover you head. Paint is going to rain down in all directions. You don’t want to dilute the paint too much, so it’s a good idea to start by adding 8-ounces, or ¼-quart, of water to the paint and dabbing it on a corner of the ceiling to test how it applies. One way to cover popcorn ceiling is with gypsum board ceiling panels. It is not a particular type of paint that is used to apply new coats on textured ceilings. It's possible to paint over a popcorn ceiling covered with a wall and ceiling texture product. To test the water solubility, spray a small amount of water on an inconspicuous area. There is years of smoke residue; should I use something like Kilz to cover it up? A paint sprayer is the easiest and fastest way to paint a popcorn ceiling, but it can also be done with a thick nap roller (no lower than 9/16-inch). Test the ceiling’s water solubility. For the second coat, apply paint in the opposite direction A paint masker allows you to combine the painter's tape and masking paper/film to easily roll out a protective covering over virtually anything. Read on for details, and you just might learn how to paint popcorn ceiling into good favor once again! I didn't know if I should spray the texture on as it was, or if I should paint the new drywall first. How do you prevent popcorn ceiling paint from falling off the ceiling? I didn't have a sprayer to go it and I need to paint this ceiling every time our renters move. Popcorn ceiling how to remove an ugly stain drywall repairman building restoration service painting over a popcorn ceiling how tos diy complete guide to painting popcorn textured ceilings homeadvisor how to paint popcorn ceiling bob vila. These will often be marked specifically for painting popcorn ceilings, and feature a long nap. Thanks. You still need to cover the fixtures, windows, doors, and baseboards, though. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Painting popcorn ceiling texture is a much cheaper and easier alternative to removal. Avoid going back and forth with the roller over the same areas or you may loosen the ceiling’s texture and knock it off. Textured ceilings can be painted using a brush and a thick roller or with an airless sprayer, but using a sprayer is by far the easiest and most efficient way to get the job done fast. While latex paint is often used on ceilings, you actually want to use acrylic paint on popcorn ceilings. Step 2: Painting popcorn ceiling If that’s the case with your acoustical ceiling, use a good, vibrator-type paint sprayer (available at home centers). The most efficient way to paint a popcorn ceiling is to spray it, and if the ceiling is a different color than the walls, you'll save time and do a better job if you spray the walls first. 22 July 2020. The bumpy texture, resembling its namesake of “popped’ kernels, is applied to walls and ceilings through a spray made of drywall or plaster. If it contains asbestos or lead, you’re better off leaving it alone or having professionals handle the work. Next, dilute the paint with water and transfer it to an airless paint sprayer for the easiest application. Start by emptying the entire room. Just do a light coat of primer, let it dry completely, then a full coat of primer, then flat paint that is tinted to a nice white that covers well should do the trick. Don't roll back and forth because once the popcorn gets wet it starts to peel. If you aren't successful in scraping off a portion of the ceiling to color-match, mix up some paint yourself. These bubble-textured ceilings were very popular in homes built between the 1970s and 1990s and are still used in many homes. A paint sprayer is the easiest and fastest way to paint a popcorn ceiling, but it can also be done with a thick nap roller (no lower than 9/16-inch). For tips on using a roller to paint the ceiling, read on! I bought ceiling paint, right, because I’m painting a ceiling, it makes sense. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I feel so much, "I was afraid to tackle my popcorn ceilings but after reading your article, I know that I can do the job. The popcorn ceilings need a thick napped roller to get the paint to the ceiling, instead of just on the popcorn nodules. It is affecting my health at 90 years of age. Painting popcorn ceilings is definitely a time when you will want to use a respirator or at least a cotton mask to protect your respiratory system from damage while painting. I wish I would have bought a durable, thicker paint that was a flat white. You can also choose “slap brush” texture, which involves applying your texture with a paint roller, then going over it with a coat of ceiling paint. Use a feather duster to remove it. Paint a Popcorn Ceiling Step-by-Step 1. Popcorn ceilings are used in many homes, especially older homes where there is a desire to hide flaws in the ceiling. Popcorn Ceiling Removal Conclusion A richer shade on the ceiling can help make the space feel warmer and cozier. You can usually rent them from hardware stores, home improvement centers, and tool rental companies. For more information, read. Plan to do a second coat if you don’t get full coverage in one pass of painting a popcorn ceiling. When you spray the cardboard, make sure that the spray pattern is intact, without any breaks. This trend can go by many names – popcorn, textured, acoustic – but at the end of the day, it’s a nuisance when it comes to painting walls or ceilings with a bumpy texture. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re wearing old clothing or disposable coveralls that you don’t mind ruining. If you don’t paint regularly, there’s no need to purchase a paint sprayer. ", better trying to do this project on my own. If the ceiling looks patchy after two coats, you may want to apply a third coat in third direction for more complete coverage. Paint masker. We chose the smooth painted white planks, but there are many color and wood texture options available. By using our site, you agree to our. Make just one pass. The method works, but is extremely messy and I did expose a very uneven ceiling. Paint scraper – This is the tool used to physically remove the popcorn texture from the ceiling. Spray acoustic texture works best on areas of damage that are 16-inches by 16-inches or less. Remember that finishing the ceiling after popcorn removal will be of the utmost importance with this method. We recommend an odorless oil based primer and sealer or a waterborne primer for ceilings. Once the textured aggregate gets wet, it tends to peel off, so don’t overwork any area; just gently apply paint and move on. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. You screw it into the framing of the ceiling. But you can only roll it once and let it dry before I try rolling it again and you can only roll it in one direction. This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Pull out the paint! Now that your room is prepped and your texture is ready to go, it’s time to finally spray on your popcorn texture. Since removing a popcorn ceiling is messy at best, and a costly headache if asbestos is indeed involved, you may have decided to live with one in your home. Make sure to seal any areas of water damage with an oil-based, stain blocking primer that’s been thinned with water by approximately 25 percent. So first thing you need to do is remove, as much furniture as you can, from the room being painted. Don your dust mask and protective eyewear and, using a flathead screwdriver, gently scrape about 1/4 inch of the popcorn surface off the ceiling all along the edges. However, DIY expert Amy Matthews explains just how to do it on DIYNetwork.com! Ask at any full-service paint store for help in choosing complementary wall and ceiling colors, or search online for examples of rooms you like. If your ceiling hasn’t been painted before, the best way to paint it is with a spray gun. The unique textured finish is achieved by spraying on a mixture that looks like cottage cheese onto the ceiling and allowing it to dry. Spray in one direction, then the other “Paint the surface going in one direction, making sure to overlap slightly to prevent you from missing a spot,” Delucia says. Popcorn ceilings—also called textured ceilings, stucco ceilings, or cottage cheese ceilings (yes, really)—were a popular alternative to troweled plaster in the mid-20th century. Allow the primer to dry at least four hours. Using a step ladder, hold the sprayer perpendicular to the ceiling with the nozzle positioned approximately 1-foot from the ceiling. When putting a second coat of paint on my popcorn ceiling, should I use a flat or semigloss paint? This helps keep edges wet and allows you to see your progress to ensure an even coat. Expert Interview. Spray the paint onto the ceiling in a single direction and consistently, gently moving in a steady motion. Consider a mid-range paint designed for ceilings. Paint masker. Many homes constructed in the mid-20th century feature textured ceilings also known as “popcorn” or “cottage cheese” ceilings. Removing Stains from a Popcorn Ceiling. Make sure to thin the paint before you apply it the ceiling. Make sure to examine the tip itself. Cut in the ceiling edge. If the texture becomes soft, the best way to paint it is with a spray gun. Spray the ceiling with warm, soapy water, then wait 15 to 20 minutes. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Popcorn and other textured surfaces require more paint to achieve full coverage, so plan to use twice as much of the supply as you would on a flat ceiling. The best way to paint a ceiling is to use a paint roller and work in grid-like sections of 3 square feet to 5 square feet each. That will allow you to get the excess paint off your roller so you don’t splatter it as you’re painting. For smooth ceilings, use a low nap roller. Latex can soak in to acoustic texture vs. oil laying over the top, so latex is a better option. More paint is needed to get into the grooves of textured ceiling paint, but be careful not to saturate the popcorn ceiling too much. STEP 2 Prep the ceiling edges to ensure you’ll be able to achieve a neat edge where the ceiling meets the wall. To determine if you've thinned the paint enough, pour some through a funnel. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Painting Hints for Cutting in Near a Popcorn Ceiling. Have a certified asbestos testing specialist examine it and explain your options if asbestos is present. Yes. Paint Over the Popcorn Ceiling Paint in one direction and stop. Again, heavy duty plastic should be draped on the walls, floors, and furniture to prevent overspray. Popcorn ceilings have a rough texture--from far away, it looks like kernels of popcorn. Wait 24 hours for the primer to dry before beginning the next part of the process. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Popcorn ceiling is seen as dated by many prospective home buyers, so modernizing the look of your ceiling by removing the popcorn material and giving it a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint could definitely help in raising your home’s value, should you ever decide to put it on the market. I didn't have a sprayer to go it and I need to paint this ceiling every time our renters move. Chat with a realtor about what adds value to your house, and what doesent Most are scraping the popcorn off, then painting the ceiling. STEP 1 Prep your room carefully, since the texture of a popcorn ceiling is bound to cause a good deal of splatter when you roll on paint. This article has been viewed 204,261 times. While you may pay more for a single can of high quality paint, you’ll need less to cover the ceiling so you can get away with buying fewer cans. For example, add crown molding and a popcorn ceiling instantly looks more updated. The primer will help the popcorn mixture adhere to the ceiling, making the application process easier. For the guest rooms, I didn’t want to go this route to find uneven or damaged ceilings underneath the popcorn. Though not an especially challenging project for the DIYer, painting a popcorn texture properly requires certain tools and techniques. Tape plastic sheeting around the walls and cover the floors with drop cloths. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. These bubble-textured ceilings were very popular in homes built between the 1970s and 1990s and are still used in many homes. It actually did a great job. October 25, 2016, 3:30 AM. Make sure that your roller extension pole is long enough for you to comfortably reach the ceiling. Popcorn ceilings are used in many homes, especially older homes where there is a desire to hide flaws in the ceiling. Allow the primer to dry at least four hours. However, if you prepare in the right way and know the proper techniques for painting a textured ceiling, it's a fairly easy home improvement project. Applying the texture to drywall and plaster ceilings was a quick and easy way to hide imperfections and didn't require any painting afterward. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 204,261 times. Spray on the first coat in a single direction, moving slowly and steadily, then let the paint dry for 1-2 hours before spraying on the second coat in the opposite direction! A common treatment for ceilings from the 1950s through the 1980s that offered a bit of noise reduction, popcorn ceilings lost appeal in the late 20th century, largely because the aggregates used often contained asbestos, now banned as a carcinogen. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Paint-a-Popcorn-Ceiling-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Popcorn-Ceiling-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Paint-a-Popcorn-Ceiling-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1336402-v4-728px-Paint-a-Popcorn-Ceiling-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"