How to Paint a Popcorn Ceiling: A Handyman’s Easy Guide

Popcorn ceiling, also known as stucco ceiling or acoustic ceiling, is a type of textured ceiling with a more classic and traditional appearance. This aesthetic trend is making a comeback, with many homeowners wanting this unique appearance for the living room design or other parts of their home. An added advantage of popcorn ceilings is that they offer outstanding sound dampening. However, painting a popcorn ceiling can seem daunting. Fortunately, we have some tips for you. Here is a handyman’s easy guide on how to paint a popcorn ceiling. 

Preparation 

Before you start painting or even start gathering supplies, there are a few key steps that can help you prepare for the project. Ideally, you want to clear the room as much as possible. The more space you have, the easier it will be for you to complete the project. 

You also need to clean the surface, getting rid of any dust, cobwebs, or anything that could be a problem for the paint. Lastly, wear protective equipment, such as a dust mask or eyewear, to keep yourself protected through the process. 

Supplies 

To paint a popcorn ceiling, you will need a variety of supplies. The most important is getting high-quality paint in the color of your choice. The texture of the popcorn ceiling is most visible in a matte finish. You want to get a paint roller as it offers easier and more even application of paint on the ceiling. 

Other important supplies include painter’s tape, an extension roll to help you reach the ceiling easily, and a primer formulated for use on ceilings. You may also need some putty and sandpaper. 

Paint Process 

The first step in the painting process is actually not about painting. You need to inspect the ceiling for any damages that require work. After the damages have been fixed, you can proceed to the exciting part of actually painting the popcorn ceiling. 

The popcorn appearance comes from the texture material and not the paint itself. The texture material is typically made from drywall compound, vermiculite, or polystyrene. Apply the popcorn texture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, spraying the texture is recommended. You need to allow the texture to dry before moving to the next step. 

Once the textured ceiling is dry, you can start painting. Mix the paint thoroughly for even consistency. Load the roller with a generous amount of paint by rolling it back and forth for even distribution and remove the excess. Start painting from one corner of the room, working small sections and overlapping each stroke. You want to work in manageable sections but be careful not to leave lap marks. 

As you progress through the paint process, take time to assess your work and make adjustments accordingly. For a proper popcorn ceiling look, you will likely need multiple coats. Keep in mind that the shade of the color might change slightly with each coat.

Finishing Touches

After you have finished painting the ceiling, you are almost finished with the process, but there are a few finishing touches required. Inspect the ceiling for any imperfections or uneven coverage that require touch-ups. If you are satisfied with the final results, you can start removing the tapes and cleaning up the room. 

The drying time for the popcorn ceiling can be anywhere from one to two days. You can keep the room properly ventilated to speed up the drying process. Once the ceiling is completely cured, you can start putting back furniture in the room, adding fixtures to the ceiling, and redecorating your room as you like.