Even though sleek walls have been popular for many years, some houses still feature popcorn ceilings or
textured ceilings
Just like the walls in your house, at some point you might feel inclined to repaint your ceiling too. Given that popcorn and textured ceilings tend to collect and hold onto dirt and grime, they often appear dull after a while. No matter how much effort you put into cleaning them, they never seem to regain their pristine appearance. Eventually, this leads you to ponder whether repainting would be beneficial. However, before proceeding with painting, think thoroughly about your future intentions regarding the ceiling since applying paint over popcorn texture will complicate and increase the expense of removal later down the line if you ever choose to take out the texture.
When tackling textured or uneven surfaces, painting them poses distinct difficulties and demands greater exertion compared to working on smoother areas. The key factor here is using the thickest pile roller available. Should you’ve attempted to paint such textures with a thinner roller, you’re likely aware of the exasperation this can bring. Now, let’s dive into what you should consider when aiming to repaint a popcorn ceiling.
Are popcorn ceilings made with asbestos?
Popcorn ceilings
Textured or popcorn ceilings installed in the 1980s or before often include asbestos, a substance linked to cancer. Should you lack information about when your popcorn ceiling was put up, submit a piece for testing at home improvement stores to determine whether it has asbestos content. In cases where uncertainty persists, use protective equipment like goggles and masks to prevent exposure from loose fragments or airborne particles. Provided that it remains untouched, painting over this type of ceiling should pose no risk.
Cover the ceiling prior to painting.
Prior to painting, ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove all dust and debris. This step is crucial as dust and loose bits can stop the paint from securely sticking to your surface.
Use two-inch wide
painter’s tape
To cover the edges around the outside border of your ceiling. Make sure the tape adheres well to create a tight seal and prevent paint from seeping underneath along the taped line. This step is crucial especially when the wall color varies from the ceiling color.
Cover floors and furnishings using drop cloths.
When using thick nap
paint rollers
A significant amount of paint spatters may occur during the painting procedure. Shield your flooring and furnishings by laying down drop cloths or tarpaulins to prevent paint drips from scattering around. Furthermore, dress in old clothing that you’re unconcerned about damaging, and safeguard your vision using protective eyewear.
Trim along the borders
Use an angled trim brush measuring between 1-1/2 to 2 inches to carefully cut along the edges of the room. Make sure your brush is well loaded with paint for better coverage. Avoid pressing the bristles too hard against the tape border so you prevent bleeding under the tape. Apply the paint gently with soft brushing motions to protect the textured surface from damage.
Tip:
Textured painter’s tape can allow paint to seep through the creases and over the uneven surface, leading to paint bleeding that needs touching up. Opt for painter’s tape with the smoothest texture to achieve a neat paint edge.
Painting popcorn ceiling
ceilings typically have a flat finish unless found in damp environments like bathrooms. Apply plenty of paint using a roller, moving it across the ceiling randomly. As you work, crisscross the roller strokes to ensure even coverage within textured sections. Imagine forming X and W shapes with each pass of the roller. For spots where operating a roller becomes difficult, switch to a trim brush to push paint deeply into the textures of the surface.
drywall texture
.
If you get paint on an area not covered by a drop cloth, attempt to clean it up before the paint dries completely. The wetter the paint splatters, the simpler they will be to eliminate.
Let the paint dry and then add a second layer. Typically, two layers are enough; however, the number might vary based on how rough your ceiling is and which type of paint you select.
Tip:
Ceiling paints are typically white or light tones designed to bounce light around the room. In contrast, a dark hue would soak up the illumination—this could be an intentional decision for areas like a home cinema.
Take off the painter’s tape and tidy up
After the paint has cured, carefully take away the painter’s tape you used for protecting the borders. Make sure not to peel away the texture that adheres to the edge of the tape. Fold up the drop cloths and tidy your painting tools.
FAQ
Is it possible to apply a paint sprayer to a popcorn ceiling?
You might want to think about employing a paint sprayer for your popcorn ceiling project. While this method can reduce painting duration, it demands significantly more preparation beforehand. Due to substantial overspray, every part of the room must be thoroughly shielded when utilizing a spray painter. When consulting seasoned professionals, their opinions often split evenly; some firmly advocate for brushes and rollers, whereas others strongly recommend using a paint sprayer. Ultimately, my recommendation hinges upon specific factors related to the space itself: what quantity of furnishings does it contain? What type of flooring material is present? And importantly, how high are the ceilings? Choose whichever option makes you feel most at ease and confident during execution.
What if I prefer not to paint my ceiling white?
Light reflects very well off white surfaces, making rooms appear more spacious. Should you desire a hint of color without opting for pure white, consider blending a portion of your chosen wall color into white paint. This way, the ceiling complements the walls yet avoids appearing too harshly contrasting. Remember to conduct a test patch once the applied color has dried since wet paint often appears differently from how it looks when fully cured. Keep in mind to preserve leftover painted samples or document the mixing proportions accurately; this ensures ease during subsequent retouching sessions.
What kind of paint do you recommend for the ceiling?
Frequently, particularly in newly constructed buildings, ceilings are left painted only with primer and without an extra coat of paint. Should you want a particular color match, consider applying a topcoat over the primer.
Paint companies are currently offering paint specially formulated
For ceilings. The distinction between
ceiling paint
Moreover, primer is because ceiling paint is more viscous, potentially making extra layers unnecessary.
Ceiling paint is available in either matte or low-sheen finishes.
Both primers and ceiling paints are designed to resist stains, making them less prone to absorbing smoke, cooking fumes, and similar materials. Additionally, both types of paint offer resistance to mold and mildew.
