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How To Paint a Textured Ceiling

May 22nd, 2024 | 4 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Textured ceiling and walls in room being painted white over beige/yellow color.

Painting textured ceilings can be daunting for many homeowners, but hiring a professional painter to tackle the job of painting your textured ceilings can save you time and effort and ensure a flawless finish.

While some homeowners may feel confident in their DIY skills, painting textured ceilings can require specific techniques and expertise to achieve optimal results. 

Brush & Roll Painting is a high-quality, professional interior painting company in Omaha, Nebraska. We have painted thousands of homes across the Omaha metro and gained the expertise to share our industry knowledge.

Whether you're dealing with popcorn, knockdown, or any other textured ceiling, this guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a successful textured ceiling painting project.

How Textured or Popcorn Ceilings Are Painted

Preparation is Key

Kitchen and dining room space covered with plastic before the ceiling is painted white.Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, it's essential to properly prepare the area. Start by removing any furniture from the room or covering it with plastic drop cloths to protect it from paint splatter. 

Next, painter's tape should be used to cover trim, walls, and any fixtures that you don't want to be painted. Lastly, down drop cloths or old sheets should be laid on the floor to protect it from drips and spills.



Cleaning the Ceiling

Textured ceilings can accumulate dust, dirt, and cobwebs over time, so it's crucial to clean them thoroughly before painting. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a microfiber cloth to remove any loose debris. 

For stubborn yellow stains or grease spots, you may need to use a mild detergent solution and a sponge to gently scrub the area. Allow the ceiling to dry completely before moving on to the next step.



Repair Any Damage On the Ceiling

Inspect the ceiling for any cracks, holes, or damage to the texture. Use spackling compound or joint compound to fill in any imperfections, then smooth it out with a putty knife. 

Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, then sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth before painting.

Choose the Right Paint

When it comes to painting textured ceilings, it's best to use a flat or matte finish paint. These finishes help to conceal imperfections in the texture and provide a smooth, even appearance. Additionally, look for a paint that is specifically formulated for ceilings, as these products tend to have better coverage and adhesion to textured surfaces.



Applying the Paint

Marlane During 1-1Painters should start by cutting in around the edges of the ceiling using a high-quality angled brush. Working in small sections and carefully following the outline of the ceiling trim and fixtures ensures a flawless finish. 

Once the edges are cut in, use a roller with an extended handle to apply paint to the rest of the ceiling. Roll in one direction, overlapping each stroke slightly to ensure even coverage. Avoid pressing too hard on the roller, which can flatten the texture and create an uneven finish.

Popcorn ceilings that have never been painted should be sprayed. This is because when paint gets rolled on an untouched textured ceiling, it could remove texture from the ceiling and create a mess. It is also difficult to blend in and touch up the texture, once it is damaged. 

If you choose to roll the ceiling, it’s recommended to roll in one direction, to avoid harming the texture.



Painting Efficiently

Painting a textured ceiling can be time-consuming, so painters must work efficiently to avoid dried lap marks and inconsistencies in the finish. 

Work in small sections, keeping a wet edge as you go to blend the paint seamlessly. Take regular breaks to rest your arms and avoid fatigue, but try to complete each section while the paint is still wet to prevent visible seams.



Allow for Proper Drying Time

After the ceiling has been painted, allow it to dry completely before removing any painter's tape or moving furniture back into the room. Depending on the humidity and temperature of your space, this may take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Avoid touching or bumping the ceiling during this time to prevent smudges or damage to the finish.



Inspection and Touch Ups

Once the paint is dry, painters can inspect the ceiling for any missed spots or uneven areas. A small brush or roller is best to touch up any imperfections, then allow the paint to dry completely before re-inspecting. If necessary, a second coat of paint can be applied to achieve the desired depth of color and coverage.

Clean Up After Painting

Finally, properly clean your painting tools and dispose of any leftover paint and materials. Remove painter's tape carefully to avoid peeling off any fresh paint, and wipe down any surfaces that may have come into contact with paint splatter or drips. 

Once everything is cleaned up, step back and admire your freshly painted textured ceiling!

Hiring a Painter to Paint Textured Ceilings

Interior room with furniture covered with plastic before painting textured ceilingExpertise in Texture Handling

Professional painters have experience working with various textured surfaces, from popcorn to knockdown and beyond. They understand how to properly prepare each type of texture for painting, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish without compromising the integrity of the texture.



Efficient Preparation and Cleanup

Preparing a room for painting can be a time-consuming task, sometimes more than the time it takes to actually paint.

This involves furniture moving, surface cleaning, and masking off areas. A professional painter will handle all of these tasks efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. They'll also take care of cleanup afterward, leaving your home just as they found it, if not cleaner.



Quality Workmanship

Painting textured ceilings requires a delicate touch to avoid flattening the texture or creating visible seams. Professional painters have the skills and precision to apply paint evenly and seamlessly, resulting in a flawless finish that enhances the beauty of your space.



Access to High-Quality Materials

Professional painters have access to a wide range of high-quality paints, primers, and tools that may not be readily available to homeowners. They can recommend and use the best products for your specific needs and ensure that the finished result is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.



Time-Saving Convenience

Painting textured ceilings can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task, especially for larger rooms or high ceilings. With taller ceilings or ceilings over staircases, it can involve ladders or scaffolding.

By hiring a professional painter, you can free up your time to focus on other priorities while they handle the painting project from start to finish.



Peace of Mind

Perhaps most importantly, hiring a professional painter gives you peace of mind knowing that the job will be done right the first time. You won't have to worry about amateur mistakes or subpar results, as experienced painters take pride in their workmanship and strive for customer satisfaction.



Painting Your Textured Ceilings

In conclusion, painting textured ceilings doesn't have to be a stressful or overwhelming task. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve professional-looking results that will enhance the beauty of your home for years to come. 

When hiring a painter to paint your textured ceilings, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced professional. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors, and request quotes from multiple painters to compare prices and services. Make sure to inquire about their experience with textured ceilings specifically and ask to see examples of their previous work.

Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, is a professional ceiling painting company in Omaha. With our extensive prep work process and use of high-quality products, your freshly painted ceiling can look flawless.

To ensure you will hire the best painting company for your ceiling painting project, download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter.

DOWNLOAD A FREE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIRING A PAINTER

Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager.