Painting - Wagner Power Painter for Popcorn Ceilings

My wife and I recently purchased a 55 year old home BADLY in need of interior painting. Unfortunatly the ceilings are "popcorn" ceilings. Instead of paying professionals to spray all the ceilings (we're going to do the rest of the painting ourselves) We are on a tight budget - I was thinking of investing in the Wagner. Also, the popcorn seems a little brittle...is there anything we can spray onto the ceilings in place of cleaning them, before painting with the sprayer? I'm afraid they won't hold up to a sponge. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

...is there anything we can spray onto the ceilings in place of cleaning them
Not that I know of. Use a feather duster or dry paint brush to dust them, then hit it with paint.

I understand the tight budget, WE"VE all been there. But if I can make a suggestion. If all you are purchasing the sprayer for is a 1 time job, why not go to H.D. or Lowes and rent a quality sprayer. I've used the Wagners and all I can see use for them is a door stop. You will get more paint on everything else than what you want, especially when it needs cleaned. And they need cleaned frequently and thouroughly. Just my 2 cents here. Good Luck with your project.