Walls and Ceilings - Painting popcorn ceiling

We're trying to get some painting in our house done before we get the new carpet (approx. 2 weeks away). Hubby wanted to re-paint the ceiling in the living room as there were MANY "lines." Possibly from the last paint job? Has anyone else had this problem? Is it really necessary to use a high quality roller for the ceiling??? What brand paint does everyone suggest? We just used what was left from the seller trying to fix up the home (it was a foreclosure) which was Glidden Ceiling Paint...

Our living room ceiling is 'A'-shaped. The "popcorn" comes down a little bit until it reaches the wood paneling.

Thanks in advance! God Bless.
PottersDaughter

The biggest thing you need is a good roller. Use a 1" - 1 1/4" nap. It may help to thin the paint slightly. The biggest problem you can incounter is when getting the ceiling wet from paint if there are any issues with the popcorn being bonded to the ceiling they may become apparent.
Painting a cathederal ceiling is only a little more difficult than a stAndard flat ceiling. Use a roller pole so you can roll without using a ladder. Try to keep a wet edge and completely paint one side of the ceiling before doing the other side. IMO any paint that will cover is good enough for popcorn ceilings as there are no wear or cleaning issues.

Thanks for the stAndard... lol

I guess we'll have to get a bigger nap roller. Thanks for the reply!!!

I was a better painter than I'll ever be a typer [or anything with a computer] :)

oh whoops! I promise I thought you meant to do that!!! :wall: Hubby and I saw that, and thought you were emphasizing the 'A' because our ceiling is 'A' shaped and not the stAndard flat ceiling... lol But hey... You looked like you meant to do it!!! :mask:



Painting a cathederal ceiling is only a little more difficult than a stAndard flat ceiling.

Just be sure you use a flat ceiling paint.

As marksr mentioned, you might run into trouble with the popcorn adhesion. This is especially the case when you go over the same area a second time.

You're rolling away, when the phone rings. You come back a couple minutes later, and the area you just did is starting to get tacky. You continue painting, but when you roll alongside the area you just did, you might loosen some of the popcorn, leaving bare spots. You try to roll over it again, and more come off!

I *ALWAYS* spray popcorn ceilings for this reason. That, and it's more fun.

The moral of the story is: Try not to roll through any wet paint that you haven't "just" done. (keep a wet edge)

ahhhh... Sounds like a learning experience that I'd rather not experience. LoL Maybe next time we should spray (you know, since it's fun and all... :p )

Thanks!
PottersDaughter

Although spraying popcorn is easier, in most residential applications it isn't very practical. If you miss a spot wait until the next day to touch it up, complete the whole section before you stop. Bathrooms are the most troublesome areas for the texture to come loose [because of moisture] also areas where windows or doors are often left open [especially at night].
If the ceiling needs painting there is no sense worrying about what might happen. Paint it using care and if the texture comes off - well you get to learn something new :)

I mentioned spraying because no one else mentioned it in this thread, it solves the problem of popcorn coming loose, and because it sounds like there is just one room being painted. I wasn't trying to be contrary or change her mind of how to do it.

Popcorn can still come loose with spraying. Although not as likely enough wet paint on deteriated popcorn can make it turn lose. IMO spraying is seldom a good idea in an occupied home.

they have ceiling paint that is light blue or light pink when you put it on and when it dryes it is white and it is some good stuff.got some at lowes and you cant miss a spot with the color.

I never knew they made paint like that. That sounds SO great! I love the pink Dap putty. That's good to know. I will certainly look for that stuff when I re-do the bedrooms and bathrooms. Any idea on what brand it is, or what it's called?


they have ceiling paint that is light blue or light pink when you put it on and when it dryes it is white and it is some good stuff.got some at lowes and you cant miss a spot with the color.

not dont know the name but it is in the ceiling paint part.i just saw it and could not believe it.somebody got smart.ok did some looking,here is a link to it from lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=178562-4-178562&lpage=none

they have ceiling paint that is light blue or light pink when you put it on and when it dryes it is white and it is some good stuff.got some at lowes and you cant miss a spot with the color.

That is some good stuff, I would never roll a popcorn ceiling!!!! Always spray!!!! It is alot less messy if you prep correctly and it looks good. I personally try to stay away from popcorn ceilings period!!!!!

I'd strip the whole thing and either put knockdown on it or flat it out. You can not clean popcorn ceilings either!! :wall: