How to Apply Popcorn-Textured Ceiling Paint

Add some texture overhead with these step-by-step instructions.

Materials and Tools:

hopper gun and compressor (available for rental at home-center stores)
paint tray
paint suit and glasses
stepladder
putty knife
paint mixer
paint roller
masking tape
drop cloths
ceiling texture
primer sealer
spackle

Steps:

1. Fill any dents or imperfections in the ceiling with spackle, and then apply a coat of primer with a roller. Allow the primer to dry at least four hours.

2. While it's drying, mask off the walls and floor with masking tape and tarps, plastic sheets or drop cloths. 

3. Wearing a paint suit, including a head sock and safety glasses, pour some texture mix into a large bucket and mix according to directions. Use a paint-mixer attachment to achieve a nice blend. The mixture is ready when it's the consistency of thick porridge.

4. Fill the hopper with texture mixture and fire up the compressor. Practice spraying on an old board or a large piece of cardboard to get the feel of the machine.

5. Lightly spray the mixture onto the ceiling, and keep moving to avoid oversaturating any area. Use multiple light coats and allow the texture time to dry between coats. If you spray the texture on too thickly, it will drip off the ceiling.