How to Paint Popcorn Ceilings

Yes, you can paint your popcorn ceilings!

Despite their decline in popularity, mid-century popcorn ceilings are still a prominent feature of many homes. While some homeowners opt to remove these textured ceilings in favour of a smooth surface, others don’t want to worry about the mess and hefty workload that goes along with popcorn ceiling removal.

The good news is that painting your popcorn ceilings is a great way to repair damage, remove stains, and keep your ceilings looking good as new! You can even add a subtle pop of colour to your home this way.

Painting ceilings is no easy task, and you will need the right tools and supplies to get the job done right. For higher ceilings, you may even have to work with a ladder. For these reasons, many Vancouver homeowners employ the help and expertise of an experienced professional painter.

Do you need to prime the ceiling before painting?

Not every popcorn ceiling needs to be primed before it is painted. However, there are two cases in which a primer is necessary to achieve great results:

• The ceiling has not been painted before: If the ceiling has not been painted previously, loose materials will fall, making a mess of your floors and your ceiling.
• There are water or nicotine stains on the ceiling: A stain blocking primer can deal with tough stains, ensuring that they won’t show through the paint

Clean, tape and paint for optimal results

• Clean the ceiling: Use a vacuum cleaner or feather duster, remove all dust, cobwebs, and dirt.
• Repair any damages: Use aerosol popcorn texture to repair any damages. For more severe damages, or if there are any signs of mold, you should contact a professional Vancouver painter to help assess the work that needs to be done before painting.
• Prepare the room: Remove any furniture or items from the room and use drop cloths to protect the floors. Tape drop cloths to the walls using painters tape to prevent paint from reaching unwanted surfaces. Finally, tape around the perimeter of the ceiling.
• Paint: Start by painting around the perimeter with a brush, before using a roller to finish the job.

Roller vs. Sprayer for popcorn ceilings

Many professional painters spray popcorn ceilings to save time and create beautiful, uniform coatings. If your popcorn ceiling has not been painted previously, spraying ensures that none of the bumpy texture will be removed during the painting process.

Sprayers can be challenging to use in rooms that have furniture in them, and it is important to properly protect your belongings if you decide to go with a sprayer.

At Even Better Painting, our professional painters are experienced in painting popcorn ceilings. Give us a call for a free quote!