How to Brush Stomp a Ceiling

Applying a stomp and drag texture to your ceilings has many benefits, both aesthetically and financially. It provides a focal point in the room, adds value to the home and accentuates the room’s architectural features, including crown molding. Instead of paying professional to achieve this sought after textured appearance, do it yourself for a fraction of the price. Find all the material necessary to create your stomp-and-drag ceiling at a hardware or home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbsp. dish soap
• Lukewarm water
• Spoon
• Kitchen sponge
• Soft cloth
• Two gallons Drywall compound powder
• Bucket
• Lambskin roller
• Ladder or extension pole
• Drop cloths
• Crows foot brush
• Knock-down knife (optional)

Instructions

1. Create a mixture of one tablespoon liquid dish soap and three cups lukewarm water. Stir the ingredients to create suds.

2. Dampen a kitchen sponge with the mixture and gently wipe down the ceiling. Dry the ceiling with a soft cloth and allow it to finish air drying before continuing.

3. Pour approximately two gallons drywall compound powder into a large plastic bucket. Add one cup warm water to the compound and stir it until the powder is completely incorporated. Continue to add more water until a thin paste consistency is achieved.

4. Spread a one-quarter inch layer of the drywall compound on the wall with a lambskin roller. Use a ladder or extension pole to reach the ceiling. Apply the drywall compound in five-foot sections if you are using quick-drying compound.

5. Create the stomp and drag texture with the crow's foot brush. Gently press the brush into the wet drywall compound and twist is to create a pattern. Use your imagination to create the pattern or use uniforms swirls to make it finish product look more professional.

6. Continue to us the crows foot brush on the ceiling until the desired pattern is achieved. Allow the compound to set for 10 minutes and remove the texture’s peak with a knock-down knife.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the floor with drop cloths to protect it against drips.

• Using the knock-down knife is optional. If you like the stomp and drag ceiling’s peaks, leave them.

• Wipe away any drywall mud drips from lighting fixture or flooring immediately with a damp cloth.

References

• Drywall Tips.org: How to Apply Ceiling Texture-Stomp
• Drywall 101: Stomp-Knockdown Texture