How to Make Swirls on the Ceiling

Whether you want to repair a cracked or damaged ceiling or just add some decoration, painting swirls is an easy way to add texture. Swirling can't be done incorrectly as long as you cover the entire ceiling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint
• Joint compound
• 5 gallon bucket
• Large paint brush
• Painter's tarps

1. Lay painter's tarp on the floor to protect it from any drippings or spills.

2. Pour a gallon of paint into a 5 gallon bucket.

3. Slowly add joint compound and mix it in thoroughly, until you have a thickness that's similar to peanut butter or a bit stiffer.

4. Coat your paint brush in your paint mixture and apply it to your ceiling in swirls. The swirls can be any size you like; they can also overlap and go in any direction you like.

5. Work in stages so each section of the ceiling has time to dry. Working in different parts of the ceiling prevents you from smoothing out swirls you've already created as you work. Continue to apply the paint mixture to the ceiling until the entire ceiling is covered in swirls.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on a sheet of plywood before you try this on the ceiling. This way, you're comfortable with how the mixture goes on and have some control over your design.
• Since you're adding joint compound to paint, you don't have to go back and paint over the swirls once you've finished decorating your ceiling.