How to Paint a Leak on a Textured Ceiling

Water stains on a textured ceiling can be covered in a few simple steps. After all structural repairs are made to ensure no further leaks will occur, the cosmetic repairs can be done by a do-it-yourselfer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drop cloth
• Putty knife
• Ladder
• Textured ceiling patch (spray-on)
• Paintbrush or roller
• Extension arm for roller
• Paint tray

1. Protect the floor beneath the leak with a drop cloth. Remove furniture if necessary.

2. Remove any loose ceiling texture by scraping it with a putty knife. Use a ladder to help you reach the ceiling.

3. Replace the ceiling texture by spraying area with ceiling texture patch material. It comes in an aerosol can with a tip like on a whipped cream can, which allows you to spray it straight up on the ceiling. Allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Paint the newly textured area. If it is small, use a soft brush dipped in paint and use a dabbing motion to avoid removing texture as you paint. If the area is large, use a long napped roller with an extension arm.

5. Clean the painting tools, remove the drop cloth and refurnish the room.

Tips & Warnings

• If the ceiling patch material closely matches the ceiling color, you may be able to avoid painting.
• If you are repairing an older home, have ceiling material checked for asbestos before removing or scraping any damaged area.