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How to Paint Textured Acoustical Ceilings

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By maytenelson
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)

The most difficult material to work on after years in one house is textured ceilings otherwise referred to as acoustical or popcorn ceilings. The reason for the difficulty is the textured material is light weight so heavy liquid penetration, including paint, can pull the textured ceiling from the ceiling. The Wagner Paint Sprayer makes light work out of priming the ceiling due to various settings to control application thickness.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Professional Painter's Tape
  • 5 - 8 Plastic drop cloths for walls
  • Large drop cloth for floor
  • Good Duster
  • Kilz Odorless Primer
  • Wagner Paint Sprayer
  • Safety Glasses
  1. Step 1

    Using a soft yet sturdy feather duster or a soft cloth attached to a broom or mop head either brush or dab in the case of using a cloth with broom or mop, all the dust bunnies from the ceilings as well as any cobwebs formed in corners since last cleaning. Be sure to dust over windows and doors including closet doors to remove all hints of dust so it does not have the opportunity to blow upward into the primer paint.

  2. Step 2

    Separate the plastic drop material into sheets then using professional painter's tape, line the area on the wall as close to the ceiling as possible to avoid back-splash onto the walls. Professional Painter's tape is usually available at any of the Big Box stores including Home Depot, Lowes, & etc... It can withstand sticking to painted surfaces but recommended only up to 48+/-hrs, which gives plenty of time to spray the ceiling.

    Lay out thicker more absorbent drop cloth over the flooring to prevent paint spattering. If any furniture in the room is unable to move elsewhere, cover it with thick drop-cloth as well but note it is easier to handle this type of job in an emptied room.

  3. Step 3

    Mix Kilz Odorless primer well before pouring into the holding compartment of the Wagner Paint Sprayer. Once the unit is ready, spray steady wide runs of paint over the ceiling in lightly painted passes to ensure the textured ceiling does not become overly wet or the texture will come unattached from the drywall and fall leaving little choice except to remove the texture completely, attempt to spray the texture on using a Wagner Textured Paint Sprayer, or hiring a contractor to blow the ceiling again.

    The paint sprayer takes much of the work out of painting the ceilings where textured ceilings managed to remain intact over the years. The Kilz primer covers worn dull textured ceilings and completely covers any areas yellowed from years of time and/or having a smoker in the house. Upon completion, leave the plastic up and the drop cloths where they are at least overnight to ensure the ceiling dries without any of the texture coming loose falling on the floor. The primer is a white color so there is really no need to paint over it but if a different color is preferred, Choose the paint wisely by letting the paint expert help choose a paint that is not overly heavy for the textured ceiling then repeat the process using a light spray in a wide pattern until the area is covered well but not overly wet or heavy with paint. Textured ceilings can still fall at this point so treat these ceilings with kid gloves.

  4. Step 4

    Once the ceiling is dry completely, the coverings can come down and the drop cloths can be removed unless of course the plan is to paint the walls too. If so, then simply remove the plastic coverings over the walls, doorways, and windows then reattach covering over each area separately such as doors and windows to prevent spilling or over-painting the trim work or doors. It is easiest to remove doors from the hinges when painting walls to prevent accidentally painting them.

    Any paint should work in all rooms except wet rooms. It is best to stick with bathroom type paint when working in bathrooms or spa rooms and even kitchens but other rooms should do well with one to two coats of standard indoor paint of a high-quality. To prevent over-spray on the nice clean appearing ceiling, return to rollers and cut-in tools to paint the walls, trim work, and other decorative or functional woodwork in the room.

    Clean up all paint tools, trays, brushes, and other implements of the job then remove the drop cloth from the room because once the paint is dry completely, it is time to move furniture back into the room or totally redecorate it for other purposes such as an office, exercise room, spare guest room, or a play room for children.

    It is also helpful to write the numbers used to make the paint colors on the inside plate of the light-switch cover. If in the future there is a need for touch-up paint, the mixture is right there ready to be remixed. Do this in each room. Any paint company can mix the paint to the numbered specifications.

Tips & Warnings
  • Write the numbered code for paint under each light switch cover in case of need for touch-up paint later
  • Cover every surface except for the ceiling
  • Spray wide patterns in light coats to prevent the texture from softening to the point it will fall from the drywall beneath
  • Zissener or Kilz primer should work, both are available in low-odor/no-odor formulas
  • If planning to paint over the primer, take care not to apply too heavy a coat or the texture may pull from the drywall
  • Always wear old clothes in case the textured ceiling is not as stuck to the drywall as initially thought
  • Wear eye goggles and a respirator/re-breather for precaution even when using odorless primer
  • Pay special attention to where you step to prevent accidents or slipping from the drop cloths
  • Keep children, pets, and pregnant women out of the room and immediate area due to limited but noxious fumes
  • If texture must come down, see article: http://www.ehow.com/how_5287415_remove-textured-popcorn-ceiling.html
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