How to Make a Textured Ceiling

Update any room in your home by creating a textured ceiling. Start off in a smaller room, such as a bathroom, for a little practice. For a bold and dramatic ceiling, add your favorite color to the drywall compound or apply a coat of paint once the ceiling has dried thoroughly. Use a paper bag or sponge to create a one-of-a-kind design on your ceiling that will give your home a fresh new look.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Safety glasses
• Dropcloths
• Masking tape
• Premixed drywall joint compound
• Bucket
• Water
• Straight-edged trowel
• Sponge
• Paintbrush
• Paper bag

Instructions

1. Clear out the furniture in your room. Cover any remaining items, including the floor, with a dropcloth. Tape down the drop cloth with masking tape to prevent movement that might expose wood or carpet.

2. Mix the drywall compound in a bucket with water. Follow the instructions on the container for exact ratios.

3. Dip the straight-edged trowel into the drywall compound. Apply a 1/8-inch layer to a small area of the ceiling. Apply a thicker layer of compound if you want a heavier texture.

4. Create a pattern by gently blotting a sponge onto the small area of the ceiling while the compound is still wet. Paintbrushes and crumpled paper bags can be used to make different textures to suit your taste.

5. Alternate between applying the compound to a small area, then texturing it, until you've worked your way along the entire ceiling. Don't apply compound to an area that's too large -- it might dry before you texture the area.

6. Allow the ceiling to dry before you install any fixtures. Paint the dried compound if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Add color to the compound before application if you want a dramatic ceiling effect.

• If the compound is too thick, add water to thin it. Make sure the compound is firm enough and does not run off your trowel.

• Remove any wallpaper from the ceiling before you begin the project.

• Work in a well-ventilated space that has low humidity. Open a window to let in fresh air and aid in drying.

• Don't begin this project if it's too hot and humid. The humidity will increase drying time and can effect the thickness of the drywall compound.

• Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries.