How to Install Ceiling Texture

Ceiling texture covers up damage.

Installing a textured ceiling accomplishes two things. First, it adds architectural interest to what many interior designers refer to as the "fifth wall' in the room. Second, it covers imperfections in the ceiling such as cracks and divots. The easiest and most inexpensive way to install texture to a ceiling is to use ceiling texture paint. Find ceiling texture paint at local home improvement stores and most do not require the rental of any special equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Large sponge
• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Primer paint
• Ceiling texture paint
• Paint tray
• Medium nap paint roller

Instructions

1. Clear the room. Ceiling texture paint is heavier than normal paint, so it drips a lot more. Protect your belongings by removing all items from the room.

2. Clean the ceiling. Paint does not adhere well to dirty surfaces. Clean all dirt and debris off the ceiling with a large sponge. Rinse the sponge often in a bucket of warm, soapy water.

3. Use drop cloths to protect floors from paint spills and drips.

4. Mask off the room. Apply painter's tape along the top edge of the room where the walls meet the ceiling to prevent the texture paint from getting on areas in which it isn't wanted.

5. Apply primer. One coat of primer paint covers any stains on the ceiling and prevents them from bleeding through to the textured finish.

6. Mix ceiling texture paint. Using a paint stirrer stick, thoroughly mix the ceiling texture paint until the texture pieces are evenly distributed throughout the paint. Pour the paint into a paint tray.

7. Roll on ceiling texture paint. Load up a medium nap roller with the ceiling texture paint and apply to the ceiling just as you would with non-textured ceiling paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow adequate drying time between coats to ensure that the texture of the paint properly adheres to the surface of the wall.

• Never work in an unventilated room. Ceiling texture paint contains small amounts of silica. Prolonged exposure to paint fumes can irritate the lungs and cause dizziness and fainting. Open a window or use a fan to circulate fresh air into the room.

References

• Ceiling Texture Paint