How to Use Valspar Sand-Textured Ceiling Paint

Adding texture to a ceiling adds new dimension to a room, and it can hide uneven surfaces and other flaws. Valspar produces a sand-textured paint that produces a subtle texture similar to that of sandpaper that works well as a ceiling finish. This paint can cover nearly any surface, including drywall, plaster, wood, masonry and metal. To achieve the best paint texture when applying it to a ceiling, you'll have to properly prepare the ceiling surface. However, actually applying texture to a ceiling can be a difficult process, particularly because you'll be working overhead.

Things You'll Need

• Protective plastic
• Scraper
• Sandpaper
• Rags
• Solvent cleaner
• Patching compound
• Primer
• Paintbrush or roller
• Stirring stick
• Putty knife or trowel

Instructions

1. Cover the floor and any underlying fixtures with protective plastic sheeting to prevent staining or dripping from the ceiling.

2. Remove any old paint from your ceiling surface by scraping or sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper. Wash the surface with a rag dampened in mineral spirits or a similar solvent cleaner to remove dirt, dust, grease and oil. The surface must be completely clean before painting.

3. Inspect the surface for cracks. If you find any larger than 1/8 inch across, patch the ceiling with surface-specific patching material. Allow all cleaning and repair work to dry completely before continuing.

4. Prime the ceiling with surface-specific primer. Use an acrylic primer on wood, rust-inhibiting primer on metal, latex or oil-based primer on stained ceilings. Prime with paintbrushes or rollers, covering the entire ceiling with a thin, even coat. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.

5. Thoroughly stir your Valspar sand-textured paint with a stirring stick. You must di this before you begin, as well as every five to 10 minutes during the project to prevent the paint from thickening.

6. Spread a thick layer of the texture paint onto the ceiling with a stiff bristle paintbrush, putty knife or flat trowel. Cover the entire ceiling, overlapping passes by ½ to 1 inch to prevent creating lines from the trowel, knife or brush. Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing.

7. Inspect the surface. Touch up areas or apply a second coat if necessary to achieve desired color or texture.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to use an oil-based primer, the ceiling will be slippery when it dries and will not accept the paint well. Sand the surface with medium-grit sandpaper before painting to ensure adhesion.

• For best results, paint when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Paint applied before the 1980s may contain lead, which can cause serious health issues if it is scraped or sanded. If you are unsure about the old paint on your ceiling, consult a professional.

References

• Valspar Paint: Ultra Premium Sand Texture Paint