How to Paint a Sand Ceiling

Use a paint sprayer on a textured ceiling.

A textured ceiling conceals drywall joints, softens space and muffles noise. The texture can range from dramatic to subtle. One kind of texture is sand. Although pre-blended sand-texture paints are available today, in the past, a homeowner who wanted this look mixed sand directly into his paint. Repainting this kind of ceiling can be problematic, because particles of sand often come off on a brush or roller. In addition, a thick coat of paint can obscure the texture. Simplify your work and preserve the texture by using a paint sprayer.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's masking materials
• Protective clothing
• Safety glasses
• Paint sprayer
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Move all furniture from the room. Unscrew and remove any light fixtures. Cover all surrounding surfaces, trim and windows, using painter's masking materials, such as painter's tape, plastic sheeting, drop cloths and masking paper.

2. Put on clothing that will keep paint off your upper body and safety glasses to keep your eyes protected.

3. Assemble, fill and start the paint sprayer, following the model specifications.Types of paint sprayers include air and airless. You can rent one at a hardware or paint store. If it's adjustable, set the paint spray at fine. Keeping the paint thin will prevent overcoating and obscuring the sand texture.

4. Climb a ladder, starting in one corner of the room. Hold the nozzle approximately 12 inches from the ceiling. Pull the trigger on the sprayer, and move it back and forth in rows that overlap by approximately 50 percent. Keep the nozzle perpendicular to the ceiling, and spray slowly and steadily to ensure even disbursement.

5. Get down and move the ladder to the next section, and continue spraying. Do not leave the sprayer idle for more than 10 to 15 minutes to keep paint from drying inside the nozzle. Continue until the entire ceiling is painted.

6. Add another coat only if absolutely necessary. More paint will interfere with the texture.

References

• Plaster Wall Ceiling Solutions: Now For The Fun! Wall Texture (and Ceiling Texture) Tips
• Home Tips: How to Use a Power Paint Sprayer