Popcorn textures are professionally applied with special spray equipment.
Gouges, scrapes, or removal of ceiling hooks or hardware may expose small areas of bare drywall in a popcorn ceiling finish. It's difficult to replicate the original texture by hand or with a paintbrush, so the best option is use an aerosol spray texture, available in both small and large cans at any home center.
Instructions
1. Cover the floor and other surfaces below the patch area with a tarp or dropcloth.
2. Carefully peel or scrape off any loose texture around the edges of the patch area (see warning, below). Wipe patch area with a dry cloth to remove any dust.
3. Shake the can of spray texture thoroughly. Spray the patch area with spray texture, following the manufacturer's directions. In general, it's best to apply the texture with quick, light bursts of spray, moving the can in a sweeping motion to blend the texture into the surrounding surface.
4. Allow the texture to dry as directed. If necessary, add additional light coats of texture until it satisfactorily matches the original ceiling.
5. Wait at least 24 hours, then paint the patch area to match the rest of the ceiling.
Tags: patch area, area with, patch area with, spray texture