Textured ceilings insulate sound so that you don't hear people walking or talking above or below you. While some don't like the look of popcorn or cottage cheese ceilings, the sound barrier that it creates is invaluable to others. When painting, textured ceilings make the painting process more complicated. They are more fragile than smooth drywall and if you paint them incorrectly, you can peel off the texture. Prevent this by using sensitive painting methods and by preparing the ceiling before you paint it.
Instructions
1. Fix any water leaks before you paint the ceiling. Water leaks will cause the ceiling texture to peel off even after you've painted over it. You may need to reapply the texture if this occurs.
2. Remove as much furniture as possible from the room and cover the remaining furniture and floor with drop cloths.
3. Tape the area around the walls that you don't want painted.
4. Put goggles on to protect your eyes from paint that will likely drop from the texture on the ceiling.
5. Pour non-water-based primer into a paint tray if the ceiling is unpainted. Use a roller that is at least 3/4 inch thick. This will press the paint in the nooks and crannies on the ceiling without you having to apply pressure or roll over one area several times.
6. Dip a roller into the primer. Use a long roller pole so you can access the ceiling without getting on a ladder.
7. Roll the primer over the entire ceiling working in sections and overlapping each pass at least 1 inch. Cover the ceiling with one coat of primer and get as close to the walls as possible. Unpainted textured ceilings will absorb a lot of water and paint, which will require you to paint over them several times. Priming prevents you from having to paint over one area multiple times, possibly peeling off the texture.
8. Paint the areas around the wall with a paintbrush. Brush the paint in both directions to completely cover the textured ceiling, but don't push too hard.
9. Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions.
10. Pour ceiling paint into a painter's tray.
11. Put a new roller cover on the roller and roll it in the paint.
12. Roll the paint on the ceiling in smooth and even rolls. Don't make several short passes over an area, as this will pull the texture off the wall. Overlap each pass at least 1 inch to prevent streak marks. Don't push the roller into the ceiling, as this could cause the texture to peel off.
13. Paint the area next to the wall with a paintbrush. Work in both directions to paint all of the nooks and crannies, but don't apply too much pressure.
14. Let the paint dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions.
15. Apply a second coat of paint in the same way and let it dry completely.
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