When it comes to painting textured ceilings, having the right brush is crucial for achieving an even, smooth finish. The texture of popcorn, knockdown, and other textured ceilings means you need a brush that can get into all the nooks and crannies. Choosing the wrong brush will result in an uneven coat of paint that fails to cover properly.
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Types of Textured Ceilings
There are several common types of textured ceilings:
Popcorn Ceiling: This style has a bumpy, popcorn-like texture applied to it. The texture is created using a spray-on product that leaves small nodules across the entire surface. Popcorn ceilings were very popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s.
Knockdown Ceiling: For this type of textured ceiling, a wet plaster mix is applied to the ceiling and then “knocked down” using a trowel to flatten the texture a bit. This leaves a subtle irregular texture with some peaks and valleys.
Cottage Cheese Ceiling: Extremely bumpy and irregular, cottage cheese ceilings have the appearance of lumps and globs across the surface. The texture is applied using a coarse spray-on product.
Orange Peel Ceiling: This style gets its name from the dimpled, orange peel-like look. A fine spray texture is used to create the subtle bumpy texture.
Skip Trowel Ceiling: Using a skip trowel to apply joint compound or plaster leaves behind peaks and valleys in the ceiling for added depth and interest.
Brush Types for Textured Ceilings
When painting any textured ceiling, you need a brush that can reach into all the indentations in the texture. There are a few types of brushes that work well:
Angled Ceiling Brush: This type of brush has angled bristles specifically designed to help you paint ceilings easily. The sharp angle of the bristles allows you to apply paint overhead without dripping. Look for a 2-3 inch angled brush for painting textured ceilings.
Stencil Brush: With stiff, short bristles cut at an angle, stencil brushes are great for working paint into textured surfaces. The bristles are usually about 1 inch long.
Thick Bristle Brush: A brush with thick, stiff bristles between 1-3 inches long is ideal for pushing paint into uneven textures. Thick bristle brushes are similar to stencil brushes but may have longer bristles.
Sponge Brush: For lightly textured ceilings, a brush with a sponge tip can help work the paint into the texture. The sponge soaks up paint and transfers it to any divots and bumps.
Roller with Thick Nap: Using a roller with a thicker nap (3/4-1 inch) is a fast way to apply paint to popcorn and knockdown ceilings. Make sure to backbrush after rolling to work the paint into the texture.
Tips for Painting Textured Ceilings
Here are some key tips to ensure you get great results painting textured ceilings:
– Remove any loose texture: Before painting, mix up a solution of warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the ceiling and let sit for 15 minutes. Use a putty knife to scrape off any texture that is loose or peeling.
– Sand glossy areas: Use 150-220 grit sandpaper to rough up any shiny spots so the new paint will adhere properly. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth when done.
– Patch holes and imperfections: Fill any cracks, holes, or other flaws with lightweight spackle or joint compound. Let dry completely and sand smooth.
– Prime the ceiling: Priming gives the new paint something to grip and provides maximum coverage. Use a high quality primer designed for ceilings.
– Use a paint sprayer: To save time and get great results, consider using an airless paint sprayer to coat textured ceilings. Practice first and watch for drips.
– Apply in a V-pattern: When brushing or rolling, apply the paint in a large V or W shape instead of just rolling back and forth. This ensures you cover all the uneven spots.
– Bring light close: Position a bright work light close to the ceiling to help you see any misses as you paint. Look for shadows that indicate you need to apply more paint.
– Work methodically: Paint just a few feet at a time, working methodically across the ceiling to ensure even coverage. Don’t stretch too far or you may miss spots in the texture.
– Backbrush rolled areas: Always go back over rolled sections with a brush to work paint into any crevices the roller may have missed.
Prep Steps for Painting Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings require a little extra prep work because the bumpy texture has a tendency to trap dirt and grease over the years:
– Vacuum the ceiling first to remove any cobwebs, dust and loose particles. Use a soft brush attachment to loosen debris without damaging the texture.
– Next, mix up a cleaning solution of 1/3 cup household cleaner like TSP mixed with 1 gallon of warm water. You can also use a mix of warm water and vinegar instead.
– Dampen a soft scrub brush or sponge mop in the cleaning solution and scrub the ceiling to remove built-up grime.
– Rinse the ceiling with a damp mop to remove all soapy residue so it doesn’t interfere with paint adhesion.
– Allow the ceiling to fully dry before priming and painting. The prep work helps the new paint adhere evenly.
DIY vs Professional Painter for Textured Ceilings
Painting textured ceilings is a project that either a DIYer or professional painter can tackle:
DIY:
– More affordable option
– Allows you to customize paint choices
– Fun weekend project for advanced DIYers
– Requires renting/buying tools like an extension ladder, paint sprayer, etc.
Professional Painter:
– Higher cost but saves you time and hassle
– Experienced with all kinds of textured ceilings
– Insured and licensed for safety
– Has right equipment and tools for the job already
– Can paint hard to reach areas more easily
– Knows techniques for flawless results
Either option can yield beautiful results. For DIYers on a budget who want to tackle it themselves, make sure to do plenty of prep work for the best outcome. Professionals may be worth the added cost for large ceilings or if you don’t feel comfortable working from a tall ladder.
Cost to Paint Textured Ceilings
The cost to paint a textured ceiling depends on several factors:
– Ceiling height and square footage – Larger ceilings require more time and paint
– Texture type – Heavy textures take more paint to cover
– Primer – Priming first is recommended and adds cost
– Paint quality – Premium or speciality paints cost more
– DIY vs Professional – Hiring a pro painter is more expensive
Here are some average costs for materials and labor:
Popcorn ceiling paint (DIY):
– Materials – $30 to $70
– 10×10 ceiling – $50 to $100
– 12×12 ceiling – $75 to $150
Textured ceiling paint (Professional):
– Labor – $2 to $5 per sq. ft.
– 10×10 ceiling – $200 to $500
– 12×12 ceiling – $300 to $700
Factors like access difficulty will increase professional painter rates. Get free estimates from at least 3 local pros.
Conclusion
Choosing the right brush is key to painting textured ceilings successfully. Look for angled brushes, stencil brushes, and thick-bristled brushes that can reach depressions. Prep properly by cleaning, repairing flaws, and priming the ceiling. Apply paint in a V or W pattern using a roller and brush combo. Take your time, and work methodically in small sections to achieve the most flawless finish on popcorn, knockdown, or other textured ceilings.
There are a range of brushes that work great for textured ceilings, from angled ceilings brushes to roller and brush combos. The main thing is using brushes with stiff, thick bristles that can push paint down into the grooves properly. Prepping the ceiling and priming before painting are also essential steps for the best looking results. Painting textured ceilings yourself can save money with the right tools and techniques, but hiring professional painters may be worth it for especially high or tricky ceilings or to ensure it’s done right.
Here is a recap of the key points:
- Common textured ceiling types include popcorn, knockdown, cottage cheese, orange peel, and skip trowel finishes.
- Use angled ceiling brushes, stencil brushes, thick bristle brushes, sponge brushes, or textured paint rollers.
- Prep the ceiling by cleaning, removing loose texture, sanding, and filling holes.
- Always prime textured ceilings before painting for maximum adherence.
- Apply paint in a V or W shape rather than just rolling back and forth.
- A DIY approach is more affordable but professional painting may be worth it for large or high ceilings.
- Painting textured ceiling yourself costs $50 to $150 for a 10×10 ceiling.
- Hiring a pro painter costs around $2 to $5 per square foot.
Painting a textured ceiling requires more effort than a smooth ceiling but it makes a big impact. With the proper brush, ample prep work, and careful application of paint, you can give any popcorn or heavily textured ceiling a fresh new look. The improved appearance transforms the whole room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of brush is best for painting textured ceilings?
The best brushes for textured ceilings have stiff, angled bristles about 1-3 inches long. Look for angled ceiling paint brushes, stencil brushes, and thick bristle brushes to push paint down into the grooves properly.
Can you use a roller to paint textured ceilings?
Yes, you can use paint rollers for textured ceilings. Choose a thicker nap roller, around 3/4 or 1 inch, so it can reach down into the texture. Always go back over rolled areas with a brush to ensure complete, even coverage.
How do you thin paint for textured walls?
When painting heavily textured walls, thin the paint slightly with water or paint thinner to make it flow more easily into the grooves. Thin latex wall paint by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per gallon of paint and mix well. Only thin as needed for good coverage.
What sheen is best for textured walls?
Flat or matte paint finishes are best for hiding imperfections and absorbing light evenly on textured walls. Eggshell or satin sheens will also work well. Avoid glossy sheens, which make textures stand out visually.
Should textured walls be primed first?
Priming textured walls before painting is highly recommended. Primer seals the surface so paint goes on smoothly. It also ensures better adhesion on bumpy areas. Always spot prime repaired areas and use oil-based primers for heavily textured plaster walls.
In Closing
The key to achieving beautiful results when painting textured ceilings is using the right brush for the job. Seek out brushes made specifically for textured and ceiling surfaces, with stiff, thick bristles that can penetrate bumps and depressions. Proper prep work like cleaning, priming, and repairing flaws also helps ensure the paint adheres smoothly and evenly across the irregular surface. With some effort and the right tools, you can give any speckled, popcorn, or cottage cheese ceiling a fresh new look. Taking your time to work methodically and cover all the uneven spots will lead to a seamless finish.