While applying popcorn texture to your ceiling is somewhat time consuming, it isn't a very difficult task. In fact, it's more about having the right tools for the job than it is about having a specific skill set.
Here are the tools you'll need:
- Bucket of soap and water
- Sponge or lint-free cloth
- Stepladder
- Texturing spray gun
- Textured ceiling mix
- Drop cloths
- Scrap of drywall
- Primer
- Trowel
Applying Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Step one is to prep the room and your ceiling. Remove as much as you can from the room and cover the rest with drop cloths. Cover the floor with drop cloths as well. Remove any light fixtures, and tape over the holes left behind. Then, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Standing on the stepladder, use the sponge or cloth, along with the water, to clean the ceiling. You want to get rid of all the existing grime, so that the textured ceiling mix will adhere better. Once the ceiling is dry, prime it with a stain blocking primer. Allow the primer to dry completely (about 24 hours) before moving on.
Now you can start applying the ceiling texture. You'll want to open your windows for this part; the room needs to be well ventilated. Mix a bag of textured ceiling mix with water into a large bucket; follow the instructions on the bag to find the mix-to-water ratio you need. You should have a mixture that has a cottage-cheese-like consistency. If the mixture is too thin, add some mix; if too thick, add some water.
Fill the spray gun with the mixture and test it out on a scrap of drywall, spraying in a smooth, back-and-fourth motion. Once you're confident in your technique, you can move on to the ceiling. Use a trowel to spread the mixture to the edges of the ceiling.
Once you've finished the job, make sure you carefully clean the tools you used. Use warm water to clean out the texturing gun and any other tools that came into contact with the textured ceiling mix.
Allow the ceiling to dry for approximately 24 hours and then, if you wish, you can paint over the textured surface with an interior latex paint.
Removing Ceiling Texture
Again, remove everything you can from the room, and cover the rest (as well as the floors) with drop cloths. Remove all the light fixtures from the ceiling. Get a drywall joint knife with as wide a blade as you can easily handle. Hold the knife against the ceiling at a 45-degree angle and push it away from you, planing away the ceiling texture. Go over the same area repeatedly until it's smooth. Once smooth, move on to the next section of ceiling. Repeat the process until the entire ceiling is smooth.
Next, go over the entire ceiling with medium-grit sandpaper, followed by fine-grit sandpaper. The ceiling should be pretty smooth at this point. Still, it's a good idea to go over it carefully. If you find any rough patches, sand them down. If you find any gouges, fill them in with spackling paste, allow it to dry, and sand the area smooth. Your ceiling will then be ready for a new coat of paint!