How to Apply a Stemple Ceiling Joint Compound

A textured ceiling enhances a room’s appeal, creates the illusion of depth and conceals irregularities. Also called a stomped ceiling, a stippled ceiling includes textured swirls that give the room instant personalization. Although the process is simple, it is labor-intensive and time-consuming because you have to work with your hands above your head to create the swirl textures. The result, however, is worth the effort.

Stipple joint compound
Plastic bucket
Handheld trough
Stepladder
Paint roller
Stiff stipple brush

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare stipple joint compound and water in a plastic bucket according to label directions. Mix the compound until it is smooth and has no lumps.
- 2
  Pour some prepared compound into a handheld trough. Position a ladder in one corner of the room and mount it, trough in hand. Soak a paint roller in the compound and apply it over a third of your ceiling, forming an even 1/2-inch-thick coat.
- 3
  Hold a stiff stipple brush and position it against a corner of the ceiling. Sweep the brush along the surface of the ceiling, into the textured compound, to form a 180-degree arc. When you complete the first arc, lower the brush so it’s upper edge falls flush with the lower end of the arc, and sweep it across to form another arc. Repeat this process to form a row of arcs until you complete the section on the ceiling.
- 4
  Position the brush against the edge of the first arc and sweep it across to form another arc that overlaps a third of the previous one to create a swirl. Continue to form overlapping arcs. Create rows of arcs until you cover the section of the ceiling over which you applied the compound.
- 5
  Spread stipple ceiling joint compound over another section of the ceiling and repeat the process to create rows of overlapping swirls. Continue stippling your ceiling until you reach the other corner.

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