How to Get the Ridge Effect in a Cottage Cheese Ceiling

Cottage cheese ceilings are a type of ceiling texture known by several names. Popcorn, stippling and acoustic ceilings are all the same type of texture. This texture was commonly used in the 20th century because it covered flaws in the ceiling and did not need a lot of maintenance. You can get the look today using a texture paint designed for stippling. The key to getting a lot of ridges in your texture is you use a thick nap that applies a heavy coating of the paint.

Sandpaper
Trisodium phosphate
Painter's tape
Drop cloths
Flat latex primer
Paintbrush
Sponge roller
Texture paint
Thick roller nap

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the ceiling lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any sheen and give it some edges for the paint to grip.
- 2
  Wash the ceiling with trisodium phosphate. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
- 3
  Mask the edges that you don't want painted with painter's tape. Cover the floors with drop cloths.
- 4
  Apply a primer to the ceiling. Use a primer recommended by your paint's manufacturer, or use a flat latex primer. Cut in the edges with a bristle paintbrush. Paint the remainder of the ceiling with a sponge roller on an extendable rod. Use a zigzag motion when painting. Allow the primer to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, curing takes at least four hours.
- 5
  Paint the ceiling with the texture paint using a sponge roller with a thick nap. Use at least a 3/4 inch nap, the thicker the nap, the more texture the ceiling will have. Apply using long strokes across the ceiling. Keep the roller covered in the paint as you work so you get a heavy application on the ceiling.
- 6
  Cross the paint roller in the opposite direction to get a smooth,uniform look. If you don't cross the ceiling you'll get deep ridges that look like track marks. If this look appeals to you, skip this step.
- 7
  Apply a second coat after the first dries for eight hours if desired. A second coat will give a heavier texture.

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