How to Spot Repair a Popcorn Ceiling

Touch-up Spray

• 1

  Repair minor scrapes with a popcorn spray product made for touch-ups. The spray replaces popcorn texture in spots damaged by moving furniture or by small water stains. Cover the floor and surrounding furniture with drop cloths.

• 2

  Put on paint goggles. Scrape away any discolored finish with a putty knife.

• 3

  Put the nozzle on the popcorn spray can and shake vigorously. Hold the can 12 to 14 inches from the ceiling and spray the affected area with a sweeping movement. Cover only the spots lacking finish. Allow label recommended drying time before comparing the finish color with the rest of the ceiling.

Mix and Apply Textured Paint

• 4

  Put on paint goggles and scrape away discolored popcorn finish with a putty knife. Sand the spot by hand with a sanding block to remove all discoloration from the area. Spread drywall compound over any small cracks with a drywall finishing knife. Allow compound to dry and scuff the surface with sand paper. The ceiling does not have to be perfectly smooth to apply a textured finish.

• 5

  Use a paint that matches the ceiling color. Use a fine, medium or coarse texture mix to match the grain on the finish. Combine a small amount of paint and texture mix and stir with a paint paddle.

• 6

  Spread the paint mixture on a scrap piece of drywall and allow to dry. Compare the texture of the finish to the ceiling to check the mixture amounts used. Match the texture as closely as possible before beginning the paint job.

• 7

  Remove all furnishings from the room. Cover the entire floor with drop cloths.

• 8

  Pour paint mixture into a roller pan and dip in a roller. Spread the mixture on the ceiling with smooth strokes that leave equal amounts of paint over the entire area. Roll over at least 6 inches of the surrounding area to blend the mixture in with the existing finish. Use a brush to apply paint to sections close to a wall. Work fast to cover the area before the mixture begins to clump

• 9

  Apply a second coat to the repair area if not satisfied with the coverage. Paint the entire ceiling with new texture to blend the paint job even further if desired for color matching.