How to Prepare a Textured Ceiling for Painting

Paint adheres best to a clean, rough surface. For this reason, painters wash and sand flat walls prior to applying primer and paint. Though textured ceilings are already rough and don't require sanding, cleaning the surface is especially important. A popcorn ceiling's nooks and crannies trap cobwebs, dirt and dust which will interfere with paint application. Due to the delicate nature of popcorn ceilings, clean the ceiling gently to prevent flaking texture.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Rag
• Can of popcorn ceiling texture

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Vacuum the entire ceiling with a brush attachment to remove loose cobwebs, dust and dirt. Hold the brush 1 inch away from the ceiling as you vacuum to prevent knocking off texture.

   • 2

     Wipe the ceiling gently with a rag dampened with soapy water. Move quickly to prevent soaking the texture, which can cause it to separate and flake off. Allow the ceiling to dry before proceeding.

   • 3

     Spray popcorn ceiling texture on damaged areas of the ceiling to fill in gaps.