Painting over previously textured ceilings can brighten up a dull ceiling. Painting over "popcorn" can be done to prolong the life of the investment. Ceilings that are textured with joint compound can also be painted to create a fresh look and cover any stains. Or, if you have a flat ceiling, paints are available that add texture by simply applying them.
Preparation
For all ceilings, clean any cobwebs from the corners with a broom or vacuum.
Fill holes in a ceiling with joint compound. Use a Spackle knife to push joint compound into a hole, and allow a little bit over the hole but not more than about 1/16 inch. The joint compound will shrink as it dries, and allowing a little over the hole will reduce the need for a second coat. Allow the joint compound to dry thoroughly. Use a damp sponge instead of sandpaper to level the joint compound to eliminate dust.
To prepare ceilings with a popcorn medium, dab a bit of in any holes. Use a spray product available in most home improvement stores to re-create the popcorn texture on any bare or patched areas.
Cover edges of light fixtures, ceiling fans and other obstacles with painter's or masking tape. For textured ceilings, you might even want to remove the plate that is against the ceiling so you can paint under it. If you are not good at painting a straight line and don't want to buy an edging brush, apply a strip of painter's tape on the top of the walls all the way around the room to create a straight edge for the ceiling paint. Do not use masking tape for the walls; it will pull off the paint on the walls.
Prime, Apply Texture and Paint
Ceilings with stains, ceilings that have previously been painted with color and ceilings with popcorn texture should be primed prior to painting, after the joint compound and popcorn patches are dry. Use a brush to cut in around the perimeter and around fixtures. Use a roller for all open areas. Use a thick-napped roller on popcorn ceilings.
A previously textured ceiling can be painted with a thick-napped roller and a paintbrush when the primer coat has dried. Texture can be added to a smooth ceiling with specially designed paint products or by adding sand to paint. It is not recommended to color ready-mixed prior to application. Apply textured paint to ceilings 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick in 4-foot-by-4-foot sections. If the roller is clumping the textured paint, it is drying top quickly. Use a mister to dampen the textured paint in the tray. Do not add too much water, or the textured paint will become too thin. There will be a risk of the textured paint bubbling and reduced adhesion to the primer, resulting in cracks and peeling. Keep the lid on the remaining textured paint to keep it from drying out.
When the textured paint on the ceiling is thoroughly dry, finish by painting with a top coat of colored or white paint.
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