Texturing a ceiling by hand
How to Texture a Ceiling with 4 Techniques
Photo: Zillow Digs home in Sterling, VA
It all too easy to slap a coat of white paint on your ceiling and consider it done. But to really pull a room together, it ought to be stylishly topped off—and putting a textured effect on the ceiling is a great way to add impact to your décor. Another plus? Textured ceilings perfectly camouflage imperfections like cracks or evidence of water damage.
There are a variety of techniques you can employ to create your texture of choice (way beyond the “popcorn” look popular in the 1970s). All it takes is a mixture of paint and drywall mud—and a little ingenuity. Ahead, a simple step-by-step guide for how to texture your ceiling, your way, without sending your budget through the roof.
Tools & Materials- Drop cloths
- Lightweight plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Ladder
- Paint primer
- Pre-mixed textured paint
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- Wall paint
- Drywall mud
- Paintbrush
- Extended paint roller
- Textured paint roller
- Paint roller tray
- Sponge
- Wide compound knife
- Trowel
- Drywall texture sprayer
- Drywall texturing combs
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Since you’ll be working against gravity, you’ll want to protect your furniture, floors, and fixtures from splatters. Empty the room as much as possible, which will also give you space to move around. Cover remaining pieces of furniture and the entire floor with drop cloths. Next, take off any faceplates, vent covers, ceiling fans, and/or light fixtures. Finally, apply painter’s tape around the edges of the ceiling, right where it meets the wall, being careful to keep it stick-straight all the way across.
STEP 2: Prime before you texture the ceiling.You might think that because textured paint is part drywall mud it will adhere to any surface, but for a quality job, you still want to prime first. This step will make application easier and give lasting results.
Choose a paint primer close to the color you’ll be using to texture your ceiling—a dark primer for dark paint and a light primer for light paint.
Cover the entire surface in a thin, consistent layer and let dry fully (consult the can’s drying time guidelines) before moving on.
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STEP 3: Start with pre-mixed textured paint, or combine paint with drywall mud.Prep your product. If you’re looking for a subtle texture, you’ll get good results with pre-mixed textured paint. But if you’re aiming for more depth or special effects, mix your own by combining paint with drywall mud. The standard rule of thumb is one part drywall mud to 10 parts paint. Pour paint into a bucket, add drywall mud, and blend, aiming for the consistency of pancake or biscuit batter. Depending on the look you’re going for, you might want a somewhat thicker consistency. Do a small batch first to practice getting it just right.
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+ STEP 4: Apply texture to the ceiling with one of four techniques.
It’s always wise to start in the least noticeable part of the ceiling when applying the texture—perhaps the darkest corner of the room, or the edge of the ceiling closest to the door. Position your ladder there and make sure you can work from a reasonable angle without arching backward. The exact technique (and subsequent tools you’ll need) depends on your desired effect.
- For a subtle finish: Apply pre-mixed textured product as you would typically put on paint. Cut in at the edges first with a paintbrush. Then use an extended roller and paint tray, taking care to bring your roller as close to the edges as possible. To amp the look slightly, use a specialty roller with a texture of its own. Don’t be afraid to experiment; after all, if you don’t like the initial result, you can always switch gears and apply another coat.
- For a stucco finish: To mimic the look of stucco, you’ll need a damp sponge or cloth as well as a wide compound knife or, if you’ve chosen a thicker-than-average consistency for aesthetic reasons, a trowel.
Working on one small section at a time, apply the mixture to the ceiling, and then dab a damp sponge or cloth into your work in a repetitive motion to create the texture you desire. Repeat this process around the room, one section at a time, being careful not to let the pattern become too uniform. - For a popcorn finish: If you like this retro look, you’ll need to buy or rent a drywall texture sprayer. Purchase enough lightweight plastic sheeting to protect your walls from flying particles, securing it to the perimeter of the room with painter’s tape and covering the walls like a floor-length curtain all the way around. Before spraying, choose the nozzle and air pressure setting that matches your desired result, and then follow its instructions as you move the sprayer across the ceiling. Again, allow your application to look as random as possible rather than aiming for a perfect pattern.
- For an artistic finish: Truly advanced DIYers may wish to add extra character by creating a Victorian style rose medallion around a central lighting fixture or ceiling fan.
This dramatic effect is achieved by using drywall mud and an array of texturing combs (two or three should do the trick, anywhere from 3 to 10 inches in length apiece). Working in concentric circles, you’ll use the combs to apply drywall mud (without paint) in thick, even, decorative stripes to mimic the look of plaster. When completely dry, you’ll paint the entire ceiling. Just keep in mind that this project will require a steady hand and a solid sense of design, so study up on the process before giving it a shot.
Whichever technique you choose, the end result will lend extra punch to your space’s style. The array of colors and effects is endless, so have fun and aim for a look that captures the personality of the room and those who live in it.
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+How to texture a ceiling |
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While the past few years has seen a shift away from textured ceilings, there’s no denying the many benefits this unique finish can provide.
Whether it’s acoustic improvements, disguising imperfections or simply adding interest to an otherwise forgotten surface, texture has been creeping out of obscurity and well and truly into the interiors spotlight.
Of course, it may be the case that you are repairing rather than removing a popcorn ceiling, or matching up an existing textured ceiling to a plain section of drywall or plaster. Whatever the situation, remember that learning how to texture a ceiling is very different from simply painting one, so a certain amount of time and patience is required in order to complete the project effectively.
Below, we offer expert advice about the best way to tackle the task.
How to texture a ceiling by hand
Though not the most fashionable of ceiling ideas, texturing a ceiling does have its place in interior decor, particularly in rentals. Nicholas Smacchia from Westchester-based company, Plastering By Nicholas , recommends starting with an application of easy sand compound directly onto plaster.
1. Use a sponge or trowel to create a texture in ceiling plaster
‘While the compound is still wet and soft, take your trowel, or slightly wet sea wool sponge and press it flat into the plaster and pull the sponge or trowel away making the compound into a stipple like texture,’ says Nicholas Smacchia.
2. Spray then knock down the texture
‘As the texture starts to set, spray it with a little water and lightly pass the trowel over the stipple to knock it down’, he continues.
As you go, keep spraying ‘water over the stipples to lubricate the compound’ so it does not stick to the trowel and lessen the amount of texture.
Finally, Nicholas suggests brushing with a wet chip brush ‘to soften the texture’ and give it a slightly aged appearance.
This method can be used to produce an orange peel effect too. Be sure to use a softer sponge to create a more dimpled-like texture.
3. Use a wet chip brush to soften the texture
However, in order to master the skip trowel effect, Nicholas suggests using a trowel and applying the easy sand compound ‘in strokes laying one stroke partially over the last in a radius pattern.
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‘When this starts to set, use the wet chip brush and sprayer to soften the texture,’ he concludes.
How to spray texture a ceiling
You can, of course, hand-spray the ceiling using an air compressor and hopper gun to achieve the desired textured effect. You’ll need patience and persistence to master this method.
To start, hold the gun about 2ft away from your surface and squeeze the trigger, all the while keeping the gun moving. Work in sections across your ceiling.
If you decide you need to redo, simply scrape it off immediately and place it back in the hopper.
You can also buy spray cans, filled with ready-made product, which work well for small patches and are much easier to manage.
How to apply mixed paint to create a textured effect
Instead of creating the texture on plaster, you can mix a powdered joint compound into regular paint. Since you will be applying the mixed product directly onto the ceiling be sure to apply in a sideways strokes to help achieve the best results.
And ensure you are using a long pile roller – it will help the paint get into the low points of the texture and provide a better overall finish.
How to apply textured ceiling paint
The easiest way to create a textured ceiling is with a dedicated product that already contains an additive. The grain in textured paint creates small shadows and depressions, helping you to achieve the desired texture.
Applying these products with a foam roller for maximum texture or a fiber roller for a finer texture will give the best finish. Ensure you load a thick even coat to the surface using short criss-cross strokes, until you have covered about 3sq ft. Finally, finish by rolling lightly in one direction.
What tools will you need to create a textured ceiling?
Before you start, remember that texturing a ceiling will involve wet texture material flying in all directions so you’ll need to cover the floors and surfaces with cloths and protective sheeting.
The traditional method will require:
- An easy sand compound
- A trowel and hawk
- A sea wool sponge (or other types of sponge)
- A spray water bottle
- A soft chip brush
- An air compressor and hopper gun to speed up the process
If you’re looking to make the project as easy as possible, you can mix your own textured paint or, better still, purchase ready-mixed versions that can be applied directly to your ceiling using a roller.
What is a textured ceiling?
A textured ceiling is normally achieved by using a sand compound and spreading in a specific pattern to create a bumpy, uneven finish.
The most popular finishes include a knock-down stipple effect (similar to a popcorn ceiling), an orange peel look or a skip trowel finish.
Knock-down stipple has a rough, bumpy texture and can be created with as much depth as you’d like. Orange peel has a more subtle bumpy look, while skip trowel is applied in large strokes, creating a Mediterranean feel.
Steph Hendries is a freelance journalist who has contributed to many different interiors websites including Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home and Livingetc. She has also worked on a range of social content for property brands such as Zoopla and Boomin. Steph writes for Homes & Gardens Solved section, concentrating on DIY, how to, cleaning and organizing content.
Textured ceiling and the nuances of its creation - All about ceilings.
Design, repair, installation Increasingly, textured paint is used to finish the ceiling, which allows you to give the surface beauty and originality. Its use is possible for any style, as well as premises. A wide range of materials for work makes it possible to easily make an attractive appearance to the design. Painting the ceiling requires high-quality alignment. Usually this surface, in comparison with the walls, has a lower level of defects, which allows you to do the work several times faster. Consider what texture paints can be used to finish the ceiling, how the process of applying the material goes.
Types of paint
Plaster is used less and less, as it has a rough finish that requires quality work, and also collects dust. That is why decorative paint is convenient, in demand in the modern market. So, its textural version can be of the following types: classic, multicolor and textural. The first is characterized by the creation of a texture in an arbitrary form, the multicolor version has a large number of shades, as well as a luminescent glow.
There are also paint options, the decorative effect is inherent in the very structure of the material.
Very often when creating a textured ceiling, granite paint is used, it is also called mosaic. Please note that granite chips and other elements of this natural stone are not used. The name of the mosaic speaks of the features of the coating that will be obtained after work. An airbrush must be used, ordinary brushes or rollers will not create such an effect. The microcapsules that the solution has, due to the high pressure, explode and form a textural effect.
Plastic mass is also a fairly common compound that is ideal for working with a horizontal plane. Also, the plastic mass is perfect for an uneven ceiling, since the increased viscosity of the composition allows you to hide defects. To give a deeper relief, you can process the ceiling coating with a spatula. Please note that this option is perfect for giving thermal insulation qualities.
The plastic mass can have both a matte and glossy surface, which allows it to be used for various styles.
Steps to Create a Textured Ceiling
It is very important to understand that texture paint has versatility in use, so the application process is the same. To give the textured ceiling beauty, accuracy, you need to follow these steps: This will help to give even coverage. The composition resembles structural plaster. When buying, it has a white color, after which it is tinted by a specialist to give the desired shade;
They need to be applied not to the entire surface, to a small piece of the ceiling, after which you can create the desired pattern with a spatula, you can also buy special construction rollers for a textured ceiling. (Visited 368 times, 1 visits today)
08/31/2016
DIY ceiling decoration (41 photos): photos of various decor options, including
The article tells:
Do-it-yourself ceiling decoration is not difficult. It is only important to imagine what a variety of modern materials modern industry offers. We are happy to share some ideas with you.
Our goal is to make the ceiling beautiful and unusual. Let's try to find the right materials and do it yourself
What is it
And really, what is meant by the term "ceiling decoration"?
The word comes from the Latin decoro, meaning propriety, propriety.
Currently, the term refers to a set of means of artistic design. Simply put, our goal is to make the ceiling beautiful.
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From these positions we will analyze the problems of typical ceilings in private houses and city apartments.
Problems with ceilings
The very formulation of the question implies that the inhabitants do not like something in the current state of the ceiling. What exactly? What problems can make you seriously engage in design research and renovation of the premises?
- Surface defects . Plaster crumbles and cracks over time. The process is associated with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, with shrinkage of the house, and sometimes with non-compliance with its composition by builders.
- Height differences . Reinforced concrete slabs, alas, are often laid with a significant level difference. The differences sometimes reach 10-15 centimeters. This is an open marriage; but since such a house was accepted and occupied, it is up to the homeowners to solve the problem.
- Horizontal deviations. Ceilings with a noticeable slope are found both in private houses and in apartment buildings. We are not talking about attics: it is about the ceilings, which should be horizontal.
But it didn't work out... - Wooden floors in private houses also need to be decorated. Boards laid on beams, often unplaned, are not the best decoration for the surface above your head.
Please note: sloping attic ceilings and horizontal beams in them also need to be decorated; however, there the decorative surface hides, as a rule, not boards, but a layer of foam or vapor barrier over mineral wool.
- Finally, often you just want to update the design of the room. A smooth white surface coated with lime or water-based paint quickly becomes boring.
Ceiling design options
Attic
Given: there is insulation between the rafters; above the head - horizontal beams. How to decorate the ceiling in this case?
There are three popular ideas for the attic.
- Drywall or plywood is hemmed over the rafters. Horizontal beams remain below the level of a sloping or horizontal ceiling and are painted in dark colors; the surface of the ceiling after the primer is painted with light water-based paint.
- The space between the beams is covered with wooden clapboard. Both she and the beams are varnished or impregnated with antiseptic and hydrophobic primers. As a result, we get a completely wooden ceiling with the preservation of the original surface texture.
- An amendment is made to the previous scenario: both lining and beams are painted with light translucent paint. The texture of the wood is visible; however, light colors make the room visually higher. In addition, the painted surface, unlike lacquered wood, will not darken in the light.
As you can see, the wooden beams on the ceiling remain exposed in all three cases. Antique stylized chandeliers suspended from the beams will be a great addition to the attic decoration with wood.
Matching tones: dark chandeliers match dark painted beams against a light background; for unpainted wooden lining, it is better to take chandeliers with light wood elements.
Finally, painted wall paneling is the most democratic: this design will fit both modern style lamps and overhead LED or fluorescent lamps.
Ceiling of a frame house
All the scenarios described for the attic are also applicable to a private house in which the floor of the attic, attic or second floor is laid on beams. Decorating ceiling beams is no different either: they can be painted to match a light ceiling, a contrasting color, or retain their natural color and texture.
However, in some cases the draft ceiling is hemmed to the beams from below. How to issue it in this case?
- A single-level plasterboard ceiling is one of the simplest solutions. If the draft ceiling does not have pronounced irregularities, drywall can be hemmed to it without a crate; the seams between the sheets must be bandaged with paper tape. Otherwise, a maximum of a year later, the ceiling will be decorated with cracks.
- An equally simple option is to line a decorative ceiling with PVC wall panels. They are attached to the crate in increments of 50 - 60 centimeters or also directly to the draft ceiling.
Along the perimeter, the ceiling is finished with a ceiling plinth.
Please note: glossy or matt PVC panels look great as a lining between beams in a contrasting color.
- Wooden lining can also be hemmed along the draft ceiling. Wooden ceilings and walls look most organically in a private house made of logs or timber.
- Finally, a stretch ceiling is often used in rooms with a cold attic or a simple shed roof without an attic. In addition to decorative functions, the PVC film ceiling provides excellent vapor barrier, preventing the insulation from gaining moisture.
Of course, theoretically, nothing prevents the use of a cassette or slatted ceiling as a decorative surface. However, their use is rarely practiced. And due to the fact that they noticeably reduce the height of the room, and because of the style alien to a wooden house.
City apartment
What are the features of the ceiling in a typical city apartment?
- Floor material - usually reinforced concrete.
To attach any suspended structure, you will need a puncher. In addition, you can not worry about insulation, hydro and vapor barrier. - In most cases, room height will be the limiting factor. The ceiling height in new buildings is usually about 2.7 meters; however, ceiling heights of 250 centimeters are much more common in older houses.
The decoration of such a ceiling should not include overall suspended structures that are at a considerable distance from the ceiling.
What ideas can be implemented in such conditions? How to decorate the ceiling in the living room or bedroom of a city apartment?
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Wood
A wood-look ceiling finish will give your bedroom ceiling a much cozier look, creating a sense of warmth and security. I would like to warn against the use of polyvinyl chloride panels imitating the texture of wood: they look unnatural.
If you want to finish the ceiling under a tree, then you should use a real wooden clapboard or block house. A compromise option can be MDF panels that imitate not only the appearance, but also the embossed texture of wood.
Please note: this solution is for dry rooms only.
Pressed hardboard swells at high humidity, losing its attractive appearance.
The lining or panels can be mounted on the ceiling on a wooden crate made of a bar measuring from 30x30 centimeters. The step of the crate is about 50-60 centimeters.
PVC panels
Glossy PVC panels that do not try to imitate other materials are also a great choice for a city apartment. A simple glossy ceiling is extremely easy to assemble; the joints between it and the walls are masked here with a ceiling plinth.
It is a great idea to combine panels in contrasting or just different colors on the ceiling. This will get you away from the concept of the boring monophonic ceiling; in addition, the contrasting surface allows you not to try so hard to level the ceiling. Such coloring conceals minor irregularities.
Multi-level ceiling with hidden lighting
Suspended ceilings with a large space between their surface and the ceiling in a city apartment are undesirable.
However, there is a loophole that allows you to create a multi-tiered ceiling with hidden lighting without reducing the useful distance to the ceiling.
Plasterboard box mounted around the perimeter of the room. It is in it that the wires are bred and mortise spotlights are mounted; in addition, niches along the edges of the box can hide LED strips or fluorescent lamps.
They will highlight the center of the room, where the ceiling is a stuccoed and puttied ceiling. As a result, there, in the center, the ceiling will not lose height; hidden lighting will make it seem even higher than it actually is.
Fabric
How to decorate an uneven ceiling with a fabric with your own hands?
The traditional way of sticking fabric in the style of wallpaper is clearly not suitable here: the ceiling has big bumps, remember?
However, the output is simple:
- Plank is assembled on the ceiling - a wooden frame according to the size of the defective section of the ceiling.
In small rooms it is possible to assemble a frame around the perimeter of the room; however, in a large living room, the fabric will inevitably sag under its own weight. - Cloth is pulled over the plate. It is fixed with an ordinary furniture stapler; decorative overlays made of profiled wood or a regular ceiling plinth will help to mask the edges of the fabric.
Decor elements
Surely the reader will find it useful to have a list of decorative elements sold specifically as decor for the ceiling and adjacent walls.
- Skirting boards made of wood, polyurethane and expanded polystyrene. They mask the junction of the ceiling with the walls, hiding its defects and rounding right angles.
- Decorative cornices for concealed lighting are mounted ten centimeters below the ceiling. They fit LED strip, invisible from below.
- Curbs and moldings separate the upper section of the wall, painted to match the ceiling, and the lower part of the wall covered with wallpaper.
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