I’ve got 1970s-style popcorn-textured drywall on the kitchen ceiling I need to paint. It’s pretty grimy, but do I try my usual TSP scrubbing (and probably mess up the texture), or use a stain-killing primer without much washing?
There are also other rooms with those faint dark stripes under the ceiling joists from an inadequately insulated attic. Do I scrub, prime, or will a coat of ceiling paint cover by itself?
I’ve painted walls before, but never had to deal with ceilings like this. Any help is appreciated!
Replies
Hey Russ; Have you started painting yet? There are three ways that I know of to paint popcorn ceilings, and none of them are a lot of fun in my opinion. 1, sprayer, and lots of plastic and tape. As long as you don't put up to much paint and soften the popcorn you will be fine. 2. Really long nap roller and even more tarps to catch the mess that will undoutdly fall everywhere. 3 After proper testing for asbestos, scrape the popcorn down and texture to match the walls. Mist with water and it comes down pretty easy with a wide mudding knife. Most of all remember to always have fun!
Hey dan -- Thanks for the ideas. No I haven't started yet, and you've given me something to think about--I never seriously considered removing the texture because I expected it to be nearly impossible, with non-ending sanding and filling, etc. But if it comes down fairly easy when wet, well maybe...
Before you disturb the popcorn or cottage cheese acoustic ceiling texture, remember that much of it installed before the late 1970's contains asbestos. It can be painted with a long nap roller or a sprayer.