How to Texture a Ceiling

adding ceiling knockdown texture — Photo:
Getty Images / BanksPhotos

Working Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $10 to $30

While few people dream of dated popcorn ceilings, a textured ceiling isn’t an inherently bad design choice. Tasteful texture on a ceiling can add character to a room that isn’t achievable with a smooth finish. Plus, texture can hide imperfections on ceilings, which are notoriously difficult to finish and paint.

Learn how to texture a ceiling like the pros, including the proper prep work and tips for choosing the right type of ceiling texture.

Before You Begin

Texturing a ceiling is a messy process, no matter which type of ceiling texture you choose. Clear the room and cover the floor with drop cloths. Consider taping plastic drop cloths to the walls to avoid splatter. Proper prep work on the front end can save hours of cleaning and repainting after you’re done.

Tips for Choosing the Right Ceiling Texture

Different ways to texture a ceiling produce different visual results. The various ceiling textures are created using different installation methods, materials, and tools. Some create distinct visual statements, while others maintain a subtler look.

Here are some popular types of textured ceilings, so you can choose which will look best in your space:

Popcorn Ceiling Texture: Distinct texture reminiscent of puffed popcorn, great for muffling sound
Stomp Ceiling Texture: Random star-like pattern with distinct lines and texture
Knockdown Ceiling Texture: Random pattern with subtle lines and texture
Skip-Trowel Ceiling Texture: Random pattern with subtle texture and unique Mediterranean-inspired style
Comb Ceiling Texture: Distinct, statement-making pattern with combed lines
Sand Swirl Texture: Similar pattern to comb ceiling texture but with the addition of sand, giving it a gritty texture
Orange Peel Ceiling Texture: Subtle stipple-like texture
Sheetrock Ceiling Texture: Relatively straight lines with rough texture

The provided steps are for applying a simple stomp texture and knockdown texture to your ceiling, which requires basic tools and materials. Should you choose another type of ceiling texture from this list, you might need to adjust the steps and materials accordingly.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Paint roller
Assorted painting supplies
Bucket
Drill with mixing attachment
Extension pole
Eye protection
Wide knockdown knife
Stomp brush

Materials

Drywall mud
Water
Drywall primer

Instructions

How to Texture a Ceiling

These steps outline how to apply stomp ceiling texture and knockdown texture using basic tools.

Prep the Room

Rather than simply covering the furniture, clear it from the room to give yourself ample space to move around. Tape the wall around the perimeter of the ceiling, and then tape plastic drop cloths covering the walls. Lastly, place drop cloths on the floor.
Prep the Ceiling

Clean any dust or debris from the ceiling and patch any cracks, if needed.

If the drywall joints have yet to be taped and mudded, do so before applying texture.
Prime the Drywall

Prime the ceiling using drywall primer and let it dry.
Thin the Drywall Mud

Thin the drywall mud, also called joint compound, with water until you achieve a slightly runny texture reminiscent of pancake batter. If it’s as thin as paint, you’ve gone too far.
Roll the Drywall Mud onto the Ceiling

Use a standard paint roller on an extension pole to roll the mud onto the ceiling. You’re not looking for a perfect finish here; you just need to cover the drywall.

Whenever working with materials like drywall mud and paint overhead, always wear eye protection to prevent drips in your eyes.
Stomp the Drywall Mud

Swap the paint roller for the stomp brush. Stomp the entirety of the ceiling by pushing the stomp brush into the wet mud on the ceiling. Experiment with the force necessary to achieve your desired texture.

To break in a new stomp brush, soak it in warm water to soften the bristles and stomp it against a concrete driveway or similar surface to soften it up further. Clean out any debris before using the stomp brush on the ceiling.
Leave As-Is or Apply Knockdown Texture

If you desire a stomp texture, leave the ceiling as is and paint it when it dries. If you prefer a knockdown texture, swap the stomp brush for a knockdown knife on the extension pole.
Drag the Knockdown Knife

After the mud has slightly dried but is still wet, lightly drag the knockdown knife over the entirety of the ceiling to flatten the peaks, giving the stomp pattern a subtler texture.

Tips for Texturing a Ceiling

Keep it random. Avoid distinct patterns with ceiling texture. Unless you’re trying to make a visual statement with your ceiling, the more random the pattern, the better.
Go overboard on prepping the room. Unless you’re working in a construction zone with unpainted walls and a bare subfloor, cover as many surfaces as possible before texturing a ceiling.
Get the texture right. Regardless of your material (drywall mud, plaster, texturing compound), get the texture exactly right before applying it to the ceiling. If it is too thin, the texture won’t cover correctly. If it is too thick, the texture will clump and can fall from the ceiling before it dries.
Work with what you have. You don’t have to buy fancy tools to texture a ceiling. When in doubt, choose a ceiling texture method that utilizes your existing tools. No paint sprayer? Roll the texture on with a paint roller.
Don’t texture bare drywall. Always prime the drywall before texturing a ceiling to promote proper adhesion.