How to Texture a Ceiling in 5 Simple Steps

There is more than one way to add texture to a ceiling, so choosing your technique is the first decision you'll need to make. 

Here are the four designs or patterns homeowners can choose from:

• Stucco finish

• Popcorn finish

• Subtle texture

• Artistic finish (Best to hire a pro)

You can DIY the first three. If your walls are overly dirty, it might be worth considering hiring a professional ceiling or wall cleaner. The cost to have walls cleaned is usually between $170 and $480.

Cover Anything You Don't Want Textured

Before you begin, place protective coverings (a clear plastic tarp is recommended) over anything below the ceilings you're texturing. 

There is a nearly guaranteed chance that at least one drip, drop, or splash will find its way onto the areas below where you're working. It's a matter of gravity—so you might simply want to cover the entire floor if you're texturing a large area. Tape off any areas of the ceiling you don't want to add texture to using painter’s tape.

The steps below will outline how to add subtle textures to your ceiling using a crowfoot ceiling brush and mixable joint compound. The end result will be a subtle textured finish.

You'll use joint compound twice for this project—once to hide or seal off any cracks, and again to add texture to the ceiling. The first step needs to dry, so only mix a small portion or what's needed to give your ceiling a smooth surface to work on first. Read labels and mix the appropriate amount of water so your joint compound doesn't get runny if it's powdered.

When it comes time to texture the ceiling by hand, put your compound in a roll-on paint tray or just on top of some old cardboard. Joint compound won't run off like paint, but you want it on a flat surface so you can easily dip and re-dip your crowfoot brush as you work.

This step depends on if your ceilings are painted already or not. If it's a new room, you may need to cover gaps or cracks in the drywall. If it's an old ceiling that's already painted, this is your chance to refinish an old ceiling. 

Since you'll be painting the ceiling either way after you texture it, use a dropdown knife to smooth the compound over any edges or finish any sections that need it.

Let dry for 12 to 24 hours, per instructions.

Dip your crowfoot brush in your joint compound. Press the brush firmly into the ceiling, working in 2-by-4 or 4-by-6-foot sections to add texture.

Again, let it dry for 24 hours.

On a new ceiling, the texture may not appear as apparent if you're adding it to drywall. Do a run through the entire ceiling first, let dry, then decide if you need more. Too much joint compound will make it difficult to paint.

“With joint compound, it’s easier to add more than to remove excess,” says Tschudi. “Also, the thinner the coating, the more quickly it will dry.”

Using a paint roller, work your way from the inside out to paint your new textured ceilings by hand. Use a brush on the edges. Let dry, then touch up any areas as needed.