Get matched with top popcorn ceiling pros in Deerfield, WI

Smooth ceilings create a modern, clean look that helps brighten rooms by reflecting light, making spaces feel more open. They're easy to paint and maintain but can show imperfections. Textured ceilings add character and hide flaws like cracks or uneven drywall. With a range of patterns, you can opt for a subtle texture or something more decorative. The choice between smooth and textured ceilings comes down to your personal style and the look you want for your space.

Priming a popcorn ceiling before painting is a good idea, especially if the ceiling is stained, discolored, or has never been painted. Interior paint primer helps seal the surface, preventing stains from bleeding through and allowing the paint to adhere better. Use a stain-blocking, water-based primer for best results.

If your popcorn ceiling is asbestos-free and you are ready for a new look, painting is an option. As long as there is no flaking or other wear, a new coat of paint might be just the thing to refresh the old ceiling. The best way to paint a popcorn ceiling is to use either a paint sprayer or a thick roller to cover the popcorn texture fully. (Do not forget to dust it off beforehand!)

“Note that if you eventually want to remove the popcorn ceiling, a painted ceiling is a labor-intensive job to remove and will cost more,” says Bob Tschudi. “Once painted, the process of removing the popcorn ceiling requires physical scraping as opposed to a spray-and-scrape approach. It’s very labor-intensive, and thus more costly.”

Using a paint sprayer is the most effective method for painting popcorn ceilings, and it's why professionals choose spraying versus rolling paint. The sprayer simplifies the challenges of painting the texture. However, we don’t recommend that DIYers try to use a sprayer indoors as it could make a significant mess. Using a paint roller on a ladder is the easiest option that results in much less mess.