
The "popcorn" name comes from the look of the small pieces of polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and rather brittle. It is an inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water vapo…
How do you paint over popcorn ceiling texture?
Ceiling paint can be mixed in with the texture prior to spraying, eliminating the need for an extra painting step. Tape plastic sheeting or painter's plastic to the walls to protect them from overspray. Remove all ceiling vents. Pour the popcorn texture beads from the bag into the mixing bucket.
What are the benefits of popcorn texture on a ceiling?
Applying popcorn texture to a ceiling can enhance a room's appearance while hiding imperfections and drywall joints on the ceiling's surface. It can also eliminate a final mudding and sanding step that's necessary for a smooth ceiling.
What is poppopcorn texture?
Popcorn textures have Styrofoam as well as other materials added to the drywall mud mixture to create a puffy appearance. A large nozzle is used on the spray gun to spray popcorn texture because of the "popcorn" in the mud.
How do you make polystyrene popcorn texture?
Mix the texture, water and paint with an electric drill and mixing paddle at slow-to-medium speed until the aggregate -- the medium in which the polystyrene kernels are suspended -- has a smooth consistency with no lumps. Install the popcorn texture orifice in the hopper's nozzle.

Can you add popcorn texture to paint?
Interior acrylic-latex paint is the best type of paint to use for popcorn ceilings. Flat or matte is the traditional sheen for ceilings, since it reduces light bounce. If you need to protect your ceiling from moisture, though, use eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint sheens.
Can you mix texture and paint?
You can add texture to your walls using textured paint. Using paint in this way can give you more options than the basic eggshell, satin or flat sheens. Instead, you may choose from stone, sand, faux finish or original textures.
Can I mix paint with ceiling texture?
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.
Can you use popcorn texture on walls?
The popcorn texture is a dry mix of drywall mud and polystyrene, and it comes in a standard white color, so it's best to prime the wall or ceiling before use. Mix the popcorn texture with water, following the instructions on the package. Make sure to securely cover all surfaces and items that are not to be sprayed.
What to put in paint to texture it?
The most common substance added to paints to create a textured final product is sand. Specifically, silica sand that is sold by home improvement and hardware stores for mixing with paint.
Can you mix joint compound and paint for texture?
Put a cup of compound into the mixing container. Add paint by the tablespoon. You're looking for two things: The right color and the right texture. Mix thoroughly after each spoonful of paint until you get a shade that looks good – knowing it could dry a little darker or a little lighter.
Can you mix paint with spackling?
Do not combine oil-based paints with spackle or other joint compounds. The water in the compound will not mix with the oil in the paint. Mixing the paint with spackle will dilute the color. Compensate by ordering a more saturated version of the paint color you want.
What is the most popular ceiling texture?
Popcorn Ceiling Texture- Popcorn is the most common ceiling we see, also known as "cottage cheese" to some. This texture seems to be the most detested of homeowners we meet with on a regular basis.
How do you replicate popcorn ceilings?
2:064:11How to Texture Drywall - Popcorn Ceiling - Drywall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply take the hand spray pump and spray the ceiling with enough water so the popcorn darkens andMoreSimply take the hand spray pump and spray the ceiling with enough water so the popcorn darkens and becomes damp the ceiling should absorb the majority of the water. Making.
How do you get popcorn effect on walls?
How to Make a Popcorn WallTake Proper Precautions. Prepare the room for applying the texture. ... Separate the Joint Compound. ... Add Water to the Joint Compound. ... Place the Joint Compound in a Drywall Spray Rig. ... Adjust for the Correct Settings. ... Apply the Joint Compound. ... Create the Top Coat Mixture. ... Switch the Compressor Settings.More items...
How do you make popcorn walls look good?
Four ways to get rid of unwanted textured walls:Apply a skim coat. ... Replace the textured drywall with new drywall. ... Cover the walls with another material, such as wood. ... Live with it.
What wall texture is most popular?
The orange peel design is perhaps the most common wall texture. It's common because it's easy to apply and affordable for anyone to access. The orange peel texture looks and feels like a citrus rind, hence the name. This texture is ideal because it offers an understated accent to any space.
How do you make a texture in paint?
2:389:303 Simple Tricks for Unique Acrylic Textures - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo one pull of the brush right across this paper to create that paint streak texture. So I'm justMoreSo one pull of the brush right across this paper to create that paint streak texture. So I'm just going to come down. And slide it across and if I mix my paint a little less.
Can you add paint to drywall texture?
Paint with mud mixed in will take longer to dry than standard paint, so incorporate the extra drying time into your project plans. Joint compound thickens paint for a heavy texture. Drywall mud will thicken your paint, allowing you to create texture and hide flaws on your walls.
Can you add paint to knockdown texture?
You can apply knockdown texture to bare drywall and paint over it later.
How long after texture Can you paint?
24-hoursOnce you've textured the whole wall, look at it from a distance and do spot touch-ups. Add or remove joint compound as needed. Allow the joint compound to dry for at least a full 24-hours before painting.
How to cover popcorn ceiling with paint?
STEP 1. Prep your room carefully, since the texture of a popcorn ceiling is bound to cause a good deal of splatter when you roll on paint. Tape plastic sheeting around the walls and cover the floors with drop cloths. Also cover and mask any ceiling fixtures with plastic ...
What is the popcorn effect?
The popcorn effect—so called for its resemblance to America’s favorite fluffy snack—is the result of loose particulate materials mixed into paint and applied to a surface, usually with a sprayer. A common treatment for ceilings from the 1950s through the 1980s that offered a bit of noise reduction, popcorn ceilings lost appeal in ...
When was asbestos banned from ceilings?
If your house was built before 1977 (the year asbestos was banned from textured ceilings), get the ceiling tested first to ensure it’s safe to work on. If it contains asbestos or lead, you’re better off leaving it alone or having professionals handle the work.
Can you use a long napped roller to paint popcorn ceiling?
Since you won’t want to be bending to refill your roller more than necessary to paint popcorn ceiling , use a long-napped roller cover to load on plenty of paint in one swoop.
Is Adding Texture Over Popcorn Ceilings A Good Idea?
Covering your popcorn surface is an excellent idea to upgrade the style of your room without removing it. There are many logical reasons not to go for the popcorn removal process.
How To Texture And Paint Over Your Existing Popcorn Ceiling?
Before covering your surface, please ensure you take all safety measures such as wearing goggles and masks, covering furniture, etc. Here are a few steps to hide your popcorn ceilings without removing them,
More Ways To Spray Texture And Paint Over Your Popcorn Ceiling
Spraying ceiling with heavy texture and paint will efficiently cover texture without making texture loose.
What is the best way to hide drywall defects?
Popcorn texture or acoustic drywall texture is applied to the ceiling and can be the best way to hide finished drywall defects. Popcorn texture is mixed with water to expand small chips of polystyrene, allowing the drywall to look like cheese or popcorn. Popcorn textures have Styrofoam as well as other materials added to the drywall mud mixture to create a puffy appearance.
How to remove asbestos from popcorn?
Materials containing asbestos must be removed only by a trained and licensed professional. Begin by scraping the popcorn texture, to remove the painted layer. After the paint has been removed, apply water to the texture to soften it. Popcorn texture in its natural state will absorb water and it will be easier to remove the texture.
Why use a large nozzle on a spray gun?
A large nozzle is used on the spray gun to spray popcorn texture because of the "popcorn" in the mud. It was one of the most used forms of finishing during the 1970s and could be easily applied. Popcorn texture is really hard to remove, so if you plan to apply it and remove it later, think it twice.
How long does it take for primer to dry?
The primer should be allowed to dry for at least four hours. Prepare the surface and the room where the surface will be applied by covering the walls, floors, and furniture with plastic sheets or drop cloths.
Can you use popcorn texture on drywall?
If you decide not to use Popcorn drywall texture, be sure to look at Santa Fe texture or skip trowel texture. These two textures might be the ones, accepted as substitute textures and are widely used among construction professionals. However, there are several other textures that you should consider and analyze before selecting popcorn texture.
Does texture cover imperfections?
The texture covers the entire surface with a thick layer, therefore, it will cover most imperfections in the drywall finishing.
Can popcorn be put on carpet?
There are specific products on the market to be placed directly on the carpet and will serve as a plastic barrier. Once all the texture has been removed, a new finishing surface could be applied. Be careful when removing popcorn texture and try not to scrap the drywall surface, where the popcorn was applied. If the surface has been altered be sure ...
How to clean texture sprayer?
If you properly prepped your work area, then cleanup should be easy. Simply remove your tools, wash your texture sprayer and wrap up all of your plastic into a big ball. Hopefully after you pull your plastic there won’t be any areas that were missed!
How to spray texture?
Just like spraying with paint, spray your texture in long even strokes that overlap by roughly 50%. Start each stroke about 12″ before the area you plan on spraying and finish each stroke about 12″ after the area. This will help to blend the area in.
How do I cover a wall with frog tape?
The easiest way to cover your walls is to start with a roll of 2″ low tack tape (such as Frog Tape Delicate Surface ). I use low tack because this tape will be applied directly to your wall and you don’t want it to pull any paint off your wall as you remove it. Rip off a 2′ piece of tape and place it on the wall right where it meets the ceiling. You will want the tape perfectly in the corner where the wall meets the ceiling. Next, press the top 1/2 inch of the tape firmly to the wall trying hard to make sure the bottom 1″ of the tape is loose (we’ll be attaching plastic to this next). Run the tape around all of the walls in the room you are working on .
How to get your arm to be exhausted when spraying?
While you are spraying, you arm will likely become exhausted very quickly as it is not used to this type of work. Use a small step ladder to get yourself closer to the ceiling and converse energy in your arm.
Can you spray popcorn ceiling texture?
Love it or hate it, many homes have the traditional popcorn ceiling texture, its cheap and it does the trick. What many people don’t realize is that spraying this texture is actually incredibly easy and a perfect project for any DIY Painter.
Can you spray popcorn out of texture sprayer?
Keep adding water to your mix until your popcorn mixture is runny, but not quite to a watery texture. It cannot be too thick or it will not spray out of your texture sprayer, if it is too thin it will splatter on your ceiling. A good idea is to start with a small batch and do a few sample sprays on a large piece of cardboard.
Can you spray ceilings with drop cloths?
When spraying ceilings, I prefer not to use regular canvas drop cloths to cover the floors. So much texture falls to the floor and makes a mess that I prefer to cover the floors with a plastic drop cloth that can be rolled up and thrown away when done rather than trying to clean off my drop cloths.
Why do you put popcorn on the ceiling?
Applying popcorn texture to a ceiling can enhance a room's appearance while hiding imperfections and drywall joints on the ceiling's surface . It can also eliminate a final mudding and sanding step that's necessary for a smooth ceiling. The "popcorn" name comes from the look of the small pieces of polystyrene foam in the texture.
How to apply texture to ceiling?
Apply the texture to the ceiling. Use short bursts and keep the hopper moving. Do not stop in one spot, because you will spray too much. Refill the hopper as necessary and keep at least 3 or 4 inches of texture in the bottom of the hopper at all times .
What to wear while spraying texture?
Wear a mask, goggles and old clothes while spraying texture.
How to make polystyrene smooth?
Mix the texture, water and paint with an electric drill and mixing paddle at slow-to-medium speed until the aggregate -- the medium in which the polystyrene kernels are suspended -- has a smooth consistency with no lumps.
How to protect walls from overspray?
Tape plastic sheeting or painter's plastic to the walls to protect them from overspray. Remove all ceiling vents.
What do you need to do a slap brush knockdown?
Slap brush knockdown: A combination of the knockdown and slap brush techniques, you will need to have a roller, slap brush, and knockdown knife handy. You should start with the slap brush technique and once you are done with that, use the knockdown knife to flatten the bumps. The results will look like a true combination of the two techniques: essentially, a slap brush look, but a bit smoother.
How to get popcorn texture?
Once you have the popcorn texture, you’ll just need an air compressor and a hopper gun. Cover anything in the room you don’t want sprayed, and then deploy the compound onto your wall.
How to make random lines on walls?
All you need to do is mix your compound and apply it to the wall with the roller, one five-foot area at a time. Then, cover your slap brush with the compound and—as the name suggests—slap it on to the wall. You don’t need any rhyme or reason—randomness works in your favor here. Repeat the process until the entire wall or room is finished. Wait 24 hours, then proceed with priming and painting.
What is texture in painting?
Adding texture to paint can bring boring walls to life. If you’re looking for a way to add interest to a painted surface, you might want to think about adding texture to the paint itself. This painting technique is extremely versatile and can be used for everything from camouflaging any imperfections in walls or ceilings to creating resistance on ...
How to make textured walls?
This method creates the look of a stucco or painted plaster finish without the cost and hassle. First, apply taping or joint compound to the wall with a trowel.
Why is it important to purchase the highest quality paint?
Before beginning the project, it is important to purchase the highest quality paint available. Better quality paint allows textures to be applied more smoothly to a surface and will ensure that the material used to create texture holds and will remain suspended in the paint.
What is perlite paint?
Perlite paint is primer with small pieces of volcanic glass mixed in it. Embrace your inner artist by creating swirls with the paint. This will not only add dimension, but will give it some personalized flair.
