painting acoustic ceilings

[Joann]

I have that popcorn stuff on my ceiling and there was a previous leak that had been painted over (I don't know what the patch paint was). The painter primed and painted the entire ceiling but those spots still come up whiter than the rest of the ceiling. Is there a fix?

[rmichael]

Hi Joann,

"Popcorned" ceilings seem prone to discoloration over time.
The leak area was most likely primed with a primer/sealer such as "Kilz" or "CoverStain". The reason it looks whiter is because the area is sealed.This holds back any discoloration and allows for the full brightness of the fresh ceiling paint.
The fix is to prime/seal the entire ceiling and then topcoat with ceiling white (finish paint).

hope this helps

rmichael pro painter

note: Primer/sealers are available in both a solvent and water base. The solvent based products have better "hold back" power but have solvent fumes. Always follow label instructions carefully.

[Long Nguyen]

Hi Joann,

"Popcorned" ceilings seem prone to discoloration over time.
The leak area was most likely primed with a primer/sealer such as "Kilz" or "CoverStain". The reason it looks whiter is because the area is sealed.This holds back any discoloration and allows for the full brightness of the fresh ceiling paint.
The fix is to prime/seal the entire ceiling and then topcoat with ceiling white (finish paint).

hope this helps

rmichael pro painter

note: Primer/sealers are available in both a solvent and water base. The solvent based products have better "hold back" power but have solvent fumes. Always follow label instructions carefully.

Hi Michael, I painted my popcorned ceiling last week by airless sprayer but the sprayer did not work as it supposed to do just after 15 minutes of working leaving me a big mess. I tried to work to the machine but it turned out even messier, lap mark all over my ceiling. It looked ugly.

Can I use a split roller to repaint and touch up without damage
the ceiling?
Your expertise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,

Long Nguyen

[rmichael]

Hi Long,

Most professionals prefer to use an airless on "popcorned" ceilings, the reason is that there is no actual contact with the texture ( other than the paint) This can be important in high moisture content rooms like Baths or Kitchens. These areas can seem fine until a latex soaked roller makes contact with the texture. The texture can roll off in sheets.

You can roll the ceilings, but I suggest that you roll on a primer/sealer first. Use a solvent based primer/sealer ( at least in high moisture rooms). You may opt for an Acrylic primer/sealer for other areas. Do not worry about  how the primer/sealer "looks" when applied, it may look steaky, but that is OK so long as it is covered.

Finish paint with a flat ceiling paint, the primer will hold a wet edge as you roll so the finish paint should "dry in" even.

Hope this helps

rmichael pro painter

[Long Nguyen]

I will try to prime it this weekend and roll it later.

Thanks a bundle!

Long Nguyen