How to Blow on a Textured Ceiling

Measure the room to determine the ceiling's surface area. Include any alcoves, hallways or closets that are part of the project.

Take these figures with you to the home improvement store, lumberyard or rental center and let the dealer determine how much texture mix you need, considering the ceiling's surface area and the mix you decide to use. Remember that it is better to get a couple extra bags and return them unopened than to run out.

Choose your texture mix. Texture generally comes in a small, medium or large "grain" - your dealer will probably have some samples to look at. Some textures even have sprinkles of glittery color to dress them up.

Rent the machine to apply the texture - usually from the same place you bought the materials. Some stores will even let you use the machine for free when you buy materials from them.

Get a thorough demonstration from the dealer on the setup, use, disassembly and cleaning of the machine.

Move as much furniture out of the room as possible and cover anything left with tarps or plastic sheeting. Cover all floors as well.

Cover at least the upper three feet of all walls with sheets of plastic. You can secure the plastic with tape or carefully staple it in place.

Remove any ceiling-mounted light fixture covers. Protect any hardware left in place with plastic and tape.

Make sure that you have the machine set up according to the dealer's demonstration before you begin mixing. (If possible, leave the machine itself outside the room being textured so that the overspray won't fall on the machine.)

Mix the texture in a five-gallon bucket if you're working in one room only. For a large room or series of rooms, a large, clean, plastic trashcan will do the job.

Dump several bags of the texture into the trashcan and start adding water according to the manufacturer's packaging recommendations. Generally, you want to achieve a runny oatmeal consistency.

Mix well with a 3-foot piece of scrap 1-by-2, or (ideally) use a power drill with a mixing attachment. Well-mixed texture will ensure an even, trouble-free finish.

Fill the hopper of the machine with the premixed texture. (Don't overfill or you may end up wearing more than you get on the ceiling.)

Pick an inconspicuous spot to try out your technique. (Closets work well for this.) Then move to the main part of the room.

Keep the sprayer the same distance from the ceiling (usually 12 to 16 inches) and use an even stroke. Maintain a consistent rate of travel as much as possible.

Texture around the entire perimeter of the room first and concentrate on a controlled spray near the walls. This cuts down on the overspray and minimizes cleanup.

Work from one end of the room to the other. Go light on your first pass while you get a feel for the process.

Let your first coat dry a few minutes.

Fill in slight depressions or feather out bulges on subsequent passes.

Begin cleanup on the machine according to the dealer instructions as soon as you are satisfied with the ceiling.