It seems like popcorn ceiling jobs come in clumps. This will be the third popcorn ceiling repair we have done in like a month! In this case, these folks had water damage in front of their fireplace, likely due to a flashing issue around their chimney, a common problem in Western New York. They had the roof replaced a couple of years prior which resolved the leak.
Due to the pillowing effect of the ceiling, we decided to not open the damaged area anymore than necessary. Doing so would create a flat spot in an otherwise wavy ceiling, which would stand out like a sore thumb. So we kept the repair as small as possible, getting creative to ensure its a lasting repair.
Spray Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Some how we didn’t get any action shots. We use these little fans extensively. We set these up prior to leaving for the day, to dry both the new texture, and the patch above the texture. This allows us to apply the first coat of ceiling paint the next day. Then, after that is done, we apply the second coat of ceiling paint the following day. Unfortunately when it comes to popcorn, there is no rushing the process. We have tried, and it always takes even longer!
Ceiling Pillowing Effect
This ceiling has one of the worst drywall pillowing effects I have seen in awhile. This is most prevalent in rocklath plaster homes where the rocklath begins to bow, and makes the ceilings and walls wavy. Well it happens to drywall too. Not sure what causes it in drywall. Anyways the ceiling is popcorn, and the texture helps hide the effects, so we opted to just paint the popcorn ceiling.
Painting of the ceiling, seems to have made the pillowing effect more subdued. We call that a win.
Painting a Popcorn Ceiling
Contrary to what Google claims, you can cut an roll a popcorn ceiling like a smooth ceiling – it just takes longer. You have to wait for the cut-in/edging to dry, before you can roll the ceiling, and you have to be careful when you roll, so as to not back-roll too much otherwise you will peal the texture off (bad). Google claims you have to spray these ceilings or use some fancy roller I have never heard of. In 20 years of painting, 15 of which has been for Carrigan Painting, we have only sprayed a popcorn ceiling once, and that was due to complexities I have never seen prior, or since.
Professional Popcorn Ceiling Repair
If your popcorn ceilings have sustained damage, please do not use the “Popcorn in a can” available at the big box stores. The texture never looks like the little pictures, its like expecting oatmeal and getting cream of wheat. Plus, that stuff goes extremely hard, and is nearly impossible to remove! We have the know-how, the equipment, and can acquire the materials to professionally repair your popcorn ceilings. No need to incur the expense of removing them.
This job took 3 trips to complete over a period of 3 days.
As the author of The Carrigan Archives, Dave shares expert insights on home improvement, ceiling restoration, and industry trends. He also personally manages Carrigan Painting’s website and YouTube channel, providing homeowners with valuable resources and a firsthand look at the company’s craftsmanship.
With over 25 years of experience in residential construction, Dave specializes in ceiling repairs and high-end interior painting, often exceeding contractual obligations to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. His ability to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction in such a demanding field is a testament to his expertise, integrity, and dedication to quality.
For 15 consecutive years, Carrigan Painting has maintained an unprecedented 5-star reputation—an achievement nearly unmatched in the industry.
Almost all of the work we have completed since early 2024 has been posted to this Archive.
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