What You'll Need
Gather these supplies before starting. Running to the hardware store mid-project with mud drying on your ceiling is not fun.
- All-purpose joint compound (pre-mixed is fine)
- Stipple brush or stomping brush (the round ones with stiff bristles)
- Drywall mud pan or 5-gallon bucket
- Mixing drill attachment
- Paint roller and tray
- Plastic drop cloths
- Safety glasses and dust mask
- Step ladder or scaffolding
Budget around $45-60 for supplies if you don't have a brush. The stipple brush alone runs $15-25 depending on size.
Step 1: Prepare the Ceiling and Mix the Mud
The ceiling needs to be primed first. Raw drywall sucks moisture out of the texture compound too fast, which leads to cracking. I use PVA primer and let it dry overnight.
For mud consistency, you want thick pancake batter. Too thin and it runs down your arm. Too thick and it won't form peaks. Add water in small amounts and mix with a drill attachment until smooth. No lumps, or they'll show through the texture.
The Consistency Test
Dip your brush and hold it upside down. The mud should cling without dripping but form soft peaks when you pull away. Takes some practice to get the feel right.
Step 2: Apply the Base Coat
Roll a thin coat of mud onto a 4x4 foot section using a paint roller with a thick nap. You're not trying to build up texture yet. Just get an even layer about 1/8 inch thick covering the primed surface.
Work in sections small enough to texture before the edges dry. Dried edges create visible lines in the finished product. In my bathroom, I could only do about 3x3 foot sections before the first part started setting up.
Step 3: Create the Stipple Pattern
Press the stipple brush flat against the wet mud and pull straight down. Don't twist or drag. The bristles create peaks as you lift away. Overlap each stamp slightly to avoid gaps.
Pressure matters more than you'd think. Too light and you get shallow peaks that disappear when painted. Too hard and you flatten everything. Medium pressure, quick lift.
Keep the Brush Clean
Every few stamps, scrape excess mud off the brush back into your pan. A loaded brush creates uneven texture. I keep a bucket of water nearby and dip the brush every couple minutes to prevent buildup.
Step 4: Let It Dry and Assess
Drying takes 24-48 hours depending on humidity and airflow. Don't touch it. Seriously. I've ruined sections by poking at them to check if they were dry.
Once fully cured, inspect under different lighting. Side lighting from a window reveals imperfections that overhead lights hide. Minor thin spots can be touched up by rolling more mud and re-stippling just that area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Working too large an area: The edges dry before you can blend them, leaving visible seams
- Mud too thin: Creates runny texture that won't hold peaks
- Inconsistent pressure: Results in patchy high and low spots across the ceiling
- Skipping the primer: Causes cracking and poor adhesion
- Texturing over dust: The texture peels off later. Clean the ceiling first.
What to Expect
A 10x12 foot ceiling takes about 2-3 hours to texture, not counting prep and dry time. The whole project spans 2-3 days when you factor in priming, texturing, and painting.
Your first attempt won't be perfect. Mine looked uneven in spots, and I had one corner where the mud was too thin. But paint hides minor imperfections, and honestly, nobody stares at ceilings. The texture did exactly what I needed: covered the water stain repairs I couldn't get perfectly smooth.