How do I texture paint a ceiling?

you are correct just buy the texture paint and the special texture roller that is recommended by the paint manufacturer, the popcorn texture is very easy and does not need to be painted over , it is a bit messy to apply as it tends to drip and splatter but is very easy and looks good ,and professional when done, but if you are repairing a previously textured ceiling it is very hard to get it to match up perfectly. best of luck and have a merry Christmas

STEP 1: Purchase a large bucket of premixed drywall joint compound from your local home improvement center, lumberyard or hardware store. Also buy a wide-bladed taping knife or straight-edged trowel (8 to 12 inches wide) for spreading a thin coat of compound on the wall. (Spreading directly with your hand is perfectly acceptable if you're going for a rough look.) STEP 2: Clear as much furniture as you can from the room to be textured. Cover any remaining furniture and the floor with drop cloths. STEP 3: Strip any wallpaper from the ceiling rather than texturing over it. The high moisture content of the drywall compound can cause the paper to "let go" - and leave you with a time-consuming mess. The drywall compound should adhere to most painted ceilings without a problem. STEP 4: Start by edging the entire ceiling with a thin layer of the compound. Apply a layer of about 1/8 of an inch (unless you want a very rough texture - in which case you will want to go thicker). It doesn't have to be exact - after all, a varied texture is what you're looking for. STEP 5: Achieve the texture you want in wide assortment of methods: use old paintbrushes, wallpaper brushes or sponges to stroke or swirl on the wet surface; use your fingers to make all kind of designs; use stencils to apply a pre-created design. STEP 6: Alternate between applying the compound and texturing it until the entire surface is covered. Tips & Warnings

Cover only a small area at one time until you figure out how fast you can work. Drywall compound stays wet and workable for a pretty long time, but don't get carried away with the amount of space you cover at once.

You can thin the joint compound with water to make it more spreadable. Don't use too much, though - it should still be firm enough to not run off your knife.

Add color to the drywall joint compound before you apply it to the walls for a more dramatic effect. You can also paint the ceiling after the texture is completely dry.

Use

I sprayed the textured popcorn ceilings 30 years ago. As I recall it was a special mix with water and sprayed with a gun which was available through the rent-all. It is quite permanent and it seems that these days most people are trying to remove it. It does not do much for resale. Good luck

It depends on the texture you want. You can purchase paint that has the "sand" texture integrated with it. That can be simply rolled on.

The coarser "popcorn" acoustical ceiling texture is usually sprayed on using compressed air, then painted over with a thick-nap roller or sprayer.

Be advised that process is no longer very desirable.

If you own the property it will lower the value. Since it's a major chore to restore. If you rent same thing. It will cost you in the long run, when you move out because the space must be left as you received it. I would not recommend it.

buy a few dozen darts and toss them up on the ceiling