How to Prime a Textured Ceiling

A textured ceiling can add a visual dimension to a room. Before a textured ceiling can be painted, it will need to be primed. The porous nature of this type of ceiling will require a large amount of primer to seal it. Use a quality acrylic primer on your textured ceiling. It is possible to thin an acrylic primer with water. Combine four parts of primer with one part water.

Step 1 – Purchasing the Primer

Determine the dimensions of the ceiling you are going to prime. Use the area of the ceiling to determine the amount of primer you will need. Visit your local hardware or home improvement store and speak to a professional about your plans to prime your textured ceiling.

Step 2 – Protecting Your Room

Remove as many items as possible from the room in which you are planning to paint. Take out the furniture, decorative items, rugs and wall décor. Use the plastic sheeting to cover anything left in the room. Make sure the floor is completely covered. Use the painter's tape to secure the plastic sheets to the bottom third of the walls.

Step 3 – Changing Clothes

Rolling primer onto the ceiling can be a messy job. Be sure to put on old clothes before you begin. An old cap will keep any primer from getting into your hair. You should also put on protective eye wear to prevent any primer from damaging your vision. A dust mask will prevent any primer from getting into your mouth.

Step 4 – Preparing the Ceiling

Use your vacuum and a step ladder to remove any residue from the ceiling. Connect the attachments and an extension piece before you climb the ladder. Be careful working on the ladder to prevent any accidental falls. Be sure to not damage any of the texture work on the ceiling with the vacuum attachments.

Step 5 – Cutting In the Ceiling

Read the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the primer before you begin. Pour the primer into the paint roller pan. Immerse your paint brush into the primer. Brush off any excess liquid. Use your paint brush to apply the primer along the edge of the ceiling. Carefully prime around the entire perimeter of the ceiling. Allow the primer enough time to dry completely before you begin priming the rest of the ceiling.

Step 6 – Applying the Primer

Attach a paint roller with a long nap to the extension handle. Immerse the roller in the primer. Roll off any excess liquid. Roll the primer onto the ceiling. Be sure to roll the primer in one direction. If you move the roller in different directions, you could accidentally damage the textured ceiling. Allow the primer enough time to dry completely. Apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry.