Have you ever wanted to take on a painting project but worried it may be to difficult to do on your own? Stop worrying, and start doing! Learn how to paint a popcorn ceiling yourself with one of these two techniques that will get the job done in no time.

Method 1: Hand Painting a Popcorn Ceiling

First, make sure to cover all flooring and furniture because the paint will splatter. Cover the entire room with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and remove any items that cannot be properly covered. Next, add a large quantity of paint to the basin of the tray. Try to move the roller in a single direction instead of moving back and forth. This prevents the ceiling from becoming saturated in paint and reduces the risk of peeling. Make sure the paint has completely dried before painting the next coat.

Method 2: Spray Painting a Popcorn Ceiling

Since spray painting can get quite messy, this method involves a bit more preparation than hand painting. In addition to covering the floor and all furniture, drape heavy-duty plastic on the walls to prevent overspray. You can use 2-inch masking tape to hold the plastic in place and to provide a definite edge for the paint. For easy application, you should use an air spray pole gun. These are available at most hardware stores and come in various lengths. Paint can be added directly to the holding compartment of the airless spraying device. Usually paint will spray without any problems, but if the material is not flowing well, try adding 10%-20% water. Paint should be applied in two separate coats. Complete the first coat by spraying in one direction until the entire ceiling is complete. Be sure to slightly overlap each individual line of sprayed paint to prevent dry edges appearing. Allow the ceiling two hours to dry before applying a second coat of paint. The second coat should be sprayed in the opposite direction to the first in order to promote maximum coverage and a consistent finish. Remember that popcorn ceilings that have never been painted before can be extremely porous and several coats could be necessary before an even texture of paint is achieved.

If you experience any difficulty with this job, you should consider hiring a professional to help you out. Use TalkLocal to connect you to a highly rated, local painter within minutes. Simply enter a brief description of your service needs along with your location and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest.

When it’s time for a change in your house, what’s the best way to achieve it?  Repainting your rooms can give your home a completely different feel. It can take you from drab plain old white walls to walls that will pop with pomegranate red or sea foam green. A little bit of color change can truly brighten up your home. How much does painting a room cost? If you’re working with a budget, don’t worry, repainting your walls can be a cheap and quick upgrade to any room in your house.

Things to consider:

1)     Paint

2)     Accessories

3)     Contractor

4)     DIY vs hiring

Paint for interior spaces can cost anywhere from $12/gallon for cheap quality to up to $50/gallon for the best kind.  If you are painting a simple 12 foot by 12 foot room, you will need about $25-$100 worth of paint.  While it seems like a rip off to pay $50 for a gallon when you can get the same color and same mount for $12, it may not be worth it in the long run.  Cheap paints can leave runs and appear less smooth whereas high quality paints will last much longer and look better.

The accessories you need when you paint a room can vary.  This can include primer, brushes, rollers, paint clothes and painter’s tape, and possibly more depending on the job.  If you are only painting one room, you should plan to spend about $50 on these products.  If you want to do more than one room, you will run a bill closer to $200-300.  As with the paint, you will need to consider quality.  Cheaper brushes may leave behind bristles or fuzz, and cheap tape may not do its job properly.  You shouldn’t spend an exorbitant amount of money on these accessories, but you should put some consideration into the quality as they are nearly as important as the paint.

If you hire a contractor you will have to factor in some additional costs.  The estimate, the actual cost, and the additional manpower will all have to be compensated and paid for.

If you are doing only one room, you may want to consider the option between doing the job yourself or hiring people to do it.  You should remember that you will be charged for moving the furniture, painting the crown molding and other miscellaneous expenses in addition to the actual painting job.  These extra costs can really add up and make the simple job a lot more financially taxing.

Finding the right help

If you want to seek another opinion or are looking for to hire someone to paint your house, you should seek professional help.  Use TalkLocal to be connected with reliable local painters within minutes.  Simply give a brief description of your service needs along with location and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes you will be put in contact with up to three local professionals willing to help.