From: "George E. Cawthon" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house alt.home.repair alt.building.construction
Subject: Re: How to spray popcorn/stucco on celing?
Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2004 07:22:17 GMT



Grim wrote:
> 
> "ississauga"  wrote in message
> news:14e8ca45.0401011905.781e3ce6@posting.google.com...
> > I want to spray the ceiling of a newly built basement using a
> > compressor driven texture sprayer. I went to Home Depot to look into
> > renting the equipment. The clerk there said spraying the stuff is easy
> > and requires no experience but I am afraid I will mess it up.
> >
> > How do I go about spraying the stuff? What are the things to look out
> > for to do a proper job? Should I paint(prime) the ceiling beforehand?
> 
> It is straight forward. The only thing you should do is familiarize yourself
> with the equipment you are using. Follow the manufacture directions of the
> popcorn mix you are going to use to a " T " and be prepared to practice and
> adjust the mix and/or the equipment with how fast you walk around the room
> to get the result you desire. It is a rather forgiving product as if you are
> not getting the results you want, you can always scrap the product off with
> a wide joint compound knife before it dries and start over.
> 
> As for the ceiling itself, it should be mudded, taped, and finish sanded
> before you begin. The texture should go on before primer or paint ( see
> popcorn manufactures instructions to be sure). Any boxes you have in the
> ceiling for lights, smoke alarms and so forth should be masked off, paying
> close attention to screw holes. You should spray right into the drywall
> corners, and it is handy to have another person working with you to scrape
> the excess popcorn off the vertical walls after you pass by so you can keep
> the same steady motions and tempo that ensure a consistent appearance. Wear
> proper protection! Old work clothes or disposable tyvek jumpers are a must
> as with full goggle eye protection. Spend a couple of bucks more on dust
> masks and get the ones that protect against the finest dusts. Above all,
> relax and just roll with it.
> 
> Grim
> 
> ---
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I think the drywall needs to be sealed first because the
popcorn stuff will be pretty wet, but as you say, check what
the popcorn manufacture says.

I agree, you will need some practice.  Get a piece of
drywall to waste and practice.

If you don't have someone helping you need to tape and cover
the walls with plastic.  And be sure to cover the floors and
whatever you leave in the room.  

I would buy the machine at Harbor Freight on sale for
$19.99.  But you also need a compressor.  Rather than a dust
mask you might want to think about a respirator.  HF has the
cheap OA for $20.