How to Repair a Popcorn Ceiling with Water Damage

Popcorn ceilings are incredibly popular because they are easy to install and create texture to an otherwise bland ceiling. Although they can look great in many homes, any water damage can cause stains that are difficult to fix.

These stains not only look terrible but often grow mold. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get rid of water stains on popcorn texture by yourself.

Let’s discuss how to fix a popcorn ceiling with water stains.

How To Repair Popcorn Ceiling With Water Damage

Repairing a popcorn ceiling with water damage can be a simple process, but the most important first step is identifying the cause of the water leak. You cannot begin any DIY repairs without fixing the source of the problem.

If you don’t fix the underlying problem, any repairs to the popcorn texture will be pointless. Once water damage appears, you need to hire a professional to inspect the cause of the issue. Any water leaks from roofs or upstairs bathrooms need to be repaired.

The size of the stain usually indicates the severity of the water leak. Especially if you notice that stains are spreading quickly, investigate the source of the problem immediately. You will notice whether you can repair small problems yourself or if you need professional help.

There are water damage experts that can examine the ceiling. These professionals will check for mold growth and ensure that problems are fixed efficiently.

Also see: What is a Popcorn Ceiling & Why is it a thing?

Popcorn Ceiling Patch Repair

Applying a ready-to-use popcorn ceiling patch is a great way to save time during this repair process. This comes pre-mixed, so you don’t have to struggle in finding the right ratio of products.

The popcorn ceiling patch has polystyrene chips that match the texture of popcorn ceilings. It can repair many different types of damage, including stains, scrapes, holes, or cracks. The texture blends seamlessly into the original texture.

There are many benefits to using this product to cover water damage. Popcorn ceiling patch has a low odor and an easy application process.

The drying time is short, and you’ll only have to wait for 1 to 4 hours.

For the best results, follow these steps to apply a popcorn ceiling patch:

Step one: Wait for the ceiling to fully dry.

Step two: Lay down a tarp on the floor underneath the damaged area.

Step three: Scrape away the damaged popcorn texture with a putty knife. You can hold a piece of cardboard while you are scraping to catch most of the flakes.

Step four: Apply a stain-blocking primer to the drywall.

Step five: Spread ceiling patch repair onto the ceiling. Make sure that the mixture is stirred well before application.

Step six: Overlap the patch repair onto the undamaged popcorn texture. There shouldn’t be any air gaps and the mixture shouldn’t be too thick.

Step seven: Let dry.

Step eight: Prime and paint the entire ceiling.

Popcorn Ceiling Repair Spray

If you have a small area to repair, a popcorn ceiling repair spray will be a great option. This is the fastest way to cover any damage to your popcorn ceilings.

This product comes in an aerosol can, making it easy to apply. You can easily control the spray, covering the ceiling quickly.

Even though you should cover all surfaces before using popcorn texture repair spray, it is water-soluble so you can easily clean any overspray with soap and water.

Popcorn ceiling repair spray covers areas as big as 4 square feet and can dry in 120 minutes. It sprays vertically, so you won’t have any trouble using this product.

Follow these simple directions to quickly and easily cover small areas of water damage in your ceiling.

Step one: Make sure the floor is properly covered, as well as any furniture underneath the damaged ceiling.

Step two: Scrape away the water-damaged texture with a putty knife.

Step three: Coat the exposed drywall with a stain-blocking primer.

Step four: Use popcorn ceiling repair spray to fully coat the area. Hold the spray can 12-14 inches away from the ceiling.

Step five: Prime and paint the ceiling.

How To Fix Popcorn Ceiling After Water Damage

The best technique to eliminate water damage is to scrape off the old texture and cover the area with a new popcorn texture.

This is a simple process and doesn’t require professional assistance. However, if you have asbestos or mold growth in your popcorn texture, we’d recommend seeking help from professionals.

After identifying and fixing the water leak, continue to remove the damaged popcorn texture. Use a putty knife or popcorn scraper to scrape off the stained texture, as well as any loose texture around it.

If you notice any drywall seams beneath the scraped popcorn texture, make sure to cover these with drywall tape and drywall compound. The seams need to be completely smooth before adding texture and paint. It’s important to do this step, especially if you have replaced some of the drywall yourself.

Sand the area with sandpaper. If there is a water stain, use a paint primer named KILZ. This is specifically made for covering water stains. Let this primer fully dry.

To recreate the popcorn texture, use an aggregate compound. This comes in various grades: fine, medium, or coarse. You can also buy a pre-mixed popcorn ceiling patch or spray.

Apply the new popcorn ceiling texture to the area. Overlap the mixture onto the undamaged texture. You can check how well the mixture is blending into the ceiling by stepping back and looking at it from farther away.

Use ceiling paint to cover the ceiling. This should fix any issues in blending.

How to Paint Over Water Stain on Popcorn Ceiling

If the drywall underneath the water stain isn’t damaged, you can cover that popcorn texture with a coat of paint. Here are some things to keep in mind before painting over popcorn ceiling damages.

Since water has dripped onto your ceiling, it could continue to damage the texture. Avoid covering any stains before fixing the real problem. It’s best to hire a professional roofer or carpenter to find and repair the source of any water leaks.

The area needs to be fully dry before you paint it. This includes any dampness that lingers beneath the surface. Once the water leak is fixed, wait an adequate amount of time for the ceiling to dry.

You can speed up the drying process by using a dehumidifier or fan. Place these near the damaged area for a few days.

If the water leak went unfixed for a long period, there could be mold or mildew in the ceiling. Any long-term leaks could grow mold, which presents health risks.

There are some DIY treatments that you could apply to get rid of mold growth, but it’s best to have the area inspected by a professional. They may suggest the removal of popcorn texture or part of the ceiling.

After you have checked for any of these potential problems, you are free to paint the ceiling. We would recommend using a stain-blocking primer before painting. This will cover any existing damage and prevent future stains.

It’s best to repaint the entire ceiling. If you just paint the patched area, the paint may not blend into the rest of the painted texture. Although it will take more effort to cover the whole ceiling, the results will look much better.

How to Remove Water Stains from Popcorn Ceiling

You could simply paint over a water stain, but this will not be a long-term solution. The stain might start to show through again after a few years.

The best way to cover stains is by using a stain-blocking primer.

Before doing this, cover all surfaces with drop cloths, mask off walls and light fixtures, and put on protective eyewear and a mask. Popcorn ceiling texture can create a big mess if it falls off, plus you don’t want the stain blocker getting everywhere.

If you only have a small damaged area, use a stain blocker that comes in a spray can. If you are working with a larger surface, we’d recommend using a roll-on stain blocker. This will do a better job of applying primer to the rough texture of popcorn ceilings.

You can also use an airless sprayer to cover large surfaces of the ceiling. Direct the nozzle 12 inches away from the ceiling.

After applying one coat of primer, see if the stain shows through. You may need to add a second coat. The primer may already match the color of your ceiling. If so, you can avoid the next step of adding paint.

Then roll on a ceiling paint or use an airless sprayer. It’s best to use oil-based or acrylic paint. Because popcorn texture absorbs water-based paints, these will need many coats to cover the ceiling.

You also have the option of larger DIY projects to cover the popcorn ceiling. Decorative ceiling tiles or wood planks can be used to fully cover popcorn texture, although it takes much more time and effort.

Final Thoughts

When water damages a popcorn ceiling, it can cause ugly stains. If gone unchecked, it could develop mold growth, causing health risks in your home. It’s important to fix any water leaks immediately. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help.

The most common way to fix water damage is by covering stains with paint. You can simply use a stain-blocking primer and a few coats of ceiling paint to cover any yellowing spots.

If the popcorn texture is damaged by water, another option is to scrape it off. You can apply a new popcorn texture, blend it into the undamaged area, and repaint the entire ceiling.

You can easily repair water-damaged popcorn ceilings. That being said, always check your ceiling for asbestos and mold. These problems are best dealt with by professionals who are experienced in removing them safely.