Unfortunately, performing ceiling repairs on a popcorn ceiling can be tricky, especially if you want a nice, professional finish to it. Here are a few common mistakes people make while repairing a popcorn ceiling, and what to do about it.

Missing the reason why it needed repairs

If you are repairing your ceiling due to a crack or a stain, you need to make sure that you have repaired the problem that caused it in the first place. If you are repairing a hole from a fixture or other known cause, you know the cause. If a stain mysteriously appears however, you should find out why before repairing the ceiling.

If you don't and the cause is a leak in the roof, the stain will appear again the next rainy day. You will end up having to repair the same spot again and again, unless you fix the actual problem.

Using the wrong type of texture

Popcorn ceilings come in 3 different grades, and choosing the wrong grade can make a patch very obvious. The grades for popcorn are fine-grade, medium-grade, and coarse-grade. On top of this, you'll need to determine how much aggregate you need to apply.

You can avoid improper texture by practising on a piece of old plywood. Apply a little bit at a time, and compare the results with what is already on your ceiling until it looks the same. Then you will know how much to apply, without having to scrape it all off and start over.

You didn't prepare the area

A ceiling repair is more than just patching a hole and applying texture to it. Proper prep work can make a big difference between a cheap looking repair and a professional looking one. Sand the area around the patch to help blend the area for a seamless transition to the rest of the ceiling.

Spraying the popcorn ceiling on

Another common mistake is to simply spray the texture on. This is problematic because a spray bottle is very difficult to control. You can end up over-spraying, or not getting the texture applied evenly. Instead, use a roller even if it takes a little more time to do so.

Rolling the aggregate on can make a big difference in how it looks, and will make the repair much more professional looking.

It can be a struggle to get popcorn ceiling repairs to look professional. colour and texture need to come together seamlessly for a good patch, and that's not always easy to achieve. If appearance is important to you, you may need a professional to help with the ceiling repair in order to get the best appearance. It can be very difficult to achieve a decent patch, especially if the rest of the ceiling is older, and a professional can make a big difference in the results.