Top 5 Best Paint Rollers For Popcorn Ceilings (2023 Review)

Last Updated On September 22, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect paint roller covers for painting your ceilings?

You've come to the right place!

In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:

  • What you need to know about painting ceilings with a paint roller
  • What fiber style of paint roller you should use for painting ceilings
  • How to choose a quality paint roller for your ceilings

And much more!

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use a paint roller for ceilings!

Image Product

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Wooster Brush Popcorn Acoustical Roller Cover
  • Purchase just one or multiple
  • Made especially for popcorn and acoustical ceilings
  • 9/16-Inch Nap, 9-Inch
  • Purchase just one or multiple
  • Made especially for popcorn and acoustical ceilings
  • 9/16-Inch Nap, 9-Inch
View on Amazon

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FOAM PRO Foam Paint Roller
  • Ideal for painting textured surfaces
  • Holds more paint than other paint rollers
  • Paints acoustical ceilings and rough surfaces
  • Ideal for painting textured surfaces
  • Holds more paint than other paint rollers
  • Paints acoustical ceilings and rough surfaces
View on Amazon

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Wagner SMART Paint Roller
  • Unique design
  • Holds paint inside the handle
  • Dispenses paint using a trigger/lever
  • Unique design
  • Holds paint inside the handle
  • Dispenses paint using a trigger/lever
View on Amazon

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Pro Grade Paint Roller Covers
  • 6-pack of paint roller covers
  • Inexpensive
  • Have roller naps around for the next project
  • 6-pack of paint roller covers
  • Inexpensive
  • Have roller naps around for the next project
View on Amazon

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Bates Paint Roller Covers
  • For 9-inch wire roller frames
  • Purchase up to a four-pack
  • PVC core that resists liquids
  • For 9-inch wire roller frames
  • Purchase up to a four-pack
  • PVC core that resists liquids
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On September 22, 2023

Our top pick is the Wooster Brush Popcorn Acoustical Roller Cover because it has the highest quality and the highest value.

The Wooster Brush paint cover has a PVC core that resists liquids like water and solvents. This is a paint roller that you can rely on for getting the job done exactly how you wanted it.

There's no need to complicate the job, so that's why we recommend you pick up a Wooster Popcorn/Acoustical roller cover(or four), and effortlessly apply paint into rough surfaces without spilling all over the place.

Top 5 Paint Roller Covers For Popcorn Ceilings

In a hurry? Check out our top 5 roller covers for ceilings! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

  1. Wooster Brush Popcorn Acoustical Roller Cover
  2. FOAM PRO Foam Paint Roller
  3. Wagner SMART Paint Roller
  4. Pro Grade Paint Roller Covers
  5. Bates Paint Roller Covers

What Are Paint Rollers For Popcorn Ceiling?

A paint roller for a popcorn ceiling would be any roller pad/nap roller that is thick enough to properly apply paint to a textured ceiling. 

A regular roller pad might work on some popcorn ceilings, but you will have to load it up with a lot of paint, and the job will definitely go a lot slower.

The reason why a regular roller nap won't work for popcorn ceiling paint is that the microfibers aren't thick enough to get into all the deep gaps that a popcorn ceiling has. 

What Are The Different Types of Paint Rollers For Popcorn Ceiling?

Slit foam

Slit foam allows for full coverage on rough surfaces because it allows the paint to penetrate in between the cracks of surfaces like popcorn texture, acoustic ceilings, stucco.

Extension pole included

Products like the Wagner SMART Paint Roller come with an extension pole that allows you to easily reach higher heights with your paint roller. 

Wagner even allows you to store paint inside the handle and dispense it directly into the roller eliminating the need to lower the pole frequently.

Multipacks

Don't forget that you can purchase a multi-pack that will keep you stocked up on paint rollers for future projects. 

Read More >> What Are The Best Roller Covers To Hide Imperfections?

How Does Painting A Popcorn Ceiling Work?

With Asbestos

You might want to have a professional have a look at your popcorn ceiling to make sure it doesn't have asbestos.

If this is the case, you'll most likely need a hazmat team to come and remove it safely. Besides, you don't want to put yourself at risk of getting cancer or mesothelioma just because you wanted to DIY your popcorn ceiling removal, do you? 

Without Asbestos

In the event that your paint sprayer doesn't have asbestos, here are some steps for efficiently painting a popcorn ceiling:

1. Clean the surface

The first thing you should do is clean the surface of the ceiling with a feather duster, then a damp microfiber cloth to remove all the lint and dust that resides on the surface.

2. Tape off the walls/light fixtures

Use some painters tape and a paint masker to cover up any objects that you don't want to be painted.

You may also want to throw some drop cloths down on the floor or over furniture.

3. Cut in edges

Use an angled brush and a stepladder/stilts to cut in all the edges of the ceilings first. This will make rolling a whole lot easier because you won't have to worry about nicking the walls with paint.

4. Roll on the paint

Apply the first coat of paint with a generous amount on the roller, and let it dry. 

After the paint is dry, you can then assess whether or not you need to apply an additional coat.

5. Clean up

After you have painted the ceiling to satisfaction, you can immediately go ahead and peel all the tape off to reveal the finish. 

After the tape and masking are all taken care of(be careful not to get wet tape on the carpet and furniture), you can then pull the drop cloths, and the job will be finished! Your cottage cheese ceiling is all painted up!

Read More >> What Are The Best Paint Roller Extension Poles?

Did you know: Paint rollers were invented in 1940 by a Canadian man named Norman Beakey. He wanted to make a way to apply paint much more efficiently, so he developed the first prototype of the paint rollers we use today.

What To Look For In The Best Paint For Popcorn Ceiling?

Thick foam

Since popcorn ceilings are typically rough in texture, you'll want a thick foam roller that is capable of applying the paint successfully through all the cracks. 

High-quality/low-price

Paint rollers don't have to cost so much money, in fact, when you purchase on Amazon you will save money compared to if you were to buy at a paint store like Sherwin Williams or Home Depot. 

Our Reviews Of The Best Paint Roller For Popcorn Ceilings

Purchase up to a four-pack of these quality and low-cost roller covers that are specifically made for popcorn and acoustical ceilings that have a texturing on them.

These rollers might be cheap, but you'll be able to re-use them easily because of their PVC core that resists liquids like water and solvents.

Good for use with all paints. Pick up a pack of these off Amazon for the lowest price.

Pros

  • For use with any type of paint
  • PVC core that resists liquids
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than other options
  • No roller handle included

Looking to paint popcorn ceilings on a budget, but still want it to look nice?

Purchase this FOAM PRO paint roller because it is made especially for rough surfaces, including popcorn ceilings, decks, floors, textured surfaces,  rough fencing, and more.

Ceiling texture was never this easy and inexpensive, so it won't hurt to pick up a few of these off of Amazon for a steal of a price.

Pros

  • Very inexpensive
  • For all paints
  • Specially made for rough surfaces

Cons

  • Not sold in multi-pack
  • No extension or roller frame included

Wagner makes a cool SMART paint roller that allows you to store 22 ounces of paint directly in the handle for easily painting surfaces that are higher up(like ceilings)

With a relatively inexpensive price and genius design, Wagner is a reputable company, so it is worth giving their SMART roller a try the next time you paint a project like popcorn ceilings.

The SMART roller allows you to effortlessly paint 8-foot ceilings, and the best part is that you won't need to carry a paint tray around with you; just pour it directly into the handle.

Pros

  • Incredible design
  • Injects paint directly into the roller
  • Eliminates the need for a paint tray

Cons

  • Unnecessary for the project
  • Costs more than just purchasing a roller pad

Pro Grade offers you a six-pack of roller covers that you should get your hands on because they are ridiculously cheap and will do the job just fine.

For just a few dollars you can be stocked up with paint rollers for your next 2-3 paint projects, so the next time you want something painted you won't have to run to the paint store to find more.

These aren't made especially for popcorn ceilings, but if you wet them up with enough paint, they'll be able to sponge it into rougher surfaces.

Pros

  • 6 paint covers in one
  • Low cost for high quantity
  • Save rollers for future paint jobs

Cons

  • Not made especially for popcorn ceilings
  • Inexpensive might mean lower quality

Bates also makes a 5-pack of paint rollers that you can affordably pick up for your next painting project.

These 9-inch roller naps are well-rated on Amazon because they cost under 10 bucks, and they perform with the quality needed to get the paint job done. 

Made from microfiber (like most other roller naps), these Bates rollers aren't made especially for porous surfaces, but we're sure if you load up enough paint onto the edges that it will do the job just fine. 

Just be careful not to splatter paint on the ground when transferring the loaded roller up to the ceiling!

Pros

  • Fits all 9-inch wireframes
  • For all paints and stains
  • 5 paint rollers included

Cons

  • There are higher quality paint roller naps
  • Not made especially for popcorn ceilings

Our top pick is Wooster Brush Popcorn Acoustical Roller Cover because it's a trusted brand that knows what's up when it comes to making paintbrushes and roller naps. 

You can't go wrong with Wooster because they are a reputable brand that makes quality paint brushes and rollers for your convenience. 

For example, the PVC core of the Wooster Brush Popcorn Acoustical Roller Cover resists liquids, so you can paint all day without worry about a collapsing roller cover.

Purchase up to a four-pack of Wooster popcorn rollers off of Amazon for the best price possible.

Final Thoughts On Best Paint Roller For Popcorn Ceiling

Painting popcorn ceilings isn't easy, so you're going to need the right tools for this DIY project. 

Here are some tools that we think will help you with the job better:

Airless paint sprayer

Save yourself from shoulder aches by buying or borrowing a spray gun for painting the entire ceiling. Spray paint is 10x easier to work with when compared to a paint can. 

Drywall stilts

You might want to use some drywall stilts like these on large rooms to help you tape up the edges more easily.

Safety glasses

Don't forget to use safety glasses when looking up at the ceiling. Even if you are just cleaning off the dust, you can still get flakes of paint in your eyes that can lead to blindness. 

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are always nice to use while painting, especially if you are working with potentially harmful surfaces like popcorn ceilings. 

Try to avoid getting paint on your hands and body altogether, even though the modern latex paint/acrylic really isn't that bad for your skin.

Dust mask/cotton mask/respirator

Painting popcorn ceilings is definitely a time when you will want to use a respirator or at least a cotton mask to protect your respiratory system from damage while painting.

Paint masker

A paint masker allows you to combine the painter's tape and masking paper/film to easily roll out a protective covering over virtually anything.

If you don't already own a paint masker, do yourself a favor, and drop ~$30 on one. 

Questions?

Don't forget to ask us questions on our Pro Paint Corner page! Good luck, and make sure you test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos first!

Meet Your Pro Paint Corner Author

Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

I first painted professionally in my late teens. I have painted everything from long military base walls to spraying cedar wood siding on cabins in the mountains of Utah. I am also an automotive technician with plenty of auto body and paint experience. In my spare time, I even enjoy artistic oil painting.

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