Design Dilemma--Popcorn Ceiling

A question I am often asked is how to repair or reface a popcorn/stucco ceiling.

If the ceiling is not damaged and is in good shape beneath the stucco, you can simply wet the ceiling and carefully scape off the plaster to reveal the smooth ceiling below.  Then it is just a matter of touching up any imperfections, priming and painting.  Done

Unfortunately, a lot of times the ceiling is not in good shape and this procedure cannot be used. 

Here are a couple of other fixes...

1)  Re-drywall the ceiling.  This is an expensive and time consuming process.  Unless you are a professional drywaller, I really would not suggest to try this yourself. 

2)  Wood strips--You can apply thin wood strips to the ceiling to give a casual feel to the space.  The wood can be cottage paint grade and is fairly inexpensive.  This can be difficult to install if the walls are not square because the wood strips may look crooked even if you use a plumb line.  This may be difficult for the average do it yourselfer to complete.

3)  Anaglypta Paper (textured paintable wall paper)--This is a great solution.  The paper comes in several different designs.  You simply need to scrape the stucco down until it is relatively smooth (it doesn't need to be perfect), wipe down the ceiling and let dry.  Sebastian Terzo owner of Direct Painting suggests to take the time to prepare the ceiling by first priming , then painting and finally sizing the ceiling before applying the paper to ensure a strong hold.  Follow the application directions for the paper that you purchase.  Afterwards you paint the paper for a perfect finish.   Cheap and easy.