[header] How to paint a popcorn ceiling [title] Test the ceiling's water solubility. [step] To figure out the best way to paint a popcorn ceiling, you need to know if it's ever been painted before. A popcorn ceilings that hasn't been painted previously is usually water-soluble. 
If you paint it with a roller, the ceiling may absorb moisture from the paint and the texture can come off on the roller. Test your ceiling's water solubility by spraying a small, unnoticeable spot with water.