How can I paint a popcorn ceiling with out a big mess?

I painted my ceiling and didn't have any problems. If I were you I would scrape off the popcorn pebbles with a dry putty knife. I leaves a very nice textured look. I did the bed room and wish I had done the vault ceiling in kitchen-livingroom. Good luck.

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/painting-over-a-popcorn-ceiling

Had same thing happen. First off all, use a ceiling primer, which we did years ago. Go slow, the ceiling is pretty tough finish.

Yes you will lose some of the texture, you can buy a foam roller that is notched every 1/2 inch that works best..... load the roller with paint, and just roll on, don't go back and forth as this will make the texture come off more.... https://www.amazon.com/FoamPRO-22-Lint-Free-High-Capacity-Slit-Foam/dp/B0067NKES2/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1527965258&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=foam+roller+with+1%2F2"+scoring++for+painting+ceiling

Use a "Paint Roller Pro" for sale on Shopping channel, also includes corder and cutting in edger and an extending pole. You fill the roller with paint and it does not drip!!! Great invention!

Sherwin Williams makes a ceiling paint that goes on pink and turns white so you can see if you missed any spots I think Glidden also has this type of paint sure makes it easier to see what you missed

Buy a paint roller made for popcorn ceilings. It is foam and has slits cut into it. You will have less splatter. You will lose some of the popcorn but not enough to notice. If your popcorn has sparkly specks you will lose that effect--it will be a flat white. You will want to do 2 coats. Let it dry well in between coats.

It is best to put a Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 ;primer on first and then use a good quality ceiling paint for your final coat. There are ceiling;paints on the market with either a blue or pink tint and when it dries after being applied it will turn white. The tint enables you to see where you have painted.