Nature can provide inspiration for adding texture to ceilings.
If you want an innovative way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, you can create a tree bark texture on a ceiling. You may be familiar with the stomped and orange peel texture styles, which are very common on ceilings and walls. A completely different type of texture will add visual interest to your room's ceiling.
Preparation
Preparation is key when you texture a ceiling. The room's walls, woodwork and window frames need protection. Taping drop cloths over the walls and flooring prevents messes. Textured paint is a very gloppy substance that is thick and prone to splattering. Priming the ceiling before applying the textured paint ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the surface.
Texturing Process
Applying at least one coat of textured paint to the ceiling and letting it dry provides a good base for the tree bark texture. Textured paint is available pre-made, but you can add texture material to latex paint. Regular ceiling paint is too thin for this project; it is better to use regular indoor latex paint that will hold the texture or the texturing material more efficiently. The second coat of textured paint involves the process to create the bark texture. You can use a tree bark texture tool, or you can wrap strings in varying thickness around a paint roller to create the bark effect.
Authentic Appearance
Going to a woodsy area and taking a few pictures of different types of tree bark is helpful. Enlarge the pictures so that you have a better idea of what bark really looks like and its variations. Use the pictures as your inspiration for the ceiling texture. If you find a loose piece of bark, you could take it home with you to use as direct inspiration, but don't take bark off a living tree. Taking a picture of the bark is better than damaging or destroying the tree.
Perfection from Practice
Before you try this project on a ceiling, practice on an extra piece of plywood or even a panel of drywall to give yourself a true practice environment. Because you'll paint the ceiling from underneath it, safely suspend the practice material above yourself to get a true feeling of what the project entails. This project has no real wrong or right completion method. Let your inspiration and nature guide you.
