[TSGR]

I primed the ceiling then textured it using joint compound and a trowel. It is completely covered with joint compound. So my question is if I have the desired color and sheen with bare joint compound is it really necessary to paint it?

 

[Nailbags]

yes the paint is there to serve as a protectant for the work you did. other wise you will have that texture on your head in a while after it absorbs the moisture in your home and the color will not last. it will be subject to stains and imposible to clean

 

[ToolSeeker]

You don't have to paint it, but you will find it won't hold that color very long. It will start to turn yellow, and it will show stains just from stuff in the air. Also it will absorb odors like crazy. On second thought yea you have to paint it.

 

[TSGR]

Ok thanks

 

[coupe]

whenever, I used compound for texture? I'd mix paint into compound to desired color/consistency to work with. paint helps to harden the compound and can be worked like concrete to get no trowel marks. no match plaster, I used semi-gloss paint keeping trowel wet avoids pulling compound as troweling. dries hard, is a pain to remove when dry.