Your best option for a base coat to cover water stains on the ceiling is an oil based mold resistant stain blocking primer in a shade closely matching that of the existing ceiling.
Cover water stain on popcorn ceiling.
The first way to try and draw the stain out is with a concoction of bleach and water mixed into a spray bottle.
I have a popcorn ceiling and there is a dark water stain in the center i have found the source of the water leak and it has been fixed.
Cover everything though seems to be a fairly heavy paint particle that comes out and i found a light coating on stuff that was 10 or more away.
Move furniture to a safe distance or cover it.
Adding a layer of paint and primer will also help to cover any bits of the stain that may still be showing as well as help the new portion of ceiling blend into the older portions.
A popcorn ceiling cleaner can be applied in the next step to improve upon how well the bleach works and to keep the ceiling from becoming discolored.
The popcorn texture stucco cottage cheese material in the water damaged area does not look the same as the rest of the ceiling.
Bits of the popcorn ceiling will probably fall off.
This product worked extremely well to cover a water stain on drywall.
This means you can still get water stains on your ceiling even if you ve covered the whole surface.
There are two main ways to attack a water stain on a popcorn ceiling drawing the stain out or covering it up.
If the primer doesn t match the color of the ceiling you may need to paint the entire ceiling once the primer has dried.
Spray cans work better than a brush especially on popcorn or textured ceilings.
Put drop cloths on the floor.
You want to use the spray bottle because dabbing the mix on the ceiling can damage the sometimes brittle popcorn texture.
The bleach will have cleared out the most intensive stains around your ceiling.
Unlike untextured drywall if you replace the popcorn on the ceiling it can cover any stains or minor imperfections.
A product like the instagone stain remover can work.
Wiped right up but still a bit messy.
In any case the best way to eliminate water stains on your ceiling is to fix the damage first.
It is wise to wear eye protection a face mask and possibly a hat.
Step 2 cover the stain with stain blocking primer.
Mask off walls or light fixtures that are near the stain.
Now i need to fix the area to blend in with the rest of the ceiling.
Apply a light coat of the stain blocking primer over the stain to cover it while avoiding dripping.