Water based paint on stipple will actually eat away at it. Therefore like everyone has said use an oil based. Zinsser has some good products for this type of job. I have used split foam rollers on stipple before, its not fun but does the job. If you have a choice spray. IMO it is the highest quality and more efficient for you.
Painting Popcorn Ceilings
Is there any advise other than "don't do it" that anyone can give me for painting older popcorn ceilings? I have done maybe 5 so far with no problems but my luck ran out 
this one was never primed first by the builder I now have to repair a 12" section that pulled away. I was wondering if anyone uses the foam nap that Wooster has for this type of ceiling. I hate having to do them, but I get to do the walls too
Thanks
this one was never primed first by the builder I now have to repair a 12" section that pulled away. I was wondering if anyone uses the foam nap that Wooster has for this type of ceiling. I hate having to do them, but I get to do the walls too Thanks
