Tin ceiling tiles offer a decorative look for stores, homes and craft projects.
Creatively utilizing products for projects outside their intended purpose is a popular activity for crafters. One product that lends itself to a wide range of versatile craft and home decor projects is tin ceiling tiles. These squares consist of thin pieces of tinplate, copper or stainless steel that have been stamped with a detailed design. When installed across a ceiling, the tin squares provide an intricate look, similar to that of carved plasterwork that was historically popular in wealthy European homes. Today, however, tin ceiling squares offer a nostalgic look for not only ceilings, but craft projects as well.
Instructions
Home Decor Enhancing Crafts
1. Choose a home decor craft project to enhance with tin ceiling squares. Popular options include adding tin squares to the front of bars or counters, enhancing a coffee table top, or creating a false headboard for the bedroom.
2. Measure the area to which the tin ceiling tiles will be affixed. Divide the width and height of the area that will be decorated by the width and height of the tin ceiling tiles to determine how many will be required to complete the project.
3. Sand the surface that the tin tiles will be affixed to in order to create a rough surface for the tiles to adhere to. Brush off any residue left from sanding. Spread a thin layer of glue or silicone caulking over the back of the tin tile and firmly press it into place on the sanded surface. Repeat the process of securing tiles in place until the entire surface is covered in a pattern that is to your liking.
4. Finish the tin ceiling tiles once the adhesive has dried completely. Brush a layer of clean polyurethane sealant over the tiles to maintain the natural finish of the metal. If you want color, paint the tin tiles using a brush, roller or paint sprayer and an oil-based paint.
Wall Hanging Crafts
5. Gather the types of tin ceiling panels be required for the project. Cornice pieces of ceiling tin make an ideal base for shelves, while flat ceiling tiles can be artfully arranged to create a decorative wall hanging.
6. Construct a frame for the wall hanging using small pieces of wood cut to the required lengths and a wide piece of wood for the backing. Connect the pieces of the wood frame using nails or wood staples.
7. Affix the tin ceiling pieces on the wood backing using a multi-purpose glue or small tin nails. Select the option that best fits the look and needs of your particular project. Tin tiles may be bent around corners of project frames by gently pushing, or hammering, the tin and securing it with tin nails.
8. Treat the tin with a coat of clear spray-on varnish to retain the original color and look, or paint the tin using an oil-based paint. The wood frame may also be finished, if desired.
9. Attach a hanging mechanism to the completed project so that it can be safely hung to display. Mount a piece of picture-hanging wire, or wall-hanging clip, to the back of the project, dependent on the size and weight of the finished piece.
Tags: ceiling tiles, pieces wood, ceiling squares, craft projects, oil-based paint, that will