Install A Tin Looking Ceiling

Authentic tin ceilings were first installed in businesses and homes after the Civil War. These ceilings were popular due to the tin being fireproof and paintable. Many of these types of ceilings are still viable in vintage buildings. The modern homeowner can duplicate this ceiling with tiles that have the intricate stamped look of tin by using extruded polystyrene tiles. Extruded polystyrene tiles glue to existing ceilings or are used for dropped ceilings. The tiles adhere to drywall or popcorn ceilings and are can be painted.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and the width of the ceiling. Multiply the length times the width to arrive at the square footage for the ceiling. Divide the square footage by the square footage of a ceiling tile to arrive at the number of tiles required. Ceiling tile are usually 2-by-2-feet and 2-by-4-feet. Purchase a few extra tiles to allow for mistakes in cutting.

2. Remove any ceiling lights, fans and vent covers from the ceiling in the room. Find the center of the room by measuring the length of the ceiling and making a mark at the center of the measurement. Do the same for the width. Pop a chalk line across the room from the center marks to find center.

3. Apply between nine and 12 dots of ceramic tile mastic to the back of the ceiling tile. Nine dots are sufficient for installation to smooth ceilings. Use 12 dots when installing on a popcorn ceiling. Press the ceiling tile to the ceiling using the chalk lines as a guide. Hold the tile in place for 30 seconds to one minute. Install the next tile in the same manner, carefully aligning with the chalk line and the previously installed tile. Continue until all full tiles are adhered to the ceiling. Cut the edge tiles to the size required and glue to the ceiling.

4. Caulk all seams where the ceiling tiles butt together. Allow the caulking to dry overnight before applying paint to the installed ceiling. Use a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. You can paint the ceiling tiles with metallic paint to give the look of authentic tin ceilings.

5. Install extruded polystyrene ceiling molding with adhesive to complete the look of an authentic tin ceiling. Hold the molding in place with painter's tape until the adhesive has dried.

Tags: ceiling tile, square footage, ceiling tiles, ceilings were, chalk line