Sand vinyl, plastic and fiberglass paneled ceilings to make the paint stick to them.
If you are planning to paint paneled ceiling tiles, consider the following before you rush into the application process. While some ceiling panels are comprised of wood, other are made of nonporous vinyl, plastic and fiberglass. The latter surfaces are ill-suited for paint adhesion. Combat this by abrading each with sandpaper. Once you've prepared the paneled ceilings, they will accept primer and paint. Unfortunately, paneled ceilings are prone to runs and drips. Use a particular application strategy that will promote a smooth finish, free from minor flaws.
Instructions
1. Remove furniture and electronics from the room. Dust the paneled ceiling using a broom.
2. Scour vinyl, plastic and fiberglass panels using a palm sander stocked with 180-grit sandpaper. Stop when the ceiling feels slightly rough. Skip this step if the panels are not vinyl, plastic or fiberglass.
3. Line the tops of walls directly adjacent to the paneled ceilings with professional painter's tape. Protect the floor with fabric drop cloths.
4. Apply metal self-etching spray primer to the between each panel. Maintain an 8-inch distance between the frames and spray nozzle at all times. Wait three hours for the primer to dry. Skip this step if there are no metal frames.
5. Pour approximately 2 gallons of latex primer into a 5-gallon bucket. Fit your roller with a shed-free roller cover. Apply primer to a 4-foot-by-4-foot area of the paneled ceiling. Use a 3-inch polyester paintbrush to smooth runs and drips within that 4-foot-square area. Continue until the entire ceiling is coated with primer. Use the brush to touch up any areas skipped by the roller. Wait three hours for the primer to dry.
6. Wash the brush and roller with water.
7. Paint the paneled ceiling just as you primed it. Use a flat latex paint. Wait two hours for the paint to dry.
Tags: paneled ceiling, plastic fiberglass, vinyl plastic, vinyl plastic fiberglass, hours primer, metal frames
