Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Make A Drop Ceiling Look New Again

Schools, offices and industrial buildings often use drop ceilings in place of solid options. Drop ceilings feature a metal grid fitted with foam tiles that move easily out of the way when they need to be replaced. These light tiles also give you easy access to wiring or plumbing hidden above the ceiling. Though practical, drop ceilings aren't always the most stylish option. If you have drop ceilings in your home that no longer look their best, you don't have to get rid of them. Refreshing them is cheaper and broadens your creativity.


Instructions


1. Spread a drop cloth over your floor. This allows you to paint and work without worrying about ruining your floors or moving tiles in and out of your home.


2. Position a stepladder under the ceiling and gently push up each of the drop-ceiling tiles. Lift them down from the ceiling and lay them, facing upward, on the floor in the order you remove them from the ceiling.


3. Paint the drop-ceiling grid with a mini roller and handle extension. Use a color that accents your d cor; white, black and metallic finishes usually work well. Press firmly with the roller and use smooth, long strokes.


4. Spray paint the ceiling tiles while the grid dries. You may repaint them their original color or give them a new one. For instance, if you love bold colors, try red tiles with a black grid. Subtler options include matching the grid to the tiles or combining a metallic with a light color.


5. Allow the grid and tiles to dry overnight. Slip the tiles back into place in order, carefully settling one before adding another.

Tags: drop ceilings, from ceiling, grid tiles, your home