You can paint drop ceiling panels to enhance the decor of any room. Choose a solid color, select two or more shades to create a pattern or apply a faux finish to produce a metallic look that resembles pressed tin or copper. It is possible to paint the ceiling while it is suspended, but the task is much easier and the results are better if you remove the panels and paint them at ground level.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Use a ladder to remove all ceiling tiles from the ceiling grid. Carefully stack the tiles in a corner of the room. If you have not yet installed your , stack the new product in the room so the panels can acclimate for 24 hours to the indoor climate and install the metal ceiling grid according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Clear as much flat space as possible, including at least a 3 foot by 5 foot work space, and spread drop cloths to protect these areas. Designate several days for the project if you do not have enough area to let all your ceiling panels dry at once.
3. Reserve the large paintbrush for cleaning purposes. Place two or three tiles side by side on your work area, and gently brush each panel to remove cobwebs and dust.
Painting
4. Mix paint thoroughly and pour into a paint tray, filling the well about half way. Dip the roller into the paint, then roll up and down the slope of the tray to evenly coat. Apply a light coat of paint to the ceiling tile by rolling up and down the panel.
5. Move the painted tiles to an area where they can dry undisturbed for three to four hours. If you are working in humid conditions, allow six hours.
6. Apply a second thin coat of paint if necessary, followed by any faux finish options you choose. Glazes, stamps, or patinas can add depth to your project. Metallic finishes are popular because they resemble expensive tin, copper or bronze ceilings.
7. Apply painter's tape to protect the walls just below the metal ceiling grid and lay drop cloths to protect the floor. Wearing safety glasses, use the small brush to paint the metal grid to match your panels. Latex paints are easier to work with and clean but don't adhere as well to metal, so you will have to do at least two coats to get adequate coverage. If you applied a decorative finish to the panels, do the same to the ceiling grid. Even when dry, the paint on the metal grid will be more susceptible to scratches, however most people rarely touch their ceiling, so this is only a problem when you are installing or removing panels.
8. Drop the finished panels into the ceiling grid. Try not to scratch either the panels or the grid, but be prepared to touch up any spots that get nicked. When you are finished, remove the painter's tape from the walls and the drop cloths from the floors. Store leftover paint in a cool, dry place where it will not freeze.
Tags: ceiling grid, drop cloths, , , drop ceiling