Decorative Drop Ceiling Options
The choices available for drop ceilings have evolved immensely in recent years. Drop ceilings do not have to look like they belong in an office building or have a dated look. A drop ceiling can have the traditional look of a tin ceiling or the ultramodern look of geometric-embossed patterns or carved wood.
Updating Existing Ceiling Tile
Drop ceiling tiles that are in good condition structurally, even if stained or discolored, are a good base to add a new face to. This process is less expensive than total replacement of the ceiling tiles and is available in many styles and designs.
After cleaning, spray paint the ceiling grids to match the new tile faces. Leave the ceiling tile in place when spraying. The new face will cover the overspray. Use drop cloths to cover anything in the room that overspray could damage.
The existing ceiling tiles should be removed a few at a time. Working in a well-ventilated area, apply contact cement to the face of the existing tile and to the back of the new covering with a roller or brush. Allow the contact cement to set for 15 minutes to become tacky. Apply the tile face to the old tile evenly, and trim the edges of the new skin with a utility knife. Replace the tiles into the ceiling grid as they are completed.
These ceiling tile covers are washable and can be repainted. Polystyrene molding that is installed with a mastic and that can be painted to match the new ceiling is available.
Faux Tin or Wood
Some ceiling tiles constructed of polystyrene are stamped to represent the intricate tin ceilings popular in buildings built in the early 1900s. Tin ceilings were popular for their easy care and fire safety. Polystyrene tiles are highly rated for fire safety and can be painted. Metallic paints are available that mimic the silver and copper of authentic tin ceilings.
When the look of a wood ceiling is preferred, planks and panels are available to fit a standard drop ceiling grid. These panels trim to size with standard carpentry saws and are pre-finished for easy care. The faux wood ceilings are highly rated for fire safety.
Ceiling grids for wood ceiling tiles are available to give the ceiling the handcrafted look of custom mill work.
Snap-on grid covers are available to cover existing ceiling grids; the color choices, however, are limited. A less expensive option is to paint the existing grids to match the new ceiling.
Shiny Ceilings
Ceiling tiles are available that fit standard drop ceiling grids and have a reflective finish. The product is highly polished and trims with a standard utility knife. Some weights of this type of ceiling tile require a standard ceiling tile installed above the reflective tile to provide rigidity.
Highly polished grids are available for use with this tile to create an ultramodern look.
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