Polyurethane Vs Plastic Ceiling Medallions

The only differences between plastic and polyurethane lies in the manufacturing process and the properties and materials used. Polyurethane is the preferred material for ceiling medallions due to strength, function and ease of use. Ceiling medallions may also be made of plaster, wood or metal. Cost is also a factor in choice of medallion material, with plastic and polyurethane being most often cheaper than other materials.

Description

A ceiling medallion is a decorative disk used to accent ceiling fixtures like lights or fans. The stem of the fixture extends through the center of the shaped medallion. They can be ornate or simple, bold or subtle, depending on the taste of the individual homeowner. They can also be painted to either accent a room or to blend in. They are often colored to match or accent any decorative trim or molding in the room.

Cost

Polyurethane medallions are usually the lowest cost in their class because they are mass-produced. Wood and plaster medallions are often produced individually, placing a higher value on them. Other plastics may be cheaper in materials than polyurethane, but often the cost of labor and installation is greater because polyurethane medallions allow for easy, do-it-yourself installations.

Durability

Ceiling medallions molded of polyurethane hold up better to the handling received during installation than just about any other material. Lightweight, they are easy to handle during awkward overhead installations. Plaster is easily shattered if dropped or knocked during installation. Metal can be easily dented, ruining its overall symmetry. Other plastics may be prone to expansion and contraction, depending on the types of materials used in their manufacture and whether or not they are solid in construction or simply a plastic shell, which is often the case.

Customization

A final point in the favor of polyurethane over other plastics is its ease of customization. It readily takes any type of paint or finish without priming and can even be finished with faux techniques such as marbleizing, washing or texturing. Due to an ultraviolet-light-resistant top coat, the polyurethane surface accepts any good-quality paint in any base, allowing it to fit with ease into your decorating scheme.

Tags: during installation, materials used, Other plastics, plastic polyurethane