A tin ceiling that has been restored
Tin ceilings came into favor during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their decorative designs mimicked those in the intricate plaster ceilings of European homes at a much more reasonable price. Tin ceilings were easy to install because they were lightweight and when installed, they covered existing cracks and stains as well as providing a fireproof layer. Tin ceilings lost popularity in the 1930s but have come full circle. New tin ceiling tiles in many patterns can be purchased today but it is possible to restore existing ones.
Instructions
1. Prepare the room. Cover the floors, counter tops and furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Protect trim and light fixtures with painter's tape. Remove portable items like art work and knick knacks.
2. Clean the tile. If the ceiling is in good shape with no peeling paint, dust it with a cotton dust mop or feather duster. Then wipe the tiles with a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and water. Rub off rust spots with steel wool, fine grit sand paper or a wire brush. Be gentle to avoid scratching. Remember that you will be working on a ladder and facing up, so wear protective goggles and a mask to keep dust and rust particles out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Strip the paint. Use a commercial stripping Peel Away. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. When the paint has been removed, wipe the ceiling with a damp cloth and allow to dry.
4. Patch the ceiling. If you have tiles that have holes or noticeable cracks, use a product like Bondo, available at hardware and home improvement stores, to fill them. If a tile needs to be replaced in a prime location on an antique ceiling,substitute it with one from the side or a corner. Replace that tile with a newly manufactured one. The new tile will be in an inconspicuous place and once the ceiling is painted, no one will notice the difference. Or, rather than using new tiles, contact architectural salvage dealers to see if they have tiles matching your ceiling's patterns.
5. Paint the ceiling. With a good quality brush no larger than two to three inches wide, apply an oil-based primer to the tin ceiling tiles. Let the primer dry before painting the ceiling with oil-based enamel paint. Put on two coats, being sure to let the paint dry thoroughly between coats.
Tags: ceiling tiles, have tiles, product like