Repair Textured Ceiling Paint

Textured ceilings can help hide flaws in the drywall used for that part of the room, but the texture makes repairs difficult. Whether you have patched a leak or are repairing a gouge, scratch or discoloration, the challenge of repairing textured paint is in matching both the color and the texture of the surrounding area. The easiest method is a ceiling texture spray, which includes both paint and texture in an aerosol can. These sprays generally come in white, so if your ceiling is a different shade you may need to repaint the entire area after applying new texture.

Instructions

1. Vacuum the entire ceiling area with a dusting brush or similar attachment to remove cobwebs, dust and dirt from your ceiling and reveal its true color beneath any grime.

2. Lay a dropcloth over the floor and any furniture or decor items in the room. If the spot you are repairing is near a wall, use masking tape to hang a dropcloth over the wall so no spatter will affect the paint there.

3. Set a ladder in a position where you can comfortably reach the ceiling and paint a coat of primer onto the affected area with a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours.

4. Put on protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, eye protection and a mask. A respirator mask is best, as inhaling high concentrations of the spray material can be potentially harmful. Toxicity may vary by brand, so consult your container of spray texture paint for appropriate safety measures. Gloves may be any nonporous type, as long as they protect your skin from direct exposure to the product, which can cause skin irriation.

5. Climb the ladder and spray the area of the ceiling that needs repair, using a short sweeping motion unless the product packaging indicates otherwise. Cover the affected area and about 6 inches beyond it in each direction, lightening up the spray as you move away from the area that needs texture by pulling the can farther away. You may want to practice on a piece of cardboard first.

6. Blot away any excess texture with a sponge by pressing the sponge into the wet paint and then blotting out the excess paint using a stamping gesture as you move across the ceiling away from the wet area. Blot around all edges of the new texture to help blend the paint as well. Be sure to use a pressing or stamping motion, rather than a wiping motion.

7. Add another layer of texture using the same process if the texture appears too light in comparison with the rest of the ceiling once it is dry.

Tags: affected area, area with, away from, away from area, dropcloth over, from area

Use Vinyl Tiles For A Bathroom Ceiling

Vinyl tiles can be used in any room to simulate stone tiles.

Contemporary design uses visually aesthetic elements like ceiling treatments to create a different look within a room. Designers frequently use different elements on bathroom ceilings, such as metal and vinyl tiles, to create an inviting atmosphere. Vinyl tiles are available in a large variety of colors, textures and patterns. Using vinyl tile on a bathroom ceiling requires very few tools, especially when self-adhesive tiles, which are lighter and easier to install than regular vinyl tiles, are selected.

Instructions

1. Clean the ceiling thoroughly with soap and water. Dirt and debris make the tile's adhesive fail to grab properly, and moisture in the air will make the tile fall if it is not strongly attached.

2. Remove any ceiling fixtures and moldings.

3. Stretch the chalk line from the center of one wall to the center of the opposite wall. Make sure that the chalk line is taut and positioned against the ceiling. Pull the line back and snap it, leaving a blue line across the center of the ceiling.

4. Repeat the process for the other two walls, creating a cross at the center point of the ceiling. Snap the chalk lines from corner to corner instead of the centers of the walls if you want to create a diamond pattern.

5. Peel the backing off of a self-adhesive tile and press a corner of the tile into the corner of the cross made on the ceiling.

6. Use a roller, similar to the kind used for installing wallpaper, to firmly press the tile into place.

7. Apply tiles into other three corners of the cross. This is your starting point. Add tiles around the square you created one row at a time until you get to the edges or a ceiling fixture.

8. Measure the area near the wall or fixture with a measuring tape. Measure from the edge of an existing tile to the fixture to determine the proper width or length that the tile needs to be cut to.

9. Use a utility knife or sharp razor blade to cut the tile. You do not have to press all the way through the tile to cut it. Cut a line with the blade, and snap the tile along the line. The tile will break along the line.

10. Replace the ceiling fixtures or moldings, tucking any tile edges under them.

11. Use a damp cloth to wipe any leaked adhesive from the tile faces.

Tags: along line, ceiling fixtures, ceiling fixtures moldings, chalk line, fixtures moldings, make tile

Paint Murals On Ceilings

Mural painting is a difficult job, and painting murals on ceilings is particularly challenging. For the experienced mural artist, a ceiling project can be an excellent way to demonstrate skills. Careful planning and proper equipment are the keys to successfully painting a ceiling mural.

Instructions

1. Draw a full-color sketch of the intended mural. This image should be in scale to the finished mural. Many artists use a scale of 1 inch to 1 foot, which means that 1 inch on the drawing is equivalent to 1 foot of the actual mural size.

2. Transfer the sketch to transparency paper. Use your own computer printer or scanner or have the image professionally transferred at a local copy shop. The transparency copy can be in black and white instead of color, and need not include small details.

3. Remove as much furniture as possible from the room. Cover the floor and any remaining items with high-quality drop cloths. Never use plastic sheeting, which can tear or cause the scaffolding to slip.

4. Prepare the ceiling. Wash off loose dust and patch holes. Use a paint roller on an extension pole to apply an even coat of interior primer and allow the ceiling to dry thoroughly. Roll on two coats of the base color, allowing the ceiling to dry between coats. Let the paint dry overnight before starting the mural.

5. Rent or purchase scaffolding. Painting a ceiling mural while standing on a ladder is never recommended. Build up layers of scaffolding until it is a comfortable height for you to reach the ceiling. Most ceiling muralists lie down while painting, so adjust the scaffolding accordingly.

6. Use the projector to display the mural sketch on the ceiling. Adjust the projected size until it precisely fits the designated area.

7. Pour the mural paints into an artist's palette. Climb the scaffolding and allow yourself to adjust to the height for a few moments. Ensure that the scaffolding is sturdy. Use a safety harness if you are working at heights above 6 feet.

8. Use an artist's pencil to lightly trace the projected image onto the ceiling. Turn off the projector and ensure that you are satisfied with the results. Paint large sections of the mural first, using a wide, flat brush. Add details with a small, round brush. Work steadily but carefully. Most ceiling murals take several days to complete.

Tags: ceiling mural, Most ceiling

Make A Textured Ceiling

Update any room in your home by creating a textured ceiling. Start off in a smaller room, such as a bathroom, for a little practice. For a bold and dramatic ceiling, add your favorite color to the drywall compound or apply a coat of paint once the ceiling has dried thoroughly. Use a paper bag or sponge to create a one-of-a-kind design on your ceiling that will give your home a fresh new look.

Instructions

1. Clear out the furniture in your room. Cover any remaining items, including the floor, with a dropcloth. Tape down the drop cloth with masking tape to prevent movement that might expose wood or carpet.

2. Mix the drywall compound in a bucket with water. Follow the instructions on the container for exact ratios.

3. Dip the straight-edged trowel into the drywall compound. Apply a 1/8-inch layer to a small area of the ceiling. Apply a thicker layer of compound if you want a heavier texture.

4. Create a pattern by gently blotting a sponge onto the small area of the ceiling while the compound is still wet. Paintbrushes and crumpled paper bags can be used to make different textures to suit your taste.

5. Alternate between applying the compound to a small area, then texturing it, until you've worked your way along the entire ceiling. Don't apply compound to an area that's too large -- it might dry before you texture the area.

6. Allow the ceiling to dry before you install any fixtures. Paint the dried compound if desired.

Tags: drywall compound, small area, area ceiling, small area ceiling, your home

Free Public Tours Of Grand Central Station In New York

Grand Central Station provides self-guided or guided tours every week.

Grand Central Station in New York City is filled with rich history, but travelers sometimes have little time to absorb the sites. If you're a tourist in the city, take some time out for a tour of Grand Central Station. The facility offers free public tours, though some tourists also enjoy getting a self-paced view of the Station's historic aspects.

Shorter Guided Tour

Guided tours of Grand Central Station are only offered two days a week. They are sponsored by The Municipal Arts Society and The Grand Central Sponsorship. The MAS sponsored tour takes place every Wednesday a little after noon, when a tour guide is available to lead a group tour. Meet with the tour guide at the information booth on the Main Concourse and consider making a $10 donation per person, which isn't mandatory but is appreciated. Be aware that this is a shorter tour and won't take you to more extensive areas, such as nearby neighborhoods. Call 212-935-3960 to get more information.

Longer Guided Tour

The Grand Central Sponsorship tour is a little longer at 90 minutes and is only offered on Fridays. Meet with a tour guide across the street from Grand Central Station at Sculpture Court of the Whitney Museum at Altria. This tour is free and also goes outside the station and into the historic surrounding neighborhoods. Call 212-883-2420 to find out more.

Self-Guided Tour

You can also take a self-guided tour through all of the popular attractions within Grand Central Station's Main Concourse. Start at the four-sided clock, otherwise known as the round information booth. Look overhead to the massive astronomy mural on the sky ceiling, painted by French painter Paul Helleu. The stars depicted in the painting are lit using fiber optic technology. From there, admire the gold chandeliers hanging in the Concourse and the stone work around the area in the shape of stones and oak leaves. Don't miss the whispering gallery, where you can stand on each end of the room and hear someone whispering to you from the other side. To end, see the Kissing Room, where notables throughout history would meet and kiss their loved ones here after exiting the trains.

Tags: Grand Central, Central Station, Grand Central Station, tour guide, Central Sponsorship, Central Station York

Mic A Rehearsal Studio With Boundary Mics

You can suspend boundary mics from the ceiling.

Your studio rehearsal is an important part of the recording process, as well as for preparing for live concerts. As such, you want to get the most out of your rehearsing time, which is why using appropriate microphones in the studio is imperative. A boundary mic is the most suitable type of microphone for rehearsing in your studio, since it is designed to pick up direct sounds from multiple sources -- from vocals to instruments -- while drowning out background noise. Placing the mics strategically around the rehearsal studio requires you to be familiarized with how the microphone actually works.

Instructions

1. Mark the locations where each musician will be standing in the rehearsal studio. Use neon tape to make an "X" on the floor for easy identification. The location where you set up the boundary microphones depends on where the sounds are coming from in the studio. Have the musicians stand in place.

2. Ask for the musicians and vocalists to play or sing a tune. Cup one hand over one ear as you listen to the sounds. Find the spot in the studio where the music or vocals sound the best with your ear still covered. This becomes the starting spot for mic-ing the studio. Stand one boundary mic at this location, or hang it, so that it is at the appropriate level where the music or vocals sound the best. You have to use your ears and listen to determine what the best height is for the microphone. This variable depends on many factors, including the height of the musicians and how they are arranged in the studio.

3. Perform your first mic test. Have the musicians play or the vocalist sing. Listen to the sounds. Identify any offensive background music. If you notice some, move the boundary mic closer to the music source, but not too close or else the sounds become unnatural sounding.

4. Add second or third mics to the studio to help pick up the sounds of the music. A boundary mic can be attached directly to the sound source or right next to it. The location and position depends on the type of instrument. For instance, if one of the instruments is a grand piano, a boundary mic can rest on the underside of the piano's lid. If you are mic-ing a violin, the boundary mic should rest on the music stand or on the front or above panel.

5. Follow the distance rule when it comes to using more than one boundary mic. That rule states that the distance between each microphone must be three times the distance from the mic to its sound source. So, in an example, if one microphone is one foot from the instrument is covers, and another microphone is one foot from another instrument, the two microphones must be positioned three feet apart.

Tags: foot from, Have musicians, microphone foot, microphone foot from, music vocals

Get Hampton Bay Parts

Get Hampton Bay Parts

If you find your home's Hampton Bay ceiling fans and other lighting fixtures useful because they make your life more comfortable and enable you to reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home, then it can be a real nuisance when they break or otherwise stop working. If you decide to fix the broken item yourself, and you will need to get replacement parts.

Instructions

Get Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan Parts

1. As the exclusive retailer for Hampton Bay ceiling fans, Home Depot offers a lifetime warranty on them. Therefore, if your Hampton Bay ceiling fan breaks or fails and it's not your fault, the easiest solution will usually be to return the fan to Home Depot for a replacement under the warranty. This is a great deal, and you should take advantage of it.

Plug A Chandelier Into A Ceiling Fixture

Chandeliers are made of different materials, ranging from wood to silver to iron to rock crystal. The variety of chandelier types provides you with several different options to modify the ambiance of a room and add an individualized and useful element to the room's design. Chandeliers can be used in a ceiling fixture. Some common guidelines to follow when adding a chandelier are to place the chandelier in the center of a dining room table 30 inches above the table.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Shut the power off to the circuit you are working on.

2. Expose the wiring in the ceiling fixture by removing any light bulbs and additional plastic casing. You just need a hole in the ceiling with the electrical wires and mounting strap visible.

3. Prepare the chandelier for hanging. Put aside any removable items, such as light bulbs, and add them after the chandelier is attached.

4. Place the chandelier on a stable surface near the ceiling. Use a ladder with a platform attached. An alternative to this surface is to have someone assist you in the process.

Wiring

5. Twist the bare end of the black wire from the chandelier with the bare end of the black wire from the ceiling.

6. Twist a wire nut onto the black wires you twisted together.

7. Attach the white wire from the chandelier to the white wire from the ceiling.

8. Twist on a wire nut to the white wires you twisted together.

9. Tuck the wires into the ceiling.

Attachment

10. Thread the chandelier's mounting stem into the mounting strap from the ceiling.

11. Tighten the chandelier's locknut, which is in the center of the canopy, until it is securely attached.

12. Turn the power on, and test the light.

Tags: wire from, from ceiling, bare black, bare black wire, black wire

Install Recessed Ceiling Lighting

Recessed lights in out-of-the-way places

Recessed lighting has many advantages over other light fixtures. On a porch, the lighting is up in the ceiling away from bugs and dirt. In a living room, it's out of the way of other decor. In a kitchen it can concentrate light right on the spot where it is needed the most without taking up precious space. Recessed lights are convenient space savers that give a room an up-to-date look.

Instructions

1. Shut off the electrical power to the room you are working in.

2. Screw the "can" for the recessed light directly onto the ceiling joists 6 or 7 feet apart. Allow 1/2 inch below the can for the ceiling's drywall.

3. Pull new wire from the electric breaker panel to where the recessed lights will start.

4. Drill holes in the ceiling joist, just large enough for the wiring to be pulled through above all the cans. Allow yourself 8 inches of extra wire at each can's junction box.

5. Cut the wire at the can. Strip back 2 inches of the outer insulation to reveal the wires inside. Strip 1/2 inch of plastic from each of these wires.

6. Connect each wire to the wires in the can's junction box, black to black and white to white, with a wire nut (also called a wire connector). The ground wires, which are either bare copper or green plastic coated, will also be connected with a wire nut.

7. Install the bulb recommended by the manufacturer. A bulb with too high a wattage can cause a fire.

8. Continue to the next can, connecting all the wires at that junction.

9. Turn on the power at the breaker box. If your lights come on, all the wires are connected correctly. Ask the county for an inspection before doing your finished ceiling work. Safety is always most important.

Tags: Recessed lights, with wire

Names Of Different Styles Of Room Ceilings

This room has a modern take on a cathedral ceiling.

The ceiling of a room may simply be the top of a space, painted a plain white and void of detail. It may also be a decorative element in the room, influencing the style and visual appeal of the space. Ceilings vary in height and shape, and the many variations of ceiling types create distinct visual appeal within any room.

Tray Ceilings

Tray ceilings are so named due to the sloped sides along the perimeter of the room, which lead upward to the flat expanse of the ceiling. The effect is one of an inverted tray. This type of ceiling presents a clean, modern appeal when the walls and ceiling are of the same color; the affect is textural. Painting the interior of the tray with a contrasting color to the wall color brings more attention to the ceiling and accents the architectural value.

Coffered Ceilings

A coffered ceiling is decorated with a grid work of wood moldings or beams, creating a network of boxes across the ceiling. The boxes act as framework for tiles or paneling, giving the ceiling a visual texture and the room a sense of Old World elegance. Traditionally, a dark stained wood is used for the coffers, and the tiles or panels may be made of tin or other stamped metal. In contemporary times, the grid work may be of any color, perhaps constructed from a composite material, and provide the framework for a ceiling painted in a contrasting color or in a graphic pattern.

Vaulted Ceiling

Vaulted ceilings slope upward toward the roof of the house, creating a half-barrel shape above the room. Vaulted ceilings work well in large, spacious rooms, as they tend to balance the expanse of floor space. Vaulted ceilings offer an opportunity for unusual lighting applications, such as large chandeliers or multiple pendant lights.

Cathedral Ceilings

Like vaulted ceilings, cathedral ceilings rise upward toward the roof, but cathedral ceilings follow through to a peak, rather than the rounded surface of the vaulted ceiling. The cathedral ceiling adds drama to a room, and the seamless blend with the walls affords opportunity to make good use of a subtle wall color. The volume of perceived wall space makes a neutral or pale paint color a dramatic element in the room.

Cove Ceilings

Cove ceilings are the smaller version of vaulted ceilings and are best applied to hallways or foyers. Rather than rising upward and raising the height of the roof, a cove ceiling is only slightly taller than the average 8- or 9-foot ceiling, but the ceiling is curved into a near perfect arch, rolling seamlessly from wall to wall.

Tags: cathedral ceiling, cathedral ceilings, ceiling ceiling, contrasting color, element room, grid work, toward roof

Make A Lamp Shade For A Ceiling Fixture

Dress up a dull light fixture with a homemade lamp shade.

Custom lamp shades decrease light intensity and complement home décor. Ceiling fixture lamp shades are commercially available but are often pricy and may not fit odd sizes. You can make your own drum-style lamp shade for a fraction of the cost using materials available at craft stores.

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference and height of the lampshade frame.

2. Cut out a piece of styrene as long as the frame's circumference and as wide as the frame is tall. This is the lampshade's diffuser.

3. Peel off the styrene's adhesive backing and stick it onto the wrong side of the fabric. Cut out the fabric to make the lampshade's cover.

4. Apply fabric glue to the lampshade frame. Wrap the lampshade cover around the frame with the right side of the fabric out. Hold the fabric in place with clothespins and let the glue dry thoroughly. This should take about 20 minutes.

5. Cut three pieces of ribbon, two equal to the lampshade's circumference and one equal to the lampshade's height.

6. Take the ribbon equal to the lampshade's height and glue it over the lampshade cover's seam. Fold the two other pieces of ribbon in two lengthwise and glue them over the top and bottom rims of the lampshade. Hold the ribbon in place with clothespins and wait for the glue to dry.

7. Remove the light fixture's current cover. Place the lampshade around the light and secure it in place with the hardware used to hold the old cover in place.

Tags: equal lampshade, lampshade cover, place with, equal lampshade height, lamp shade, lamp shades, lampshade frame

Mount A Punching Bag

Ceiling Mounted Punching Bag

Boxing workouts provide a good aerobic exercise that is not only heart healthy but also helps burn calories and fat. By mounting a punching bag at home, you can take advantage of a boxing workout at any time. Punching bags are big and heavy and will swing around when you hit them. Therefore you need enough clearance space to accommodate the movement as well as a sturdy place to install them. While wall mounts are available for these large punching bags, the most stable set-up would be a ceiling installation.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Choose a location for your punching bag that is free of furniture, breakable items and other obstacles. You need to be able to move freely around the bag during exercise.

2. Use the stud finder to locate a wooden support beam or support stud joist in the ceiling (unless the wood is already exposed) where you plan to mount your punching bag. Pencil an area on the ceiling to pinpoint where you want to install your eye bolt.

3. Compare your drill bits to the end diameter of the eye bolt and choose a drill bit that is comparable in size. Use the drill to pre-drill a hole in the wooden stud.

4. Screw in the large eye bolt with your hand until it is difficult to turn. Next, use the shaft of a screwdriver as a lever to screw in the eye bolt until securely tightened.

5. Install the four "S" ends of the heavy bag chain assembly to your punching bag. Carefully, lift the punching bag and hang it on the eye bolt by the large "S" hook on the opposite end of the heavy bag chain assembly.

Tags: your punching, chain assembly, heavy chain, heavy chain assembly

Mount A Projector To A False Ceiling

Mounting a projector to a false ceiling requires a mount and extension.

Mounting a projector in a false ceiling is a common project in finished basements. Dropped ceilings, as they are commonly called, allow for easier access to joists and rafters, making the mounting and wiring process easier. Additionally, selecting a more basic mount, perhaps less cosmetically appealing, may be a good money-saving option, since ceiling tiles will obscure much of the mount. Securing a projector to a false ceiling is a good way to get a real large-format image.

Instructions

1. Measure the throw distance from the projector to the screen or projection surface. Consult the projector's model, as this will vary from unit to unit.

2. Have a qualified electrician install an AC power outlet in a metal junction box next to the ceiling.

3. Remove the ceiling tile most centered and properly distanced from the projection surface. Hold the ceiling bracket against the rafter or joist, and drill through the bolt holes into the mounting surface.

4. Place the mount against the surface. Drive the included bolts and washers through the holes in the mount with the ratchet and socket.

5. Attach the extension pole with the appropriate model-specific hardware and proper screwdriver.

6. Measure the location of the extension pole's drop relative to the ceiling tile opening. Measure the removed ceiling tile to determine the location for the hole that needs to be cut. Cut the hole with the drywall saw, making sure to accommodate the size of the cable bundle that will pass through.

7. Remove the ceiling tiles necessary to gain access to an area suitable to route the A/V cables from the electronics to the projector.

8. Drill a hole every 18 inches, and manually screw in a drive ring. Route the cables from the equipment through the rings to the projector location. Replace the tiles.

9. Turn over the projector. Screw the projector bracket to the threaded inserts on the bottom of the projector with the appropriate screwdriver.

10. Attach the projector bracket to the extension pole. Connect the cables to the projector and reattach the cosmetic covering, if applicable.

11. Fine tune the projector's alignment with the horizontal and vertical lens shift and the unit's remote.

Tags: ceiling tile, extension pole, false ceiling, projector false ceiling, cables from, ceiling tiles

Mount A Projector Suspended From A Ceiling Mount

Mount your projector on the ceiling to keep cables hidden.

There are a number of advantages to installing a ceiling mount projector in your home theater: It is difficult to block the light path from the projector to the screen; there are no loose wires for someone to trip over; the projector is out of reach of children, and the projector is protected from damage. Run your cables above the ceiling, across the attic and down behind the drywall for a neater look, alternatively, hide the cables behind an unobtrusive channel attached to the walls and ceiling.

Instructions

1. Measure the recommended distance from your screen with a steel measuring tape, as directed in the owner's manual. Locate a suitable ceiling joist or cross beam with an electronic stud finder, and mark its center line on the ceiling with a pencil.

2. Remove the backing from the adhesive foam disk. Line up the mounting holes carefully and attach the foam disk to the mounting plate. Place the mounting plate against the ceiling over the mounting point, and trace the outline of the mounting holes on the ceiling with a pencil.

3. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes through the center of the marks with a cordless drill/driver. Secure the mounting plate to the ceiling with the screws provided. Tighten the screws securely with the cordless drill/driver and screwdriver bit. Clip the plastic cover provided in the kit over the mounting plate to hide the screws.

4. Pass pre-installed control and power cable through the central mounting tube. Slip the tube over the mounting bracket attached to the mounting plate. Press the two spring-loaded screws on the side of the mounting bracket inward, and push the mounting tube over the screws. Twist the mounting tube until the two spring-loaded screws pop through the holes on the side of the tube.

5. Insert the 4 mm Allen wrench provided into each screw and twist the wrench counterclockwise to spread the screw heads outward. Keep turning the wrench until both screws are tight and the mounting tube is clamped firmly in place.

6. Attach the three curved projector arms to the top of the projector with three suitable mounting screws bought from a hardware store. Position the arms in a counterclockwise spiral as shown in the instructions. Do not tighten the screws at this stage.

7. Place the projector plate on top of the arms and align each spiral groove on the projector plate with the mounting holes on the end of each curved projector arm. Attach the plate finger-tight to the arms with the three Allen head screws provided.

8. Rotate the projector plate until its central mounting bar is aligned with the projector's center of gravity. Tighten all six mounting screws firmly. Use the 5 mm Allen wrench provided in the kit on the inner screws, and a screwdriver on the outer screws.

9. Lift the projector with the help of a friend. Press the two spring-loaded Allen head screws on the projector mounting bar inward, and slip the projector onto the mounting tube. Push the projector up and twist it from side to side until the two Allen head screws pop into the holes on either side of the central mounting bar. Tighten both screws securely in a counterclockwise direction with the 4 mm Allen wrench.

10. Connect the cables to the projector as directed in the instruction manual. Switch the unit on. Rotate the projector and align the image on the screen; adjust the zoom and focus as directed in the manual to complete the installation.

Tags: mounting plate, mounting tube, Allen head, Allen head screws, Allen wrench, ceiling with, central mounting

Ways To Paint Ceiling Medallions

A medallion will dress up any light fixture.

Ceiling medallions dress up a room with an understated detail of texture and color. Whether you choose to paint the medallion black, white or a contrasting vibrant shade, a ceiling medallion will set your ceiling apart. Another idea is to create your own medallion with stencils painted directly around your chandelier or light fixture. Offset the lack of texture by using a vivid graphic such as botanicals, geometrics and damask patterns for the medallion.

Black or White Medallion

For an all-white ceiling in a room with white molding or trim, paint the medallion white, too. Or paint the entire ceiling in a complementary color to the wall color. For instance, a teal-painted wall with a bright blue ceiling will come to life with white trim, mouldings, medallions and panels. Experiment with painting the medallion black for an altogether different look with drama. For a black medallion to fit well within the decor of the room, match it with refinished chairs with a high gloss black finish, a piano and other black accents.

Bold Medallion

Repeat an accent color found elsewhere in the room for a bold medallion. For instance, a primarily white room with pops of bright blue, red and navy will do well with a bright red-painted medallion and a drum shade with a retro pattern with vibrant hues to draw the palette down into the room. Consider designing your own drum pendant online to get a color match on the hues you wish to introduce into your decor. You can also paint the medallion according to seasonal or current trends.

Painted Medallion

Arm yourself with some painters tape and your choice of stencils to create a one-of-a-kind medallion focal point. One idea is to add the medallion to the light fixture, leave it white and paint an expanding medallion outside the existing one. Or, forgo the actual molding and stencil your design around the light fixture. For a traditional space, paint flourishing floral patterns. For an eclectic look, paint a ring of stripes in alternating colors such as red, orange lime and cerulean. Or, for a modern look paint a silvery damask pattern around a chandelier.

Other Ideas

Another idea is to step away from traditional circular medallions and opt for square or rectangular designs. Think of an island or bar seating area where a series of pendants are installed. Frame the length of lights with a rectangular molding. For a large foyer create a pattern of medallions around the light fixture using the smallest circular moldings you can find. Create a circle of them. This design works best if a circular motif is present elsewhere in the room -- for instance, a circular mirror or window or if the light fixture contains globes or circular charms.

Tags: light fixture, paint medallion, room with, Another idea, around light

Architectural Ceiling Treatments

Architectural Ceiling Treatments

As homeowners look for more ways to dress up their homes, architectural ceiling treatments are becoming more popular. Many of the treatments seen today are actually modifications of styles created for the great houses of Europe centuries ago. New materials such as faux wood and plaster cost less and weigh less than the original materials and are adaptable for use in today's homes.

Faux Wood Beams

A perennial favorite among homeowners, wood beams were once suited only to rustic constructions such as log cabins and ranch-style homes. They were too heavy and bulky to be used on the drywall ceilings that became standard in home construction after World War II. Beams today are made of molded fire-retardant foam that is lightweight and easy to install. They come prefinished or ready to paint in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every décor from country to contemporary. Virtually indistinguishable from real wood, these beams offer unlimited possibilities for new construction or remodeling projects.

Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings have been used by architects for many years to add a touch of elegance and warmth to rooms with very high ceilings. Coffered ceilings are usually composed of squares or rectangles created from deep box beams and moldings. Other designs such as octagons are sometimes used, but the standard grid patterns remain the most popular. Coffered ceilings were originally constructed of wood and were quite heavy; it took a substantial structure to support them. They were also labor intensive because of the amount of mitering necessary for all those corners. The same deep box-like effect is available today using lightweight foam beams or timbers that can be attached to the ceiling with small nails and adhesives. Some beams come preformed with moldings, which greatly reduces the labor. A modified-coffered look can be achieved in a room with low ceilings by using flat boards instead of beams.

Tray Ceilings

Tray ceilings have become very popular for dining rooms and master bedrooms. They add height to rooms with standard ceilings and create architectural interest for little cost. Tray ceilings are constructed of regular drywall. The center portion of the ceiling is raised about 12 inches higher than the border area that meets the walls. The width of this border and the size of the raised or recessed area depend on the size of the room and the personal choice of the builder or homeowner. However, the border is usually about 18 inches wide. Crown molding can be added to the center section to match molding used elsewhere in the room. If the tray ceiling is in a dining room, a faux plaster medallion may be centered in the raised area and a chandelier hung. In bedrooms, cove or indirect lighting is usually installed around the perimeter of the raised portion of the ceiling.

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European Classical Art

There are thousands of works of important European art.

While there is no official period of art known as "classical," when people think of important historical paintings from Europe-that is, work that is not modern-they often think of works by the "old masters." According to the Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art, an old master usually means a well-regarded painter who worked between the years of 1300 to 1830. This period gave birth to many of the world's most famous and well-regarded works of art, from many schools of painting.

Leonardo Da Vinci

The Renaissance was a time of rebirth in art, literature and science throughout Europe. Italy was a leading force in this resurgence, and artists from what is called the "high renaissance" are typically Italian and are often used to illustrate the classics of the period.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is one of the best-known European artists, and perhaps the best-known artist in the Western world. According to Boston's Museum of Science, da Vinci began painting around the year 1469. Among his most famous paintings are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Michelangelo

Other famed Renaissance artists include Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), who is as well known for his sculpture of David as his frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

Raphael

The artist known as Raphael was born Raffaello Santi (1483-1520). His frescoes are also on display at the Vatican and his work can be seen in what are referred to as the "Raphael Rooms" in the Vatican Palace.

El Greco

Domenikos Theotocopoulos (1541-1614) was known to the world as El Greco. He was a Greek artist who created many religious paintings. According to The Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art, El Greco's work influenced later movements such as Expressionism and Cubism. El Greco is often mentioned as part of the Mannerism school of painting. Mannerism refers to the time between the High Renaissance and the Baroque period and it comes from the Italian word for style.

Peter Paul Rubens

The Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art writes that Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) is one of the greatest of the old masters and was the premier painter in Northern Europe during his lifetime. He is known for his Baroque style, which means he used color and movement to emphasize a sensuality in his work. Some of Rubens' most well-known paintings include The Judgment of Paris, Samson and Delilah and Venus at the Mirror.

According to the Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art, Ruben's paintings can be split into three distinct categories. First are the works he painted himself. Second are those he partially painted (usually faces and hands) and third are the paintings by others under his supervision. Rubens supervised many students and apprentices during his career.

Tags: Encyclopedia Irish, Encyclopedia Irish World, Irish World, According Encyclopedia, According Encyclopedia Irish

Wire A Ceiling Fan Speed Switch

Wire a Ceiling Fan Speed Switch

A fan speed control allows a fan's rotation to be adjusted from a wall-mounted switch. These switches look similar to light dimmer switches, but their functions are different. The switch is installed in-line with the fan, and is a simple switching circuit akin to how a light switch may be installed in the path of a light outlet. Installing a switch for an existing fan will require locating the power line for the fan.

Instructions

1. Turn off power at the breaker to the circuit you will be working on. Be sure the power is off before making any alterations to the circuit.

2. Cut out a mounting location in the wall along the path of the wiring carrying power to fan (usually black). There will also be a grounding wire connected to the fan (typically a bare copper wire). The hole should be large enough to hold the electrical box that will connect to the fan speed control switch.

3. Split the hot lead wire at the point where the electrical box will be mounted and feed the ends of the clipped wires into the box.

4. Splice a piece of properly gauged (12/2 or 14/2) wire into the grounding line and feed it into the electrical box.

5. Install the box securely into its mounting location.

6. Connect the ground wire to the ground pigtail on the back of the switch and use a wire nut to secure the connection.

7. Connect the black lead pigtails from the back of the switch each to one of the black leads running into the electrical box. Which is connected where will not matter.

8. Install the switch and faceplate into the electrical box and restore power to the circuit. Test that the fan speed control works. If it does not, disable power to the circuit and double-check that all wiring is correct.

Tags: into electrical, speed control, back switch, Ceiling Speed, Ceiling Speed Switch

Paint Asbestos Ceiling Tiles

Paint Asbestos Ceiling Tiles

The use of asbestos in home building materials has been banned because the fibers can cause mesothelioma and other serious respiratory diseases and cancers. Common asbestos-containing materials include ceiling tiles, insulation, vinyl flooring and wall texture compound. As long as the material isn't friable (crumbling) and releasing asbestos fibers into the air, it's safe to encapsulate or paint it--with a few cautions. Painting asbestos ceiling tiles requires basic painting tools or an airless sprayer and latex paint.

Instructions

Spraying Asbestos Ceiling Tiles

1. Remove as much of the furnishings as you can, including window coverings. Spray paint can get everywhere, so cover what you can't remove with plastic sheeting. Remove or mask off light fixtures and smoke alarms. Protect the floor with drop cloths.

2. Tape plastic sheeting to the walls, unless you're planning on painting them as well. Buy plastic sheeting that comes with masking tape attached so you can efficiently drape plastic from ceiling to floor.

3. Fill holes and cracks with spackle or paintable caulking, but don't scrape or sand it. Clean off dust and cobwebs with a broom or duster.

4. Spray the ceiling with at least two coats of latex paint. Wait until the paint is dry, according to label directions, in between coats. If possible, spray one coat back and forth in one direction and the next coat in the other direction.

5. Wait until the paint has dried for about four hours before removing the tape and plastic from the walls to ensure a clean, straight line.

Rolling Asbestos Ceiling Tiles

6. Follow steps one through three from Section 1 to prepare the room and the ceiling.

7. Cut in with a brush around the edges of the ceiling and around light fixtures or anything else affixed to the ceiling.

8. Roll the ceiling. If the ceiling tiles are textured, use a 1/2-inch lambswool roller. They are expensive, but they hold more paint and get into nooks and crannies much better than synthetic rollers.

9. Paint at least two coats on the ceiling with the roller and brush.

Tags: Asbestos Ceiling Tiles, Asbestos Ceiling, ceiling with, plastic sheeting, Ceiling Tiles

Install A Vent On An Rv

Venting an RV allows you to keep heat and odors at bay. RV manufacturers sell RV vent kits, which are designed with pre-drilled holes for easy installation. While this task is moderately easy, with some drilling required, you can complete the task in a day and an assistant is not required. Once your RV vent is installed, open it as necessary to keep your RV comfortable and livable in all conditions.

Instructions

1. Park your RV on level pavement, avoiding gravel and grassy areas.

2. Pass an RV wheel chock under the front right and back left wheels to secure the RV in place.

3. Scale your RV with a ladder, which may be attached at the back of your RV. Climb over the side wall and gain access to the roof.

4. Mark a 14-inch square with a marker; this will function as the boundary for the vent. Drill a 1-inch hole at either corner of your installation point. Using the hole as your starting point, saw open the square opening.

5. Apply a ¼-inch line of silicone caulk along the edges of your square opening.

6. Seat the RV roof vent along the square opening. Sweep your hand over the vent to engage the silicone caulk fully.

7. Install the screws into the vent flashing, using the pre-drilled holes provided by the manufacturer. Screw in each screw tightly by hand, using a screwdriver.

Tags: square opening, pre-drilled holes, silicone caulk

Mount A Klipsch Quintet

Wire your speakers correctly to enjoy true surround-sound.