Preparing the Ceiling
Thermoplastic ceiling tiles are made to resemble tin ceilings. These are sometimes called facade ceilings. These tiles can also be used on walls, such as behind a stove to create a backsplash. Regardless of where you opt to install them, the process is still the same. The first thing you must do is clean the surface. Acoustic Ceiling Products (see References) recommends that you apply a coat of primer or paint to the surface prior to installing the tiles. This provides the clean surface needed.
Planning the Design
Once the area is clean, plan the placement of individual times. For some designs, such as the Dome and Diamond Plate designs, the placement won't matter, as the design is a wraparound design. However, designs such as the Traditional 5 and the Coffer must be aligned to look aesthetically correct. When you are planning your design, remember that your design must be centered in the room. Therefore, it is best to begin your plan in the middle of the ceiling and work your way to the edges.
Applying Adhesive
The actual installation process starts by applying the adhesive to the back of the tile. Generally, you will use one tube of glue per 2 x 4 feet of tile. When applying the adhesive, draw an asterisk sign on one half of the tile with the adhesive, then draw another on the other side of the tile. Once this is done, draw a rectangle around the perimeter of the tile about a half inch from the edge.
Hanging the Tiles
After the glue is applied to that tile, position it on the ceiling. You will have to hold it for at least 30 seconds to allow the adhesive to bond. If you live in a humid area, use small nails on the corners of the tiles to prevent them from falling or sagging. Continue the process of installing the tiles until the entire ceiling is complete. You may have to cut some tiles to work around obstacles like lights or ceiling fans. If this is the case, measure the area you must cut from the tile. Mark the rear of the tile with a permanent marker. Cut the tile using tin snips.
Putting Up Border Tiles
If desired, you can apply the J-tiles, or border around . This isn't required but it makes the room look completely finished. You do this in the same way you installed the other tiles. However, you can expect to only use half a tube of adhesive per tile. You still use the same method of applying the adhesive to the tile. When you are finished putting the tile up, wipe it off with a warm, wet washcloth to remove any seeping adhesive.
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