Can You Paint Ceiling Tile Grid

Oil based materials bond with metal surfaces but water.

Can you paint ceiling tile grid.

All armstrong ceiling tiles and panels except fiberglass can be painted with latex paints. If not put painter s tape over the grid as well. Armstrong ceilings cannot guarantee that the published surface burning characteristics fire resistance ratings acoustical performance dimensional stability sag or. One coat of paint is usually enough to cover but you can add a second coat for extra durability.

You can paint some types of armstrong acoustical ceiling tiles. It has always been the case that suspended ceiling tiles could not be painted because water based paint would be absorbed by the ceiling tiles and cause warping. The front and back of 24 in x 24 in and 24 in x 48 in panels should be painted. Step 3 paint the ceiling tiles.

Of course oil based paint is completely out of the question as it creates a fire risk. You can vacuum or paint the tiles easier while they are removed from the grid but be aware that painting the tiles may void the warranty. If you have extra ceiling tiles available practice on one of them. Roll the paint onto the suspended ceiling tiles.

Cover all the visible grid then give the paint a few hours to dry. Remove your tiles from the ceiling grid by lifting them up and turning them on edge then sliding them down and out of the grid. With the area prepared pour the paint into a roller pan and apply some to the paint roller. Clean the ceiling tile grid with a sponge and a solution of warm water and dish detergent.

If the grid has any chips or discoloration apply a coat of spray paint in the color of your choice. Apply the paint to the ceiling tiles evenly. Apply paint to an old board or a piece of cardboard to see how much you can thin the paint to get the desired results. You ll achieve the best effect if you use flat paint on the ceiling tiles and a semi gloss paint on the suspended ceiling grid.

These ceilings are installed easily and are durable sometimes so durable that decorating trends change and leave older ceilings behind. But it s fine to paint their mineral fiber tiles as well as the metal grid variety. The armstrong company realizes that over time customers may want to repaint when tiles get dingy or stained. Painting a ceiling grid is a bit trickier than painting a wall but it s an easy afternoon project.

Decide whether you want to paint the support grid holding up the tiles as well.