Inexpensive Tin Ceiling Creation

Living in an older home gives you the ability to enjoy a different type of charm than you would find in a modern home. The moldings are bigger and more detailed. The doors are solid, not hollow, and the ceilings have details like moldings and tin panels. Creating a tin ceiling can be very expensive for the real thing. But a tin ceiling can be inexpensive and fun to install if you are willing to compromise a little bit and put forth some elbow grease.

Plastic Panels

Plastic panels are sold at many different building centers throughout the United States that have decorative elements that mimic tin panels of yester year. While these panels mimic the look of their tin cousins, they do not reflect the price. The plastic panels are easily half or less than the price of the originals. With a little bit of preparation, these panels will look just like real tin panels.

Painting the Panels

The best way to paint the plastic panels is with two different types of spray paint. The reason for this is to give the panels an aged look, as these panels are typically found in buildings that were built in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Take a dark paint like black or gray and spray paint the decorative areas and the edges of the panels. Let the panels dry for about one hour and apply a lighter coat of spray paint over the entire surface of the panel.

While the paint is still wet, take a small detailing paintbrush and brush over the detailed areas to remove some of the paint. Perform this around the edges as well. Using the detailing brush will blend the paints together and give the panels and the most authentic look possible.

Installing the Panels

Start by measuring off one side of a wall in a few areas the width of a panel plus ¼ inch. Snap a chalk line on the ceiling to line the panels up width and nail them into place. Cut the panels with a circular saw using a fine-toothed blade to prevent chipping. The panels screw on one side and are hidden by the next panel except on the perimeter of the ceiling. Adding crown molding or a simple decorative cove molding will hide the screws.

This project can add a lot of interest to a space and help create the old world look you desire. This may be more time consuming than the real thing, but will look just as good for a lot less.