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Top 10 Painting Tips for a Dazzling Decorative Ceiling
By Shannon Kaye, Host of DIY Network’s Fresh Coat
- Draw the Eyes Upward
To expand the visual height of your space, create effects that draw the eyes around the room. Armstrong’s Tin Look paintable ceiling tiles, for example, add drama and detail that draw the eyes upward. You can enhance the tiles even further
by coating them in expansive paint colors such as pale gray or soft blue.
- Reach New Heights
The ceiling isn’t the only surface begging for a new look. Take a traditional approach with modern appeal, using Armstrong
Metallaire paintable white tiles in unexpected places such as the kitchen backsplash, the front of a bar, or around a fireplace. The art deco pattern of the
tiles infused with the paint color of your choice will blend perfectly with traditional furnishings and modern schemes alike.
Make sure you follow application recommendations and avoid wet areas.
- Create Contrast
People often mistakenly create a low, flat cap on a room by painting the ceiling and crown molding the same color—white. Instead,
create contrast and accentuate the trim’s architectural details by painting the ceiling a color complimentary to the rest
of the room. Adding subtle pattern with Armstrong Tin Look paintable ceiling tiles will give the room even more interest and create a sophisticated, spacious-looking room.
- Frame Your Space with a Gently Distressed Finish
Make the whole room feel like artwork by framing your space with Armstrong Metallaire paintable white cornice strips that have been gently distressed in black or metallic gold paint. To achieve this look, apply an earthy red primer to the
white cornice strips, and then top them with black or metallic gold paint using a dry brush technique where a very small amount
of paint is applied to the bristles and the brush is dragged in long strokes lengthwise across the cornice strips. Continue
this process until the undercoat barely peeks through. Then rub brown furniture wax or brush a light layer of burnt umber
glaze over the top to create an antique effect.
- Personalize Your Ceiling Tiles
To quickly and easily personalize your Armstrong Tin Look paintable ceiling tiles, spray or paint each tile in your favorite metallic or pearlescent color. I like to wash over this
coat with a thin layer of glaze mixed with just a hint of white to soften the sparkle and add a little age to the look.
- Paint Ceiling Tiles a Deep Color
For a richer luminescent effect, paint the ceiling tiles in a deep color topped with your favorite metallic paint. Try deep
orange or brown under copper, and dark blue or eggplant purple under silver or pewter. Of course, earthy red under gold always
creates traditional gilded warmth.
- Add Years of Wear and Color in Two Easy Steps
Grab the kids to help you create the look of ceiling tiles that have seen years of worn color. Select three to four colors
of paint (perhaps that go with your furnishings and artwork) and line up the kids, each with a brush and a color. As each
one brushes on a few patches of their color, the ceiling tiles will begin to look splotchy and jumbled. Don’t worry, next
mom and dad add a creamy topcoat of paint that covers 80-90 percent of the tile while allowing little bits of the other colors
to show through. This gives the illusion of several years and layers of paint in just two passes. This process works well
on both Metallaire paintable white and Tin Look ceiling tiles. If using 2' x 2' Metallaire paintable white tiles, you can also apply this technique (and others mentioned on this list) to the suspended grid system for a consistent appearance.
- Use Metallic Paints to Create Instant Warmth
The warmth of age can make even the most modern space feel more comfortable and relaxed. Try today’s metallic paints with
special patina solutions to instantly age your brand new ceiling tiles. Experiment with just the right patina color over your
favorite metal finish. Follow all the instructions and protect surrounding surfaces from splatters and spills.
- Create a Canopy of Color
Another great way to disguise a low ceiling is to paint the ceiling tiles the same color as the walls, only two or three shades
lighter. This creates a tall canopy of color that appears more spacious and open. A good general rule is find your hue in
the paint deck from where you bought your paint, and look to the lighter shades on that card.
- Use Crackling Solution to Age Tiles
To create the look of authentically aged ceiling tiles, start with a base coat of dark rusty brown paint in a flat finish.
Apply a crackling solution and let it dry according to the instructions. When ready, apply a warm creamy color being careful
not to over brush the paint. As the topcoat dries, the crackling solution splits the paint, revealing the look of a cracked,
rusted ceiling tile.
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