Restoring Old Tin Ceiling Tiles

The tiles were shiny and spectacular.

Restoring old tin ceiling tiles.

Real tin ceiling tiles are made out of tin plated steel and must be primed and painted from both sides to prevent corrosion. I have just purchased two brilliant pieces of tin ceiling tile from an old eaton s department store. Special care was given to the original design and directional pattern of each ceiling. But cover it with richly patterned metal panels and instantly it becomes an eye catching feature.

However one 2 tile took 7 minutes to blast the cost for me was prohibitive. Tin ceiling tiles are most commonly used for their intended purpose which is on the ceiling. Tin ceiling tiles were also introduced into australia and south africa in the late nineteenth century they are virtually unknown in the rest of the world and are only in more recent times becoming more popular as a design element in other countries. I am in the middle of restoring 5800 sq ft of an old tin ceiling.

Prime the ceiling with a coat of primer if you choose to repaint the tiles. Like all tiles used in the home metal tiles can have several uses. I did some samples and was extremely pleased. Although metal ceiling tiles are designed to be installed on the ceiling they can also be used as a backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom.

The recommended thickness is two coats. Allow the primer to dry and then paint over it with lead encapsulating paint. A smaller project or larger budget would be. Tin ceilings photo by jack thompson.

There is about 20 layers of paint on these tiles and i would like to restore them to their original state however i am scared that if i strip them with solvent i ll damage them. Feb 25 2018 explore anita riley s board tin tiles followed by 295 people on pinterest. Tin ceilings originated in the 1880s as an affordable way for people to dress up a room s fifth wall. Installation of metal ceiling tiles in barracks building 601.

Tin ceilings gained popularity in the later 1800s and were often used in both commercial applications as well as residential. The best way to return tin to its original look is blasting with dry ice. See more ideas about tin tiles tin ceiling tin. After the sound proofing insulation and sheet rock have been added to the ceiling the contractors adhered the tiles to the ceiling with brad nails using a pneumatic nail gun.

Which paint stripper for tin ceiling tiles.