Tin Ceiling Tiles
From LoveToKnow Interior Design
Tin ceiling tiles are a type of ceiling covering associated with Victorian interior design. Created to mimic the more expensive plaster ceilings of the upper class, embossed tin ceiling tiles quickly rose to popularity at the turn of the century.
Choosing a Tin Ceiling
Which tin ceiling panel to choose will depend on your home as well as the appearance you wish to create.
Historical
Creating an accurate depiction of a specific interior design period is often futile unless you live in a historic home. For homeowners with historic homes, there are many decorative ceiling tiles from which to choose.
While there are many patterns on the market that imitate the original panels, there also exists companies that make tin ceiling tiles from the original dies used to create the panels. If you are seeking a truly historic feel, research the age of your home, and match it to one of the patterns available during that time period. If the home already has part of a tin ceiling installed, you may also be able to find replacement parts once the age of your house is determined.
Farmhouse
People who like the appearance of farmhouses often associate tin ceilings with this style of house. Although it was unusual to have a tin ceiling in a farmhouse, adding a tin ceiling can still be a worthwhile addition to the space. In this case, a painted ceiling panel would be an excellent, subtle option for the space.
Contemporary
Tin ceiling panels can enhance the appearance of stainless steel appliances and other contemporary items. In this case, care must be taken to choose a panel that will complement the more modern items in the room.
Types of Tin Ceiling Tile Finishes
There are three main tin ceiling tile finishes.
Painted- Painted ceiling tiles have the most authentic finish. They can be painted with several colors to mimic ornate plaster ceilings, or they can be monochromatic. In many cases, paint was added to prevent rust, not for any particular design purpose.
Copper- Copper remains a popular metal for kitchen use. Copper makes the most expensive ceiling tiles. They must be carefully sealed if their original color is to be maintained.
Exposed- Exposed ceiling tiles are covered with a thin coat of sealant to preserve the original color of the metal. The polyurethane coating also helps during cleaning.
Cleaning Your Tin Ceiling
Cleaning a tin ceiling can be a difficult job. The metal that the panels are made out of is fragile and can easily be dented by rigorous cleaning. For this reason, regular cleanings are essential to prevent impossible to remove build up.
If your ceiling is newly installed, you may only need a soft, dry cloth to clean each panel. An air gun can remove dust in crevices or on particularly ornate panels. Schedule this cleaning with the rest of your dusting and be sure to use a sturdy ladder to reach areas that are above appliances or cabinets.
For ceiling tiles that are located in the kitchen, a dry cloth may not be enough. In this case, you should contact the manufacturer for recommendations for cleaning products to clean your ceiling. Be sure to test the cleaner on a scrap piece of ceiling panel to make sure there is no staining.
Final Considerations
A tin ceiling can be a beautiful addition to a home, but cleaning the panels regularly may be too much work for homeowners. For homeowners that do not want to spend time carefully cleaning their ceiling, they may want to consider a different ceiling finish.
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