Pasting the ceiling with ceiling tiles. How to glue ceiling tiles to an uneven ceiling


In the interior of the kitchen

Along with various options for finishing the ceiling, which require considerable investments, time and the involvement of qualified specialists, there is an equally common and well-proven method.

In a relatively short time, having selected a suitable tile for the room and prepared the ceiling for work, it is easy to understand this simple matter. Also in the article you will find information on how to stick products diagonally.

Finishing

Installing tiles on the ceiling begins with the correct selection of high-quality polystyrene products.

Choice

So:

  • The geometry of the square tile must match geometric parameters, that is, all angles must be 90 degrees, and the sides, naturally, must have equal lengths. Without this, it is impossible to achieve high-quality joining - however, the cracks can be sealed with putty or acrylic sealant, but we think no one needs extra dances with a tambourine.
  • The quality of the raw materials and the structure of polystyrene are assessed; the relief of the product must be uniformly clear and even.
  • Uniform fine polystyrene grains, without voids, are an indicator of quality

  • Tiles made in violation of technology are characterized by the presence of defects (irregularities, cavities, sagging or depressions) on the surface of the relief, as well as rounded or wrinkled corners, crumbling edges. It is impossible to lay and join such tiles efficiently, without gaps.
  • Stickers of products with flaws are used to fill small areas along the walls and in inconspicuous places, if it is possible to cut out the defective part.

Features and types

Modern polystyrene foam tiles are a universal material for finishing ceilings in different rooms:

  • It is especially popular in the living room, bedroom and office. Here this design looks very advantageous due to the visual increase in ceiling height.
  • Foam products are used to decorate the ceiling in the kitchen, but a protective laminated coating is applied to it.
  • When planning the decoration of a children's room, the material is selected with a special sound-absorbing layer.
  • For the bathroom or toilet, smooth white or slightly corrugated tiles are used.

Such foam products are made in one of three ways, which determine its properties.

May be:

  • Pressed from foam plastic. To make it, polystyrene blocks are taken and the required parts are obtained by stamping. It is different:
  1. low density;
  2. low weight;
  3. thickness ranging from 6 to 8 millimeters.
  • Extruded(cm. ). Pressed from polystyrene strip. This type has a higher density, the surface is quite smooth and shiny, and imitates the appearance of a surface made of marble, wood and other materials.
  • Injection. In this case, the raw materials are sintered in special molds without destroying the granules. Its surface acquires beautiful and clear relief patterns, the thickness of the tiles is from 9 to 14 millimeters. It is made with straight shapes around the perimeter, and after gluing to the ceiling, the seams are practically invisible.

Calculation and purchase of necessary materials

  • The number of tiles for a specific room can be calculated by dividing the area of ​​the room (length*width) by the area of ​​one product. This manipulation is usually promptly carried out by the seller, so you can only stock up on the size of the room before purchasing.
  • The most common size of ceiling tiles is 50 x50 cm. A typical factory package contains 1 sq.m. (4 pcs.), or 2 sq.m. (8 pcs.).
  • Considering the possibility of manufacturing defects or defects during installation, especially if ceiling tiles are installed diagonally, depending on the area of ​​the room and installation method, you should purchase 5-10% more material.
  • It is preferable to purchase tiles from one production batch - the batch number, number of meters and date of manufacture must be indicated; instructions for this are included.

Advice: When purchasing tiles, it is logical to purchase a ceiling plinth made from the same material, similar in design, suitable in width and color in the required quantity.

In the photo - special glue

Gluing ceiling tiles also requires purchasing the optimal adhesive.

How to choose the right glue

Ceiling tiles can be glued to concrete, plaster, brick, wood, metal, plasterboard and other substrates. produced for facade adhesives, tiles adhesive mixtures, liquid nails, mastics, silicone sealants, etc.

Attention. Adhesives containing organic solvents (acetone, gasoline, ethers, etc.) dissolve polystyrene.

High-tech technologies have been developed specifically for polystyrene. assembly adhesives(Titanium, Moment, etc.) on a polymer base. They combine well with any ceiling surface and securely hold the tiles.

  • When selecting adhesive, first of all, you need to focus on the material from which the tile you purchased is made. Probably the most versatile composition will be “liquid nails” glue.
  • The price of polymer adhesives is quite affordable.
  • Ceiling tiles are glued onto a dry, clean, even, durable and primed base.

Tool

Before gluing ceiling tiles, you should stock up on everything you need:

  • Tapping cord for surface marking. Sold in construction stores, the kit also includes chalk, which is poured into a container and colors the thread for marking landmarks on any base;
  • Construction knife It cuts tiles perfectly, it is better to have on hand an option with a blade width of 25 mm, it is much tougher and more convenient to use. In the kit, purchase spare blades, as they become dull during operation;
  • Adjustable square- an indispensable tool if diagonal tiling is done. This device is fixed at any angle, which greatly simplifies the marking of tiles and eliminates errors during the cutting process;
  • Caulking gun. It is used to apply liquid nails that will be used for gluing. The tool costs a little, but greatly simplifies and speeds up the workflow;
  • Tape measure and pencil used when taking measurements and markings. You can use a long ruler, but a tape measure is more convenient;
  • Since you will have to work on the ceiling, you need a ladder or a table. The height of the device should be comfortable so that you do not rest your head on the surface and do not stand with your arms outstretched.

Ceiling preparation

When carrying out renovations in old premises, ceiling base, using a hard metal spatula (if it is weak and peels off). There should be no peeling, loose areas, as well as crumbling seams and potholes.

  • The cleaned ceiling of both the old and new premises is swept with a broom (vacuum cleaner) and treated with a primer.
  • The dry, primed ceiling is inspected to identify the largest defects (displacement of floor slabs, cracks, potholes, concrete sagging and other pronounced troubles).

  • All irregularities greater than 3-5 mm are leveled using liquid mixtures (read more). Ceiling tiles can hide potholes and sinks of smaller sizes.
  • During installation, more careful leveling of the base is required.
  • After the mixtures have hardened, the repaired areas must be primed again. Wooden, plywood, plasterboard and other ceilings are also subject to primer treatment.
  • The primed ceiling base provides more reliable interaction with any adhesives.

Before gluing the tiles to the ceiling, its location is determined.

Ceiling markings

How can you position

In old-style rooms it is very rare to find a room with regular geometric shapes, so in such rooms it is more rational to use the diagonal gluing method, in which the tile gluing starts from the center of the ceiling or from the installation point of the central chandelier.

How to tile diagonally? It's quite simple!

  • The first step is the center of the room. This point is located at the intersection of two construction cords stretched from diagonally opposite corners.

Advice! There are often cases when the center of the ceiling and the location of the main chandelier do not coincide. In this case, you should be guided by the lamp, although exceptions are possible.

  • Next, we decide what we will have in the center - a solid tile or a butt joint. The first option without cutting the tiles is only possible with the chandelier removed.
  • Next, draw two lines strictly perpendicular to the walls and each other, drawn through the center of the ceiling. They are the ones who will guide us at the beginning of our work.

How to glue diagonally

  • In the installation option from a chandelier, the corners of four tiles are cut off for fasteners and power supply lighting fixture. At the next stage of work, this place is covered with a decorative overlay of the chandelier.

How to stick it correctly ceiling tiles- make the cutout so that it is hidden under the decorative overlay of the chandelier

In fact, the main difference between diagonal installation is the trimming of all the outer elements, while the next option allows you to install intact tiles against at least two walls.

Faster and easier installation of slabs - parallel to the walls. It is produced from the wall, which is the most noticeable in the room. This installation method is practical and convenient in small spaces.

Installation

How to stick it correctly

If installation is carried out in winter, then the tiles should lie in room conditions for at least two hours.

So:

  • Before gluing tiles to the ceiling, you should carefully read the instructions for using the adhesive composition. Adhesive bonding processes various manufacturers may differ slightly.
  • Some manufacturers of adhesive compositions recommend allowing the adhesive to partially swell for a few minutes after applying the composition to the surface, and only then aligning the parts with the ceiling. Technologies from other adhesive manufacturers do not require this time.
  • Recommended for everyone a separate type polystyrene tiles, the adhesive composition is applied to the tiles and ceiling dotted, dotted or completely. Some types of tiles have special areas on the mounting side for applying glue.
  • Using a napkin or foam sponge, the tile with applied adhesive is pressed tightly along the entire perimeter to the ceiling so that there are no traces of pressing on the front surface.
  • Exposed adhesive is removed immediately with a dry and clean cloth.

Sequence of gluing

The first tile is fixed exactly according to the markings, in the center of the ceiling or the location of the chandelier. Following the markings, subsequent products are mounted tightly to the first plate.

Perfectly fits into country style

To comply with the technology, during the installation process it is necessary to control the alignment of the sides and ensure compliance with the pattern, if any.

On the installation side of some types of tiles there are special markings in the form of arrows. When installing such tiles, the arrows should have the same direction, as in the video.

So:

  • To avoid displacement before the glue polymerizes, it is convenient to temporarily fix adjacent ones with each other using masking (paper) tape.
  • Rows of slabs adjacent to walls are, in most cases, trimmed. In such cases, measurements are first taken on the ceiling using a tape measure and transferred to the tiles with a pencil. After cutting with a construction knife, the desired fragment is tried on at the designated location and fixed with glue.
  • At the next stage painting work, at the junction of the ceiling and walls, a plinth is installed. It is possible to attach the plinth with the same glue that is used to glue the ceiling tiles, but it is more effective to use a special adhesive putty that can hide all the gaps between the plinth and the relief.

Installation of skirting boards

  • The joints between the plates are filled, if necessary, with white acrylic sealants. The use of silicone sealant is not recommended.

Care is carried out using a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle, grease traces are removed with alcohol, and other dirt is wiped off with an office washing eraser. It is undesirable for some types of products to get water.

Knowing how to glue ceiling tiles, you can do all the work with your own hands quite efficiently. You should first familiarize yourself with the work of professionals using a thematic video.

Ceiling tiles – budget method repairs that are easy to carry out yourself. However, in most apartments the evenness of the ceiling surface leaves much to be desired, and too large deviations in the plane create inconvenience in work and spoil the impression of the renovation. If you know how to glue ceiling tiles onto an uneven ceiling, you will get a monolithic surface.

For the manufacture of ceiling tiles are used different materials. Thus, fiberglass panels will provide reliable sound insulation. Other components used in the production of decorative boards include wood, polystyrene foam, and light metals.


Common and affordable option Expanded polystyrene (polystyrene, foam plastic) is considered. Price, assortment of shades and surface textures are the distinctive features of such tiles.

According to the manufacturing method, it can be:

  • pressed (stamped) - produced by pressing. The thickness of the segments is 6 - 8 mm;
  • injection is made by sintering polystyrene foam components. Product thickness – 9-14 mm;
  • extruded is made from strips of polystyrene obtained by pressing. Finished tiles painted or laminated.

Based on surface type, finishing panels are divided into:

  • laminated, coated protective film from the front side;
  • seamless are characterized by smooth edges; after gluing, the joints remain invisible;
  • mirror ones are made of plastic, the front side of the segments is covered with a mirror layer.

How to solve the problem of an uneven ceiling

Often those who decide to stick ceiling tiles are faced with the problem of uneven ceilings. But, if you know the technology of laying panels, the problem can be solved.


A simple way would be to install parts on an uneven ceiling. This is done with polystyrene foam, which hides minor differences in height. But then you need to choose the appropriate panel size and pattern. For example, a large relief visually masks flaws more than flat surface tiles

If the purpose of finishing is to obtain not only smooth, but also durable decorative ceilings, it is better to first level the base base, and only then proceed to decorating the ceiling with tiles.

In this case, choose the following alignment methods:

  • using a putty mixture;
  • installation of a frame base made of metal or foam.

How to glue ceiling tiles to an uneven ceiling: leveling with putty


The work begins with preliminary cleaning of the surface from the previous finish. For this they use mechanically using water and a construction spatula. If this method does not help, purchase special chemical compositions, which corrode old finishes.

When the ceiling is cleaned, it is primed. Next, the cracks on the surface are sealed, then the base is covered with a layer of putty in such a way as to remove unevenness and height differences. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 2 cm. The putty will adhere better if a reinforcing mesh is glued to the ceiling.

After puttying, the ceiling is left to dry completely, then the surface is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. Sanding will make the surface smooth. At the end of the troweling work, the ceiling is again covered with a layer of primer.

Construction of a foam frame for gluing tiles

This method is suitable for rooms with a flat ceiling plane, but small bulges. For example, if the ceiling is made of concrete slabs, the gaps between adjacent slabs are sealed with putty, but the dried mixture protrudes from the plane. Then it will not be possible to glue the panels to such a base.


To do this, construct a frame of foam strips:

  • the sheets are cut into strips, which are glued to the ceiling in increments corresponding to the width of the tile. As a result, one panel should lie on two strips;
  • if the strip lands on an uneven area of ​​the base, a notch is cut in the foam with a knife corresponding to the width of the unevenness.

When choosing the width of the stripes, take into account the sizes of the tiles that are supposed to be used to decorate the ceilings. This frame is mounted only under light foam tiles.


After leveling the surfaces, they proceed directly to gluing the panels. But first, they mark the ceiling for the ceiling tiles, choosing the method of installing the segments:

  • parallel to the walls - a simple option, used if the walls in the room are even. To do this, first the first row from the wall is glued, and then the next rows are laid one after the other;
  • diagonally. Two lines are drawn on the ceiling from corner to corner, the intersection of which will become the starting point for installation. Then they draw more lines along the diagonals;
  • with a rhombus, when several squares are measured from the center of the ceiling, additional diagonals are drawn from each figure. The corner of the foam tile is placed in the center of the ceiling, and the sides of the piece should run along the lines.

If the ceiling cannot be leveled, then the panels cannot be glued to special adhesives. To mask minor differences in height, use glue under sheets of drywall or putty, which is diluted to the consistency of thick sour cream. So that the putty does not have time to dry, the ceiling is coated first for gluing the first four tiles, then the next four, etc.


The tiles are laid on a layer of glue. The panels adhere well and can be easily moved if you need to adjust the segment. First, the edges of adjacent elements are combined, and then placed in a single plane using the rule or building level.

If glue gets on the front of the panels, the composition is immediately removed with a damp cloth. The voids between adjacent parts are filled with sealant or putty. A rubber spatula is used as a handy tool for masking joints.

Thus, the problem of gluing tiles to uneven ceilings is easily solved. The main thing is to follow the technology when finishing.

Video on how to properly glue ceiling tiles without seams

Nowadays, if it is necessary to quickly and inexpensively repair the surface of the ceiling, tiles made of polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene are often used. With the help of this finishing material you can literally transform appearance premises for various functional purposes.

The tiles on the ceiling are fixed by gluing. It is quite possible to glue the facing ceiling tiles yourself, you just need to follow some technological subtleties and rules for performing work. In this case, the original coating will delight its owners with an attractive appearance for many years without losing its performance.

Probably, only tiles will help make the ceiling beautiful so quickly and inexpensively

Ceiling tiles vary

Ceiling tiles, although their varieties are externally similar, vary in density, surface smoothness and other parameters, which largely determine performance characteristics and time for trouble-free enjoyment of the coating. Depending on the manufacturing technology, the following types of ceiling tiles are produced:

  • Tiles made from extruded polystyrene foam have good density and a smooth surface. It is characterized by the highest price, but it is the easiest to glue and care for.
  • The cheapest foam tiles produced by stamping. Its surface has a porous structure, into which dirt gets clogged during long-term use. The material has low mechanical strength, easily breaks under bending loads, so before gluing it, you should ensure a margin of at least twenty percent.
  • The so-called injection tiles, which belong to the average price category. During manufacturing, it is placed in a special mold and exposed to high temperatures. As a result, a clear pattern appears on the surface, the performance characteristics of the product are also average, and such material is easy to glue.
  • The most common form square tiles, while its edges are straight or in the form of a wave. In any case, the gluing method does not change, only the appearance becomes varied. In terms of external design there are many various options the finishing material in question.

Options for polystyrene foam tiles for ceiling finishing

Select a tile and count the quantity

Let's consider a few points that will help you choose the right material. When we choose a tile, we should take into account the totality of its technical characteristics and specific conditions, in which the latter will be used. In addition, you need to pay attention to the accuracy geometric dimensions and good drawing of the pattern on the surface.

There should be no burrs or uneven edges on the side cuts; the edges must be located at a strictly right angle. An indispensable condition is the uniformity of the entire batch in size, thickness and surface tone.

The number of tiles needed to glue it is easy to calculate. The standard shape of the facing material is a square, the side length of which is half a meter. To finish one square meter of surface you will need four tiles.

By determining the area of ​​the ceiling and multiplying it by four, we get the desired result. As a result, we know how many pieces of tiles will be needed to cover the entire surface.

In the process of performing the work, it is necessary to trim and adjust the material for its high-quality installation. During installation it is also possible mechanical damage parts of products.

As a result, when purchasing, a reserve of about twenty percent should be provided so that there is no need to urgently go to the construction market in search of the same batch of material.

What kind of glue will we use to glue it?

Of course, you need to know what glue to use to glue ceiling tiles. Most often, Titan glue or its analogues are used to fix the tiles; you can also glue them liquid nails. The inconvenience of using these compounds is that the tiles coated with them have to be pressed against the surface for some time until the glue sets. This creates certain difficulties when working on the ceiling with your arms constantly raised.


The range of adhesives for gluing tiles is quite wide.

Industrially produced special mastics for laying ceiling tiles are more convenient to use. They have a paste-like sticky consistency that holds facing material Without prolonged pressing, gluing is greatly facilitated.

Similar compositions are used in the absence of height differences on the ceiling surface. If it is uneven, gypsum-based putty or special Perlfix adhesive is used to lay the tiles. They allow you to simultaneously level the base and glue the facing material.

Preparing the surface for the sticker

After a visual inspection of the cleaned surface, any irregularities found are repaired using putty. After it dries, a layer of primer is applied to the base. The surface prepared in this way is ready for gluing ceiling tiles.


Several steps to prepare the ceiling for tiling

Marking scheme along the wall or diagonally

You can glue tiles in the most in different ways- placing it in checkerboard pattern, diagonally or edges along the walls, but its careful installation requires precise markings. Let's figure out how to properly mark the ceiling. First of all, the geometric center of the ceiling is determined, which is the intersection of lines. drawn from diagonally opposite corners. Through the intersection point along the walls and in the transverse direction, two more lines are drawn, located exactly at right angles to each other. This marking is universal for any laying scheme of facing material.

We glue tiles with our own hands in different ways

You can glue tiles with your own hands in different ways. Picking up different colors, you can create the most daring geometric patterns, bringing to life design projects, but the basic installation methods are as follows:

Starting from the geometric center of the ceiling, the tiles are installed with the side edges placed parallel to the walls. You can use two colors of material and arrange square slabs in a checkerboard pattern. The surface lined in this way hides defects in the ceiling well.


The option of laying tiles diagonally can be very interesting

The coating made of elements located along the applied diagonal marking lines looks beautiful. In this case, material consumption increases, since accurate installation will require cutting the tiles, not all of which can be used.

Using two colors of tiles, you can lay out a coiled snake on the surface. Gluing also begins from the geometric center of the ceiling.

How to glue tiles to a flat ceiling

You can fix the tiles on a flat ceiling using Titanium glue or its analogues. The technology for doing the work is not particularly complicated. The following sequence of actions will be correct:

  • on inner surface a thin layer of glue is applied to the tiles diagonally and around the perimeter;
  • then it is installed in its place and pressed against the surface until the adhesive composition is initially cured;
  • each subsequent tile is laid with the most accurate alignment of the pattern applied to the surface, with increased attention paid to a good fit of the side surfaces;
  • In places difficult to install, the tiles are trimmed.

Sticking tiles to a flat ceiling using regular glue

Side surfaces should fit together as tightly as possible. If a gap is formed between the tiles during installation, do not move them with your hands, as the material may break. To perform this manipulation, you need to use a wooden plank; it is applied to the side surface of the cladding element and the latter is moved into place.

How to glue correctly if the ceiling is uneven

If the ceiling is uneven, lay the tiles on an ordinary adhesive base very problematic. To perform this work, putty compounds or special glue are used to fix plasterboard elements. The compositions are diluted to the consistency of kneaded dough and applied to the surface in the place of the smallest height difference, covering an area on which approximately four tiles can be laid. This is done to level the coating before the initial curing of the adhesive mixture.

After laying four tiles, the resulting surface is leveled using a sufficiently long building level. The tool is applied to the coating, and in the right place pressure is applied to the surface to bring it into equilibrium.


Sticker with mastic helps to ignore unevenness

Then the next fragment of four elements is glued and again placed in the same plane. In this case, you should not increase the thickness of the adhesive composition by more than five millimeters, in this case facing covering may fall off.

Cleaning and sealing seams

To obtain an impeccable appearance of the tiled surface, certain technological details must be observed when installing tiles.

Quite often it happens that the adhesive gets onto the outer surface of the tile. It should be removed immediately.

Immediately after installing the tile in place, its surface is cleared of all traces of glue, otherwise in the future it will be impossible to wipe off the drips and they will spoil the appearance of the coating. To do this, keep a container with clean water sufficient volume and cleaning material.
Sealing gaps with sealant after gluing tiles

The gaps between the side surfaces remaining after laying the tiles are filled with putty. white and smoothed with a rubber spatula. Excess is wiped off immediately. Excellent results allows the use of a special acrylic-based sealant. It has good adhesion to the material from which it is made facing tiles and perfectly masks surface defects.

Ceiling tiles can be painted

Most simple method decorative finishing coating is its coloring. Seamless tiles cannot be processed in this way: the joints will clearly appear on the surface. The painting material must have water-repellent properties, prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora, and not attract dust pollution. These requirements are best met acrylic paints on a water-based basis. Before applying them, the surface of the tile is covered with a layer of primer.


The paint adheres very well to the tiles

It is best to paint paint roller made of foam rubber, the use of such a tool makes it possible to obtain the most uniform layer of coating. The technology for performing the work is no different from painting walls covered with wallpaper - the painting material is applied in two layers. Thus, you can bring unique design ideas to life - create a unique pattern on the finishing of the ceiling.

Rules for caring for ceiling tiles

In order to maintain the tiled ceiling surface in good condition, it must be maintained regularly. Over time, dust contaminants are deposited on the coating, which gives it a dark color.

Leaks water pipes or a neighbor's flood forms rust-colored spots on the surface. If you do not remove them in a timely manner, it will be impossible to do so later.

To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to comply following rules Ceiling tile care:

  • Use a vacuum cleaner to dry clean the coating at least once a month;
  • Every two months, wet clean the cladding;
  • Detergents should not contain aggressive chemicals and solvents;
  • The patterns embossed on the surface are treated with a soft sponge moistened with a cleaning solution.

Water is retained in the recesses of ceiling tiles after wet cleaning. It should be removed with an absorbent cleaning material, without leaving unsightly marks. The surface of geometric decorative elements should be dried especially carefully.

There are many ways to finish ceilings. Among possible options are in great demand foam panels. Inexpensive and quality material allows for finishing very quickly. The main thing is to know how to glue foam ceiling tiles so that the surface is smooth and beautiful.

The living room is covered with foam tiles gray(photo)

Features of foam tiles

Foam boards are made from foamed polymers. The structural features of the finished panels provide high sound and thermal insulation in rooms where the ceilings were finished with foam plastic slabs.

Another advantage of such tiles is lightness. Therefore, you can glue the material to the ceiling with your own hands without the help of helpers.

The slabs are also available in different forms: rectangular, square, diamond-shaped, hexagonal. At the same time, the surface of the segments can also be different: laminated, embossed or smooth. Some products imitate natural materials: wood, stone, marble, fabric, etc. The selection of suitable panels is made taking into account the operational conditions in the room. For example, it is better to purchase laminated plates for the kitchen, and waterproof tiles for the bathroom.


Examples of patterns and colors of ceiling tiles

Depending on the manufacturing method, tiles are:

  • injection thickness 9-14 mm. Manufactured by sintering in molds. Distinctive Features– moisture resistance and sound insulation, does not require painting;
  • stamped– 6 mm. During manufacturing, polystyrene foam slabs are cut into squares of the required size. The result is smooth white segments. Their advantage is their low price, their disadvantage is fragility;
  • extruded. Such panels are covered with a special film or painted. The thickness corresponds to stamped analogues, but the strength exceeds them several times.

Additional materials:: selection, installation rules

How to glue foam ceiling tiles: preparation

Material calculation

Before moving on to gluing the ceiling, calculate the amount of material.

One of important details high-quality repair - a beautiful and smooth ceiling. Some limit themselves to whitewashing, others acquire tension options. One popular way is to glue ceiling tiles. How to install it so that the material holds firmly and decorates the room? Selection useful tips presented in this article.

Material characteristics

Ceiling tiles are finishing material made of polystyrene foam. Usually sold in squares, but rectangular specimens are also available. The most common size is 0.5×0.5 m. The front side can be smooth or embossed, laminated or without any coating. Tile decor can imitate wood, fabric, ceramics, stucco and other structures.

There are three types of finishing material:

  • injection is obtained by sintering and casting polystyrene foam in special molds;
  • extruded is pressed from an extruded strip, usually covered with film or painted;
  • pressed is made by pressing.

There is a so-called seamless tile. Its advantage is that upon completion of the work the joints are completely invisible. They usually have a curved edge: when glued, the wavy joints on the ceiling become invisible. Installation of such a coating is carried out with millimeter precision and only on a flat surface.


Ceiling tiles are a way to quickly and inexpensively decorate a room. When the ceiling is decorated in a similar way, it is called “pasted” or “adhesive”.

Pros and cons

Why should you choose polystyrene foam ceiling tiles? Advantages of the material:

  1. It is environmentally friendly.
  2. One of the main advantages is accessibility. Expanded polystyrene tiles are inexpensive and are a common material.
  3. A large assortment of reliefs allows you to choose an option for any interior.
  4. Suitable for finishing most base surfaces: concrete, brick, wood, plaster and plaster.
  5. Has soundproofing properties.
  6. Helps keep the room warm.
  7. Easy and quick to install with your own hands.
  8. Allows you to easily correct the result after some time (for example, re-glue a loose part).
  9. Aesthetic appearance.
  10. Helps hide minor ceiling defects (potholes, cracks).
  11. The material is not flammable, so it can be glued near heating systems.
  12. This material is easy to care for: it can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. If the coating is not laminated, then it can be cleaned with a soft vacuum cleaner attachment or a dry cloth.


The material also has a number of disadvantages:

  1. It melts at temperatures above +80 degrees, so the lamps should not be located closer than 30 cm.
  2. Over time it turns yellow from sunlight.
  3. Some coatings do not tolerate dampness well.
  4. On an uneven ceiling it is difficult to achieve uniformity due to the abundance of joints.
  5. It does not allow air to pass through well, which makes the room more stuffy.
  6. Fragility: thin sheets are easy to deform and damage until they are fixed to the ceiling.

What to glue on

In order for the finishing material to last for a long time, you need to select good glue for ceiling tiles. The final result and durability of the coating largely depend on the choice.


What to glue the polystyrene foam squares onto:

  1. "Moment"- one of the frequently used compositions. Its advantage is that it dries very quickly, which justifies its name. It is enough to press the tile against the ceiling for a few seconds. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high cost and high consumption.
  2. - universal polymer-based adhesive. Used for gluing tiles, ceiling plinth and other materials: linoleum, parquet, etc. After drying, it remains transparent, which ensures the preservation of the aesthetic appearance of the coating. The “Moment” takes longer to set, so you will have to hold the tile longer, which is not always convenient.
  3. "Eco-naset"- glue similar to Titan. Plus - during work you can adjust the position of the tile. The downside, like Titan, is the relatively long polymerization time.

How to carry out installation correctly

What items will be needed for successful installation:

  • stepladder (or high stable table);
  • glue gun;
  • stationery knife;
  • ruler (roulette);
  • pencil;
  • spatula;
  • brushes;
  • twine;
  • rags for wiping;
  • protective gloves and mask;
  • glue and tiles.


Preparation:

  1. First, make sure that each of the tiles is free of dirt.
  2. Sheets with bent edges or other defects will not be used. For this reason, you should buy material with a small margin. A defect may be discovered when unpacking the package, but during the installation process the material can easily be damaged if handled carelessly. Recommended to purchase ceiling decoration 10% more than required.
  3. Before starting renovations, it is better to remove all the furniture from the room. If this is not possible, then big ones will come to the rescue. plastic bags, which should be used to cover objects.
  4. Close the vents, windows and doors - ceiling tiles must be glued strictly when room temperature and without drafts.
  5. Be sure to turn off the electrical power in the room.
  6. Make a rough drawing on a piece of paper to better navigate the quantity required tiles and its location on the ceiling.

Foundation preparation is one of the the most important stages. The surface must be clean and as smooth as possible. It is recommended to clean the ceiling from old decoration- plasters, whitewashes, etc. A spatula will help clean the ceiling. Then, if necessary, re-plaster or putty and coat with primer. Minor defects the tile will hide, but it is better to eliminate noticeable irregularities.


Advice! Washing off whitewash and primer to concrete is a difficult and time-consuming process, and also very dirty. When using glue with good adhesion, only the whitewash can be washed off.

The main ways to install a ceiling slab:

  • parallel to the walls - the most convenient;
  • diagonally it looks very beautiful, but it will take more material and time to finish the edge of the ceiling (it will lie in triangles or incomplete squares).

How to properly glue ceiling tiles:

  1. The first stage is marking the ceiling. The squares are glued from the center to the edges. How to quickly determine the middle of the ceiling? Pull two pieces of string diagonally from the corners. The point of their intersection is the center. It needs to be noted. Then two perpendicular lines are drawn through the point, which will divide the ceiling into 4 parts. The tiles will be attached along these lines. To be sure, you can mark the entire ceiling, drawing the location of each detail of the coating.
  2. The glue is applied to the sheets in a thin layer or dotted using a special gun. The lighter the weight of the material, the less glue needed to attach it. Special attention pay attention to the edges and the middle.
  3. The first tile is pressed to the center of the ceiling, guided by the markings. Place the first four squares. Their corners should touch at one point, the central one.
  4. Next you need to glue other panels, guided by the markings and position of the previous parts. All joints must be tight, without gaps.
  5. Don't forget to remove excess glue with a damp sponge or cloth.
  6. Tiles placed against the wall are cut to size sharp knife, for example, a shoemaker's or wallpaper, along an iron ruler or square. First, the required part is cut out, and only then glue is applied.


What to do if the ceiling is uneven? In this case, gaps form between the tiles. The easiest way to grout the seams is with white. acrylic sealant. After grouting, excess is removed with a damp sponge.

Advice! If the tile covers the chandelier mount, then make a suitable hole in advance, insert the wires into it and stick the tile. Be sure to turn off the electricity before this operation.

The finishing of the ceiling is completed by gluing the ceiling plinth. The adhesive used for this material is the same as for tiles. One condition: the composition must be transparent after drying. Otherwise, if it accidentally gets on the front side, it will ruin the look.

A few rules for attaching skirting boards:

  1. Start on the wall opposite the door.
  2. Cornices in corners are cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
  3. The glue is applied to both sides: one is in contact with the ceiling, the other is in contact with the wall.
  4. Gaps and joints in corners are perfectly masked if you cover them with sealant.


For a renovation to be successful, you need to take into account many points that not everyone can immediately remember. What you should know about ceiling tiles:

  1. After purchasing and transporting, allow the panels to rest at room temperature to avoid deformation during operation.
  2. Soft tiles will be correctly held with a wooden block at the time of gluing. When pressed with your fingers, the material is deformed.
  3. Sometimes the tile sizes do not match each other. This is invisible to the naked eye, but appears during the installation process. To avoid pattern inconsistencies, attach a square, not smeared with glue, to the glued tile. If the size matches, then installation continues. If it does not match, you will either have to leave a gap, which will need to be sealed later with sealant, or (preferably) take another sheet.
  4. Do not press the polystyrene foam too hard. This will not make the glue set faster, but may leave indentations.

Pasting the ceiling is an important part of the renovation. Successful completion of finishing is possible only with making the right choice glue, correct calculations and accuracy during the installation process.