The tin ceiling panels you find in old buildings serve as a charming reminder of early methods of fabricating decorative structures in buildings. It is still possible to create ceiling applications that replicate old-fashioned tin ceiling panels.
Tin Panels
Traditionally, tin panels were manufactured by pressing a very thin layer of tin through molds. Most often, these molds created raised decorative patterns and the panels were made into flat sheets, trims and cornice pieces. Panels were nailed into place to create fireproof ceilings.
Contemporary Tin Panels
Today’s 'tin' panels are actually not made of tin. They are instead made of aluminum alloys and may even be made of copper or bronze alloys, making for extremely beautiful panels, trims and cornice pieces. Additionally, it is possible to find panels made of vinyl, PVC and even foam. Metallic paint is used to create finishes that make the panels look like they are made of metal.
Instead of being nailed into place, many panels are installed with t-rail suspension grids, similar to what is used for suspension ceilings, although there are some instances where molding or cornice pieces are nailed into place.
Summary
Tin ceiling panels are rarely made of tin any longer, but contemporary panels are made of materials that allow for more flexibility and can be painted to imitate old-fashioned tin ceilings.
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