How to Replace Tin Ceiling Tiles

Tin ceiling tiles are a throwback from a time of regal houses, grand hotels and classy movie theaters. Over time, they were replaced by more cost effective materials. If you have tin ceiling tiles in your home, you will notice that they can rust or tarnish. They are no longer mass produced, but they can still be found as reclaimed materials from construction projects. Once you find the new tin ceiling tiles, you need to know how to remove and replace the old ones. The following article will show you how.

Step 1 – Preparation

You will be working on a ladder, so it is important that it is placed just to the side of where you will be replacing tiles. You do not want to be directly under them, as this will make it incredibly difficult to remove and replace them. The ladder also needs to be on a completely flat surface. Always wear your work gloves, as tin ceiling tiles are very sharp around the edges. Remove all of the furniture in the room, and then cover the floors with plastic sheeting. Tape it in place with painter’s tape. You will also want to remove any accessories on the ceiling, such as vent caps, if they would impede removal.

Step 2 – Removing Tin Ceiling Tiles

Tin ceiling tiles are hammered directly into the ceiling. Removing the old tin ceiling tiles can prove tricky. Inspect the tiles where they overlap as this is where they are nailed in place. Use the putty knife to carefully pry up a side of the tile in order to get a grip on it. Use the pliers to grab the edge and carefully pull it from the ceiling. Repeat this process with the remaining tiles.

Step 3 - Prepare the Ceiling

Removing the tin ceiling tiles will leave behind small holes. These holes make installing the new tiles more difficult. While on the ladder; apply the filler over each of the holes. Spread the filler as thin as you can, so it dries quickly. After the filler has dried, sand it down with the block, to create a smooth surface.

Step 4 – Trim the Tin Ceiling Tiles

Not all tiles are made the same size. Place the new tile on top of the old tile, and determine the size difference. If they are the same size, then nothing has to be done. Otherwise, the new tile needs to be trimmed down. Trace the old tile while it is on top of the new one. Use the tin snips to carefully cut along the lines. You can now place the new tile.

Step 5 – Installing Tin Ceiling Tiles

Climb the ladder with the new tile in hand. Press the neighboring tile up to the ceiling and then press the new tile in place. Place one of the nails at each of the corners and the another nail in center of each lip. Do this for all of the tin ceiling tiles you are replacing.