Installing Your Ceiling Rose / MedallionCeiling roses, centerpieces, and ceiling medallions are plaster ornamentations used to decorate the ceiling area where the light fitting meets the ceiling. These words are used interchangeably - they all mean the same thing. Plaster ceiling roses and medallions can be quickly installed by plasterers. Ceiling roses with plain circumferences take far less time to install than those with "frilly edges" or points around the circumference.
First, please fully consider your electrical wiring. If any wiring needs to be moved in any way, then you must consult a qualified electrician. Begin by marking out the area on your ceiling that will be covered by the ceiling medallion. If your ceiling is already painted, then you will need to rough up the surface area where the rose will be attached. This can be done quite easily by scoring back and forth with a Stanley knife. If you have an un-painted ceiling, then this step can be omitted.
Visit your hardware store to obtain a bonding agent suitable for your ceiling. Follow the instructions on the packet. It is very important to ensure the outside edge of the ceiling rose is cemented well to the ceiling; otherwise shadows and gaps will be evident and this will spoil the overall effect. Ensure that you prop up the rose for 30 minutes or so until the bonding agent has dried - again check the packaging for full information. A good prop would be a piece of timber with a rag or magazine on top to protect the ceiling rose from accidental damage.
Hints for Installing Larger Roses / Medallions
For larger ceiling roses, a different approach is needed. Holes need to be cut into the ceiling so the bonding agent can be forced up through the holes. Large ceiling roses are exceedingly heavy and need to be attached very firmly to the ceiling or disaster will be inevitable. For very heavy ceiling roses weighing 10 kg or more, you will need to grout up and over the ceiling timber as well. If you are installing a ceiling rose which has a lacy "see through" design, you will need to ensure the holes in the ceiling are not made above the location of the lacy parts in the ceiling rose. Make sure the ceiling holes are directly above the solid parts of the ceiling rose so there is enough surface area to contact and bond well. Ensure the bonding agent cannot be seen through the design holes in the ceiling rose. A mixture of grouting plaster and fiberglass is used to attach larger ceiling roses. Please contact your local plaster retailer or hardware shop for recommended products and ratios to use. When you have finished grouting the ceiling rose to the ceiling, prop up the rose for 30 minutes or so. A good prop would be a piece of timber with a rag or magazine on top to protect the ceiling rose from accidental damage.
After the ceiling rose has been stuck firmly, you can wipe off any excess plaster or cement with a well wrung out wet cloth. When your ceiling rose is dry, check for any areas that may be in need of a paint touch up. Use only a small brush for touch up work.
You now should have a delightful addition to your decor with an interior design project that cost very little in comparison to the effect it creates in your room.
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