How to Install Glue-Up Ceiling Tiles

In glue-up installations, ceiling tiles are mounted directly to ceilings using adhesive, staples, or nails. Decorative strips are then used to hide the joints between installed ceiling tiles.

Ceilume's glue-up Signature Ceiling Tiles are easy to install, simple to clean and maintain, and create the look of historical tin ceilings at a fraction of the price.

Installation Instructions

Download the Glue-Up Ceiling Tile Instructions (PDF).

Glue/Staple-Up Ceiling Tile Installation

Ceilume Signature Series Ceiling Tiles can be installed directly to flat ceiling surfaces with glue, staples, or a combination of both.

• For glue-up installations use an appropriate fiberglass reinforced panel adhesive (FRP); Liquid Nails FRP-310 and equivalent products are commonly available.
• For staple-up installations use T-50 staples of the appropriate length for the surface.

Glue-Up or Staple-Up – Which is Better?

The answer to this question really depends upon the tools you have available, the condition of the existing ceiling surface, and your personal preference.

Most customers prefer to use glue to attach their ceiling tiles. Adhesives like FRP are easy to work with, allow you ample time to position ceiling tiles before drying completely, and are easy to clean-up with water. All you need for a glue-up installation is a clean and sound installation surface, adhesive, and a v-notch trowel.

Staple-up installations, using T-50 staples of an appropriate length to provide a firm hold, will require a stapler - either hand or air powered. Staples may not be suitable for very hard sub-surfaces (plaster, very old wood, etc.).

Pre-Test Is Best

Before you begin installing your new ceiling tiles it is always best to pre-test the materials you will be using in order to identify which combination will produce the best results for your particular situation.

Surface Type and Method of Installation

• Sheetrock, Plaster, and Cement
  
  Install ceiling tiles directly to sheetrock, plaster and cement ceiling surfaces using FRP adhesive.
• Paneling and Plywood
  
  Install ceiling tiles directly to paneling and plywood ceiling surfaces using FRP adhesive or T-50 staples.
• Wood Furring Strips
  
  Install ceiling tiles directly to wood furring strips (positioned 23 ¾ in. on center in a graph or cross pattern) using FRP adhesive or T-50 staples.
• Popcorn
  
  Ceiling tiles cannot be installed directly to popcorn ceiling surfaces, so you must remove the existing finish, install wood furring strips (positioned 23 ¾ in. on center in a graph or cross pattern), or add a new layer of drywall over it.
• Fiberboard and Mineral Fiber Ceiling Tiles
  
  We recommend that you remove fiberboard or mineral fiber ceiling tiles before installing your new ceiling, as these surfaces may not provide enough of an attachment sub-surface for your new tiles.
  
  If the existing fiberboard or mineral fiber ceiling tiles cannot be removed, fasten wood furring strips (positioned 23 ¾ in. on center in a graph or cross pattern) through the existing surface into structurally sound framing.

Preparation of Installation Surface

The installation surface should be smooth, solid, clean, and dry. Taping and bedding, patching, or sanding may be necessary if your ceiling has excessive damage or gaps.

Tools Required

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Chalk line
• Scissors or utility knife
• Staples and staple gun (if stapling)
• Bulk FRP adhesive, v-notch trowel (size trowel as directed on the adhesive label), water, and paper towels (if gluing)

Ceiling Layout

Map your ceiling on graph paper before beginning installation. Locate and draw any light fixtures, heating vents, intersecting hallways, closets, and doorways. Occasionally these features can influence starting points, tile placement, and finished ceiling design.

Put chalk lines along the midpoints that work best with the above variables. These lines should be parallel with the walls and create a cross close to the middle of the ceiling. These lines will help you align the first tile edges.

If there are no obstructing elements then simply place a chalk line in the center of the ceiling from one wall to its opposite, parallel wall. Then find the wall perpendicular to the first wall and place a chalk line in the center of that wall to its opposite, parallel wall.

Place your first ceiling tile in the corner created by your two chalk lines. Then continue installing your tiles from the center to the outer edges of your ceiling.

Please keep in mind that ceilings are often not perfectly square and chalk lines may need to be adjusted before you begin installing your tiles.

Ceiling Tile Application

Take care that your hands and work surfaces are clean and free of dust or oils that can affect adherence.

Apply a flat film of adhesive to the backside of the ceiling tile around the perimeter. Avoid placing daubs of adhesive anywhere else on the ceiling tile, as this may be visible through the tile. Any excess adhesive can be removed immediately with warm water.

Position the ceiling tile and firmly hold it in place, making sure that the adhesive makes good contact with the ceiling surface for proper adhesion.

If stapling, apply three staples along each side of the ceiling tile within ¼ in. of the tile’s outer edge, which ensures that the staples will be covered by the decorative strips in the final phase of installation.

Once the first ceiling tile is installed, begin placing the adjacent tiles. The second ceiling tile should be placed directly against the first. The seams between tiles may vary slightly so do not butt the tiles with pressure, simply slide them into place. All joints will be covered by decorative strips in the final phase, so do not worry about small gaps.

Repeat the installation process with the remaining ceiling tiles until all of the central (full-size) tiles have been installed, then proceed to the next section.

Border Ceiling Tiles

Border tiles need to be used around the edge of the ceiling when it is too small to accommodate full-size tiles. These border ceiling tiles have been designed with a minimum relief pattern that lends itself to cutting and trimming.

To begin, choose a non-corner border location, and measure the distance from the edge of an already installed ceiling tile to the wall. Using that measurement, cut the border tile to size, then apply a flat film of adhesive to the backside of the ceiling tile around the perimeter.

Position the ceiling tile and firmly hold it in place, making sure that the adhesive makes good contact with the ceiling surface for proper adhesion.

If stapling, apply three staples within ¼ in. of the tile’s outer edge along each side of the ceiling tile except for the side that meets the wall.

Repeat the installation process with the remaining border ceiling tiles, proceeding from one adjacent ceiling tile to the next, until the border is complete.

Decorative Strips

Decorative strips are 2 ft. long, self-adhesive, and designed to cover the joints between ceiling tiles. Each strip has a decorative pattern that begins with a dot and ends with a dash.

Do not remove the peel surface on the adhesive backing until the decorative strip is ready to be installed, and make sure the surface of your ceiling tiles is clean and dry. If the adhesive on the decorative strip comes into contact with dust, oil, or grease of any kind it will not adhere properly.

Dry-fit all decorative strips before installation, and, if necessary, trim them to the proper length. To dry-fit, simply place the dot end of the strip directly over the intersection of four ceiling tiles and the length of the strip over the joint of two neighboring tiles. If the strip is too long, simply cut it to size.

When you are ready to install, remove the peel surface protecting the adhesive backing and press the decorative strip firmly into place. Once again, make sure to line the dot end of the strip with the intersection of four ceiling tiles and the length of the strip over the joint of two neighboring ceiling tiles.

Butt the next decorative strip directly against the end of the first, creating a repeating pattern - the first dot on the second strip placed over the next four-way ceiling tile intersection. Again, dry-fit and trim as necessary.

If the decorative strip does not adhere for any reason, a small amount of adhesive can be applied.

Important Note: Install all of the decorative strips running in one direction first and then finish by installing the strips perpendicular to the first set, this time trimming the dot off of the end of the strips to create visual symmetry.

Painting

All Ceilume products can be painted before or after installation. Be sure ceiling tiles are clean and dry and experiment on a sample ceiling tile with your paint of choice before painting the ceiling in its entirety. Do not use solvent type thinner or cleaners.

Important Note: Painting voids the Class A Fire Rating.

Cleaning

Ceilume Ceiling Tiles require no special cleaning agents – just wipe with a soft, damp rag.

There is no risk of water damage during cleaning and there is no need for scheduled professional cleaning and resurfacing to prevent environmental and aesthetic problems.

Small, stubborn spots can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®.

Cleaners containing organic solvents or other aggressive ingredients should not be used to clean the tiles as they may affect the surface appearance of the tile. Examples of such cleaners are chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, strong soaps and detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish remover and furniture polish/cleaners.

Storing

Do not store ceiling tiles in contact with direct sunlight or in contact with any heat that may reach temperatures of over 110°F. When temperatures reach these levels, the vinyl is likely distort.

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