Finishing Guide

Painting Unfinished Tin Ceiling Tiles

Cleaning

1. Make sure the tile is dry and clean from dirt and debris.
2. Lightly sand the surface of the tile with fine-grit sandpaper to help the primer and paint adhere better.
3. Wipe the tiles with a tack cloth to remove any sanding residue.

Priming

1. Always be sure to do a test swatch on the back of the tile before starting your project.
2. Apply a primer using a small foam roller, brush, or paint sprayer.
3. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the primer dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

We recommend: Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer, or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer.

Painting the Base Coat

1. Choose your desired base coat color and apply with a foam roller, brush, or paint sprayer.
2. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the paint dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Apply a second coat if needed for fuller coverage.

We recommend: Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint, or Behr Premium Plus Ultra.

Sealing the Tiles (Optional)

1. For added durability, you can apply a clear coat sealer.
2. Choose a finish (matte, satin, gloss) that suits your desired look.
3. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the sealer dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

We recommend: Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, or Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Crystal Clear Enamel.

Hand-Finishing Unfinished Tin Ceiling Tiles (Antique Look)

Cleaning

1. Make sure the tile is dry and clean from dirt and debris.
2. Lightly sand the surface of the tile with fine-grit sandpaper to help the primer and paint adhere better.
3. Wipe the tiles with a tack cloth to remove any sanding residue.

Priming

1. Always be sure to do a test swatch on the back of the tile before starting your project.
2. Apply a primer using a small foam roller, brush, or paint sprayer.
3. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the primer dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

We recommend: Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer, or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer.

Painting the Base Coat

1. Choose a dark base coat color and apply with a foam roller, brush, or paint sprayer.
2. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the paint dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Apply a second coat if needed for fuller coverage.

We recommend: Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint, or Behr Premium Plus Ultra.

Painting the Top Coat

1. Choose a metallic top coat color (silver, gold, copper).
2. Lightly brush the paint over the raised area of the tiles, allowing some of the dark base to show through to create depth and an aged appearance.
3. Using paint or mineral oil, dip your brush or rag, wipe off excess, and gently brush over the surface.
4. Allow the topcoat to dry fully.

We recommend: Modern Masters Metallic Paint Collection, or Rust-Oleum Specialty Metallic.

Apply Antiquing Glaze (Optional)

1. Apply an antiquing glaze to the tiles.
2. Brush into crevices and detailed areas of the tiles.
3. Immediately wipe off excess with a soft cloth, leaving it in the recessed areas.
4. Work in small sections so the glaze doesn't dry too quickly.

We recommend: Rust-Oleum Transformations Decorative Glaze, or Valspar Antiquing Glaze.

Sealing the Tiles (Optional)

1. For added durability, you can apply a clear coat sealer.
2. Choose a finish (matte, gloss) that suits your desired look.
3. Make sure to apply an even layer and let the sealer dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

We recommend: Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, or Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Crystal Clear Enamel.

Rather skip the brushwork? Our powder-coated finishes come factory-done in 25 colors — see every one of them on a ceiling in the Ceiling Visualizer.