Pictures shown: Top: American Tin ceiling installed by Urban Revivals LLC near Washington DC. Top Left Corner: Hand finished Armstrong tiles, shown in antique gold, and aged bronze, finished by Urban Revivals LLC in Washington DC. Above: Gilded Armstrong Ceiling Tiles. Hand Gilded in Gold Leaf by Urban Revivals LLC

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Picking a Tin Ceiling "Look" Based on Room and Function

Is the room humid? In general, real metal ceilings, gypsum based plaster products, and Armstrong ceiling tiles should not be used in areas of high moisture. Today's modern tin ceilings are, however, much more resilient to humidity than their predecessors, due to the advances in the pre-finished sealed powder-coated metallic finishes.

Stainless steel tiles with commercial finishes may be used in the kitchen. Additionally, Armstrong ceiling tiles may fare better under occasional moisture conditions if the painted finish is sealed with clear Minwax polycrilic. (Always test first to ensure compatibility with the painted finish).

Pick a tile that fits the scale of your room. The Armstrong tiles, if painted, are particularly appealing for the average home. While ornate, they are not overly ornate. Their 1' square size lends themselves well to rooms ranging from bathrooms to 20'x20' parlour, den, or dining areas. Most metals come in 2'x2' panels, and benefit by being displayed in a larger room.

Near a kitchen or stove? Thermoplastic tiles (thermoformed high impact polymer plastic tiles) do very well in backsplashes and bathrooms, where other tiles may not perform. However, the ability to withstand abrasion will depend on how the final finish coat was applied on these tiles. Unsealed latex finishes can handle only occasional wipings. Tin Ceiling tiles and the classic copper backsplash panels also work very well.

Need a period design? Metal trim? Have high ceilings? Ornate rooms, or rooms with high ceilings, may do better with real tin, since real tin tiles tend to have a deeper embossed pattern than other tiles (including pressed or stamped tin). With high ceilings, pick a pattern that will have a larger repeat pattern (at least 12"), and a depth of at least 3/4" In addition, you will have a wider selection of metallic cornices and filler patterns available, if you go with real metal.

Pick a tile YOU can install. Real tin tiles generally must be nailed to furring strips, though some brands, namely American Tin Ceilings, can be screwed into the ceiling's drywall. Many Do-It-Yourselfers find glue up or grid systems to be less intimidating. The Armstrong tiles interlock with guiding flanges. Other tiles, such as the thermoplastics, typically have butt joins with decorative strips that cover the joins.