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Adding a ceiling medallion is the easiest thing you can do to
change the look and feel of any room in your home. Installing
small ceiling medallions, up to approximately 24 inches or so,
is a simple job for the average home handyman. As long as you
are comfortable with changing a light fixture you should have no
problem. If you are uncomfortable with removing your fixture
take a look at installing a 2-piece ceiling medallion. Safety is
so important we would like to address it briefly. Always follow
approved safety practices. Use hearing and eye protection. When
you need to use a dust mask or respirator, be sure to use the
right one for the job. Last, but not least, when working in
electrical boxes, always make sure the power is turned off.
Plan the Installation-Before You Order This is probably the most
neglected step in any installation, but the most important. It
is what makes the difference between a quick and efficient
installation or massive frustration and numerous interruptions
to run to the hardware store. The first step is to select the
ceiling medallion you want to use. If you are using it in
conjunction with a light fixture or a ceiling fan, you should
note whether the ceiling medallion's center hole matches the
fixture's trim. If they don't match you will also need to order
a ceiling medallion center or a new fixture trim ring. Now is
also a good time to see if the lighting fixture hardware is
going to be long enough. Check the building code to make sure
that there are no conflicts with your installation plans. In
case of conflict, always follow local building codes. NOTE: Most
building codes require you to leave access to the electrical
box. Using a ceiling medallion with a 3.5-4 inch center hole
provides this. Permanently mount the ceiling medallion to the
ceiling and use either the fixture's trim ring or a removable
ceiling medallion center to cover the electrical box. Also, make
sure that the existing electrical, plumbing and framing will not
interfere with your installation.
Order Materials Now that you have planned your installation, its
time to order your materials. When you order your ceiling
medallion, don't forget to order the ceiling medallion center,
if you are going to be using one. Order construction adhesive,
caulk, fasteners and extra length light fixture hardware. Order
your hardware with your ceiling medallion and save yourself a
trip to the store.
Assemble Materials Before you start, assemble all the materials
near where you are going to install the ceiling medallion.
Double check to see that you have everything you need before you
start. Now is the time to prefinish the ceiling medallion if you
want to. If you plan on doing anything more than just painting
it flat white, prefinishing is recommended.
Remove Existing Fixture TURN OFF POWER !!! Turn off electrical
power at the breaker box and mark the circuit breaker so someone
doesn't accidentally turn it on while you are working. Now you
can safely remove the existing fixture. Layout We recommend
having the product on hand to ensure exact measurements. Layout
the area on the ceiling where you want to mount your ceiling
medallion. For a small ceiling medallion, you should be able to
hold it up with one hand while tracing around it with a pencil.
Larger ceiling medallions may require an assistant. If you need
to orient a round ceiling medallion use a single register mark
at the junction of the ceiling/medallion. Mark both pieces. For
oval and diamond shaped ceiling medallions, start by drawing
centerlines parallel to the walls and 90 degrees apart on the
ceiling. Then make register marks 90 degrees apart on the
perimeter of the ceiling medallion. Locate and mark ceiling
joists on the ceiling and on the medallion if you are using
screws to mount (required on all plaster ceiling medallions and
also on polyurethane ceiling medallions over 20 inches). Mark
and/or protect wiring and plumbing if necessary to avoid
fasteners penetrating them during installation.
Drill Drill and countersink (1/8 inch deep max.) screw holes for
mounting screws. Also, drill the center hole or ceiling
medallion's center hole if necessary. If you don't have a hole
saw of the proper size, polyurethane is easily cut with a razor
knife.
Apply Adhesive Apply adhesive according to the adhesive
manufacturer's directions. Small ceiling medallions may be
installed using only adhesive. Temporary clamps or fasteners may
still be necessary until the adhesive sets.
Fasten Fasten the ceiling medallion to the ceiling using coated
screws in the predrilled countersunk holes. If you are unable to
screw directly into the ceiling joists, the use of toggle bolts
is permitted. Ceiling medallions over 20 inches in diameter and
all plaster ceiling medallions require mechanical fastening.
Finish up After the adhesive has dried, usually 24 hours, caulk
the perimeter ( if needed ). Use no-shrink spackle, joint
compound or plaster to patch screw holes. Feather edge or sand
repairs and touch up paint. Hang up your fixture and you are
done. One final step: sit back and enjoy the simple beauty you
have created.
copyright 2005 goceilingmedallion.com
About the author:
Patricia Tomaskovic is the owner of www.goceilingmedallion.com.
Copyright2005. Visit us soon and register for the monthly
drawing. We are an on-line store offering home decorating
products, specializing in ceiling medallions and crown molding.
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