Step #1) Proper Surface

Styrofoam ceiling tiles can be installed on ceilings and walls covered with drywall, lime, lime-cement, dry plaster, chip-board, aerated concrete, masonry, silicates, and popcorned or textured ceiling finishes. When installing over any existing ceiling material, the surface should be dry, stable, even, hard, and free of any dust or debris.

Important!!!

Do Not attempt to apply Styrofoam ceiling tiles over a popcorn ceiling that is soft or unstable. If the surface falls into these categories or is questionable, always remove the popcorn before installing the tiles – simply soak the popcorn with water and scrub it off the surface.

Step #2) Preparing The Surface

Before installing decorative Styrofoam ceiling tiles on any surface, it should be cleaned of any dust, grease, wax, or any other dirt that may be present. If the surface displays any cracking or other defects, these defects should be corrected with filler prior to proceeding with the tile installation – cracking or flaking paint should also be removed.

Step #3) Take Your Time

Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or attempting your first project, installing decorative ceiling tiles is a job where planning is just as important as the actual installation -- taking a little extra time in this phase can result in a more attractive ceiling.

Step #4) Find Ceiling Center

Starting in the center of your room with your Styrofoam decorative tiles normally provides the most appealing layout – in many cases you may already have a ceiling fan or light in this spot, but if not, use the string method to determine the room’s center. Stretch two strings across the ceiling at a diagonal from opposite corners and where they cross should be the center – finish nails can be used to secure the ends of the strings or ask a helper to lend a hand. Draw two perpendicular lines where the strings cross to divide the ceiling into four quadrants.

Step #5) Applying Adhesive

Instant Grab 310 adhesive is applied in small dots. If you happen to have a porous surface such as popcorn, you may want to increase the thickness of the adhesive, but a hard flat surface such as sheetrock or plaster may take a little less – use the first several tiles to determine the ideal amount needed for your ceiling. The mastic should be placed in mounds approximately two to three inches in diameter and located at each corner of the tile, in the center, and a few other spots as needed. It isn’t necessary to spread the mastic as pressing the tile into place on the ceiling should take care of that task – try to keep the adhesive in from the edges enough so that it doesn’t flow past the tile when installed.

Step #6) Installing First Ceiling Tile

Measure across the ends of your room and make a mark on the ceiling at the center of each wall taking into account any offsets or unique situations that may affect the measurements. Use your chalk line to snap a line through the exact center of the room previously marked to perimeter wall centers – this should provide square lines to guide the installation of your first tile and those that follow. Before installing any tiles stand back and inspect the lines to ensure they appear correct. Place adhesive on the back of your first tile and press it into place with one corner in the marked center of the room. Make sure the edges follow your chalked lines.

Step #7) Full Tile Installation and Proper Adhesion

Now the real fun begins. Start installing your full tiles, aligning them with the adjacent once for nice looking results. Make sure to press tiles firmly to the ceiling using full palms of your hands to avoid making dents with individual fingers.

Step #8) Cutting and Installing Perimeter Tiles and Caulking

Now that you have installed all of your full tiles, it is time to cut the perimeter ones using a utility knife. Start by measuring spaces on both sides of the full tiles and wall, transfer the measurement onto the tile and mark it, connect with a straight edge and cut with a sharp utility knife. Caulking is optional but recommended, especially if you are going to paint your tiles.