When it comes to your metal ceiling tile options, you will find a vast array of style and design choices to choose from. In addition to the patterns, textures, and designs, you also have the choice between an unfinished tile and a painted one.
Today, we will discuss the difference between unfinished and painted ceiling tiles and provide you with valuable tips on choosing the best one for your upcoming application.
More Potential
Your next home renovation is on the horizon, so you are hard at work making decisions and narrowing down your style options. When it comes to transforming or upgrading a space, you don’t have to feel drawn to painted ceiling tiles. There is a vast array of potential to be had when you decide to go with unfinished ceiling tiles.
With unfinished tiles, the variety of options can be endless as there are many colors and finishes you can choose from. Including finishing them yourself.
More Affordable
One of the biggest benefits and differences in going with unfinished ceiling tiles is the price you end up paying for each. A finished tile will cost you a bit more because they are finished. However, an unfinished tile choice allows you to finish them yourself in any way you choose.
Even if you just apply a clear coat to the tile, you will be able to use these tiles as an accent to the space while saving money and opening up the potential for more style options later on.
More Reflective
Besides the price point and the potential, another difference between unfinished and painted ceiling tiles is how the tiles are finished. Finished, painted tiles have a glaze over them that is made with pigment, pulverized metal, and a polyester resin. This glaze helps to increase the tiles’ overall durability and offers each tile that extra layer of protection.
Unfinished tiles do not have this layer, which can ultimately make them much more susceptible to cracks, chips, and other types of damage. Another difference is the gloss that is put on finished tiles. This gloss helps the tiles reflect light. You won’t find these reflective properties with unfinished ceiling tiles.
More Natural Appearance
Unfinished tiles, on the other hand, can offer a much more natural-looking appearance compared to finished tiles. When the tile is left unfinished, you can showcase the artistry of the design and smaller details in each tile.
When choosing unfinished tiles, you can choose those with a sunburst or leaf design. If you choose colored tiles, then find a tile with better highlighted colors, like reds, blues, olives, and ivories.
More Environmentally Conscious
Some people choose unfinished tiles because they are trying to be more environmentally conscious about their chosen materials. Unfinished tiles are not treated with anything and do not have any kind of protective coating.
More About the Location of the Tile
Another difference between unfinished and painted ceiling tiles is where they are typically installed. You may find that unfinished tiles are more often used as a kitchen backsplash or where someone is trying to create a warm, natural, and earthy environment. Unfinished tiles are also popularly installed in restaurants on the ceilings and tabletops.
Finished tiles are used in banquet halls and dining rooms where their reflective properties can really be highlighted and showcased. They can go a long way in enhancing the space and brightening things up.
Treating Unfinished Tile
If you choose unfinished tiles and want them to retain their beauty and character, you definitely need to treat them before installing them. However, this can be a long and complicated process and definitely gives you something to think about when weighing the differences between unfinished and painted ceiling tiles.
When treating the tile yourself, be sure to do your research beforehand to not damage the tile. Always use an oil-based polyurethane primer with a rust inhibitor to protect your unfinished tile and preserve the metal.
So, what kind of tiles are you going to choose for your next renovation? No matter which metal tiles you decide to pick, you will have a wide selection to choose from and find something that will reflect your style and personality.