Metal ceiling tiles offer a host of benefits if used properly. They provide structure to your home, are stain resistant, and are waterproof. However, you should not hang tin ceiling tiles in your home if they are unfinished and uncoated.

Preparing Unfinished Tiles

To take advantage of the many benefits associated with metal ceiling tiles, you should finish your ceiling tiles before hanging them. Even if you don’t plan on painting them, you should consider a clear-coat finish. Placing a finish on your tiles is an easy process that can prevent oxidation and damage over time.

Because you are working with tin tiles, you’ll want to use an oil-based primer that is designed for use with metals. The primer should also contain a rust-inhibitor. Doing so will help you protect your investment and will make your tiles last much longer.

If you are going to use a clear-coat to finish your tiles, be sure to use a polyurethane that is designed for use with metal.

Painting Unfinished Tin Tiles

Once they have been treated, you have the flexibility to paint the tiles any way you’d like. Feel free to use any colors or designs to ensure that the tiles are perfectly incorporated into your home. Paint can easily be applied to your metal ceiling tiles if they have been treated. Whitewashing your tiles will cause your paint to be more vibrant.

The fact that you can paint your own tin ceiling tiles is beneficial in a few circumstances.

• Antique Tiles – If you’ve found an antique ceiling tile that you fell in love with, you don’t have to be picky about the existing color.
• Cheap Tiles – It may be cheaper to buy paint than to buy highly-specialized tiles. If you’ve found an affordable set of tiles, painting the tiles on your own could save you money.
• The Perfect Design – If you like a tile’s pattern but don’t like the color options offered, there’s no need to worry. Purchase the tiles with the pattern that will fit perfectly in your home. Worry about finding the perfect color later.
• Existing Ceiling Tiles – If you have metal ceiling tiles already hanging in your home but are looking to remodel a room, you can keep the existing tiles and simply repaint them to match the new color scheme.