This is an example of a very transparent suspended ceiling.
Ceilings are the most overlooked feature of any room. Suspended ceilings, on the other hand, provide an opportunity to make a ceiling more noticeable. This is accomplished by making it more dramatic with appealing, unique features. These ceilings are installed on a suspended grid at a level somewhere between the actual roof framing and at some point above the floor. They are made up of panels which can be painted or otherwise enhanced to make them a more noticeable, aesthetic part of any room. Installing these lath and plaster ceilings is a multiphase task.
Instructions
1. Gather the suspension system components for the ceiling. Choose the plaster base panels. Look for fire-resistant, gypsum core with liner paper on the backside. Select the 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch or 5/8 inch thickness. Use the pre-measured ceiling area to determine panel size, and use panel size to calculate how many panels you will need.
2. Suspended ceilings can be canvasses for unusual lighting and other decoration.
Use the same area calculation to know how much mesh framing material to purchase. Include double V joint, casing, corner bead, rolled channel, perforated L runner and both sizes of furring clips. Sketch out the suspended ceiling area, if it will help with your calculations.
3. Select the basecoat plaster. This is probably the most important part of producing a quality ceiling finish, so choose carefully. Consider the properties of a standard plaster to which you add the sand when mixing on site versus a light weight plaster with the aggregate already added to which you add only water at the site. Each is suitable depending upon the preferred method of application and the desired finish.
4. Medallions of various shapes and sizes are often used to enhance suspended ceilings.
Choose the finish plaster next. Decide if you want a quick set or slow set type, and whether you need a gauging type or moulding type based on whether or not you plan to add ceiling ornaments. Get the moulding type if you want to cast ceiling medallions and other features.
5. Use the L runner and CR channel stud to construct the framing into which the metal lath and plaster will be installed. Use the ceiling area calculations you did earlier to lay out this framing. Attach the framing to the ceiling joists in accordance with ASTM, American Society for Testing and Materials, C841 standards and codes.
6. Suspended ceilings are plastered much in the same way walls are plastered.
Apply the first coat of plaster onto the installed metal lath using a trowel. Use firm, steady pressure to establish a bond with the plaster and the lath. Go back over the first coat immediately and build the sufficient base coat thickness. Leave the base coat rough and porous to give the finish coat solid adherence to the base.
7. Give the base coat time to get set but not completely dry. The finish coat will go on much better if the surface is still damp, but not too wet. Use a trowel to apply the finish coat to the finish coat in long sweeping motions just like you applied the base coat.
Related posts
Types of Suspended CeilingsSuspended ceilings are a type of architectural design element used in commercial and residential buildings. They are created using metal grid systems, which are suspende...
If an entire plaster ceiling is sagging because of water damage, it will likely have to be completely replaced. However, if the sagging area is limited to 1 or 2 square feet, you can remove the ol...
Cuttings holes in lath and plaster walls requires more work than wallboard walls.Lath and plaster walls were once a common way to finish interior surfaces. Plaster stayed cool in the summer and re...
If you find yourself in the position of having to deal with a hole in your ceiling's plaster, whether due to age or accident, there's no need to panic. With just a little knowledge and the correct...
PlasterIf you own a home built before the 1950's, you likely have plaster walls and ceilings. This material, made from gypsum, lime, sand and water, has been used for thousands of years to constru...
