Embossed ceiling tiles

[Renoman]

Has anyone tried to powder coat embossed ceiling tiles? I am looking at powder coating metal (steel) embossed ceiling tiles with metallic copper for a shiny metal look.

[bzer1]

I've done flat sheet metal many times. The peices had no holes so they were difficult to hang but Still pretty easy to do.

[cdaeme]

Not ceiling tiles but I just coated metal outlet and switch covers for my kitchen along with the ceiling register vents and range hood all in silver vein. They look awesome.

Jason

[bzer1]

I stopped off at Lowes this weekend and took a look at the embossed ceiling tiles. I see no reason why they can't be done...However, this will not be as simple as it first appears. To begin with, they're very thin so extra attention must be paid during curing, They will overcure in a hurry. Second these tiles are made to butt directly against each other, allowing the powder to build up on the edges is a big no no. Depending on how many will be installed it could lead to trouble later by leaving some tiles just a little off and making them uneven. It's very difficult to keep the buildup even across the entire edge. They are thin enough that I would not want to try to remove the cured powder from the edges. These things are not show stoppers, and depending on the powder itself may not even be a problem at all. Just something to consider.

[Renoman]

The ceilings tiles that I would like to use would overlap a little and would be nailed with a copper nails. Since I am new to powder coating what is overcuring and how can this be prevented?

[bzer1]

Overcuring is leaving it in the oven too long, or curing at too high a temp. In the case of your ceiling tiles, being so thin they will come up to curing temp very quickly and should be watched very colsely. Check the temp early in the cycle and stick closely to the recommended dwell times listed by the manufacturer. I would also advise laying them on something flat so they don't warp as badly as with hanging them.