Alexei Volkov
Ceiling medallions are a great way to elevate the look of any light fixture and cover up any unwanted holes in the ceiling. They are simple to install and can be made from polyurethane foam, plaster, or plastic. Before installing a ceiling medallion, it is recommended to paint it first, as the paint that comes on it from the manufacturer is only a primer. After painting, you can attach the medallion to the ceiling using adhesive caulk or construction adhesive, and then use nails or screws to further secure it in place. Once the medallion is attached, you can wire your preferred light fixture and stuff the wiring up into the housing. Finally, caulk around the perimeter of the medallion, fill in any screw holes, and add a final coat of paint to complete the installation.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right glue or adhesive
Fast-dry paintable caulk is a preferred option, as it dries quickly and can be painted over if needed. This type of caulk is ideal for filling gaps and creating a seamless finish. When using caulk, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure proper ventilation during application and drying.
Another important consideration is the weight of the plastic ceiling medallion. If the medallion is made of heavy material, such as plaster, using Liquid Nails adhesive may not be sufficient to hold it in place. Liquid Nails is a strong adhesive, but it may not be suitable for all materials. It is essential to check the manufacturer's recommendations and choose an adhesive that can bear the weight of the medallion.
In some cases, a combination of adhesive and screws may be necessary. After applying the adhesive, use screws to further tighten the medallion to the ceiling. Once the adhesive has dried, remove the screws and fill the screw holes with caulk or spackling compound. This ensures a secure installation and a smooth, finished appearance.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some ceiling medallions may require touch-up painting after installation. Priming and painting the medallion before attaching it to the ceiling can save time and effort. However, touch-up paint may still be needed to ensure a seamless blend with the surrounding ceiling.
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Preparing the medallion
Paint the Medallion
It is recommended to paint the medallion before installation as the paint applied by the manufacturer is typically just a primer. Using a paint designed for ceilings, apply at least two coats of paint to the medallion. This will ensure that the medallion doesn't yellow over time and create a stark contrast with your ceiling.
Outline the Mounting Bracket
Most ceiling medallions come with no hole or a small hole in the middle. Outline the circumference of the mounting bracket in the centre of the medallion. This will serve as a guide for cutting the hole.
Cut the Hole
Using a spade bit, drill a large hole in the centre of the outlined circle. The size of the spade bit will depend on the size of your mounting bracket. Then, use a drywall saw to cut out the rest of the hole by following the outline. Don't worry if it's not perfect, as the canopy of your light fixture will slightly overlap the edges.
Apply Adhesive Caulk
Apply a bead of caulk, such as Fast Dry Paintable Caulk, in a circle around the back of the medallion. This will help temporarily hold the medallion in place until you are ready to permanently secure it. Make sure to only apply the caulk to the areas that will be in direct contact with the ceiling.
Attach the Medallion to the Ceiling
With the adhesive still wet, position the medallion on the ceiling, ensuring that the wiring comes out of the opening. Use two screws to further tighten the medallion to the ceiling. These screws can be removed once the adhesive has dried.
Now that the medallion is prepared and temporarily secured, you can proceed with the next steps of wiring the light fixture and permanently securing the medallion.
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Attaching the medallion to the ceiling
Secondly, apply an adhesive to the back of the medallion. A fast-dry paintable caulk adhesive or construction adhesive can be used, and it should be applied in a circle around the back of the medallion. Alternatively, you can use glue or nails to secure the medallion. If using glue, a fast-tack adhesive is recommended to avoid the need for taping while it dries. If using nails, a framing nailer can be used to drive three to four nails into the ceiling joists at even intervals around the medallion.
Thirdly, centre the medallion by sliding it until it is aligned with the light fixture canopy. This step may require some adjustments, but once centred, the fixture can be fully tightened and installed.
Finally, caulk around the perimeter of the medallion to fill in any gaps or screw holes, and apply a final coat of paint to match the ceiling colour. This step ensures that the medallion blends seamlessly with the ceiling.
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Securing the medallion
First, apply an adhesive caulk to the back of the medallion. Fast-dry paintable caulk is recommended as it allows for some adjustment while centring the medallion. Run a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the medallion, ensuring that any surface that will come into direct contact with the ceiling is covered. This step will help hold the medallion in place until you are ready for permanent installation.
Next, centre the medallion. As the caulk has not yet dried, you will be able to slide the medallion into the correct position. Ensure that it is centred with the light fixture canopy. Once centred, use two screws to further tighten the medallion to the ceiling. These screws should be removed once the adhesive dries.
Now, you can wire the light fixture. Follow the instructions provided with your specific fixture for this step. Once wired, stuff the wiring up into the housing and secure the hardware, ensuring it is only loosely tightened at this stage.
Finally, once the medallion is centred and the wiring is complete, fully tighten and install the fixture. After installation, caulk around the perimeter of the medallion to fill any gaps or screw holes.
It is worth noting that some medallions may require additional support. For example, if your medallion does not sit completely flush with the ceiling, you can use a caulk gun with white caulk to fill any gaps.
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Finishing touches
Once the plastic ceiling medallion is attached, you can fill in any nail holes with a patching compound. You can use a putty knife, but a finger may work better due to the curvature.
If there are any gaps between the ceiling and the medallion, use a caulk gun to apply caulk around the edge of the medallion. Hold the tube at a 45-degree angle and pull the gun along the edge.
You should also paint the medallion. The paint that comes on it from the manufacturer is a primer, which will eventually flake off. It is recommended to paint the medallion before attaching it to the ceiling and then do some touch-ups after installation. Choose a paint colour that suits the style of your home.
Finally, turn the electricity back on and test out your new light fixture!
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Frequently asked questions
First, outline the circumference of the mounting bracket in the centre of the medallion. Then, cut out the hole using a spade bit and a drywall saw. Paint the medallion before installation, and apply adhesive caulk to the back. Position it on the ceiling, and use screws to tighten the medallion to the ceiling. Once the adhesive dries, remove the screws and caulk around the perimeter of the medallion.
Fast-drying paintable caulk adhesive is recommended. Avoid using tape, as it may peel off the paint.
It is recommended to paint the medallion before installation, as it will be easier to do so. However, you will likely still need to do some touch-up painting after it has been attached.
The centre hole of the medallion is typically smaller than the light fixture being installed. This is to ensure the fixture canopy covers the raw edge. You can also cut the medallion to fit if needed.
Use a caulk gun to apply caulk around the edge of the medallion, holding the tube at a 45-degree angle. This will fill in any gaps and create a smooth finish.
