How to Paint Old Pressed Tin Ceilings

Pressed tin ceiling tiles can be repainted.

Care should be exercised when working with pressed tin panels. Use gloves when you are removing the panels to prevent injury to your hands from sharp or jagged edges.

1. Pull the nails out of each pressed tin ceiling panel to remove it from the ceiling. You can paint them while they are installed on the ceiling, but if you plan to decoratively paint the detail in the tin ceiling panels, then it is easier to remove them.

2. Clean the pressed tin ceiling panels with soap and hot water. It is not necessary to strip the present coat of paint off of the panel unless it is peeling in any places. Should you want to strip the panels first use an enamel paint remover. Apply the remover to a rag, and wipe the tin ceiling panel. Stripping the panels will take some time, and you will still need to clean the panels with soap and hot water when you are done. Allow the panels to dry overnight.

3. Use a two- to three-inch paint brush to apply the base coat to your pressed tin ceiling panels. This coat will be the first of two that you will apply. Use an enamel paint, not a latex paint because enamel adheres to metal where latex will not. Allow the base coat to dry, then apply a second coat.

4. Use smaller artists brushes if you choose to detail the raised portion of the pressed tin panels with other colors of enamel paint. These brushes are sized by number, and a “6” or “4” artist brush is a good size for this detail work. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Install the pressed tin ceiling tiles back to the ceiling, secure in place using a hammer and appropriate-sized nails.