Ceiling Roses and Ceiling Medallions

Ceiling rose, ceiling medallion

Ceiling roses, centerpieces, or ceiling medallions, as they are also called, are plaster ornamentations used to decorate the ceiling area where the light fitting meets the ceiling. Plaster ceiling roses and medallions can be quickly installed. Ceiling roses with plain circumferences take far less time to install than those with "frilly" edges or points around the circumference.

Prepare the Work Space

First, please fully consider your electrical wiring. If any wiring needs to be moved in any way, then you must consult a qualified electrician. Begin by marking out the area on your ceiling that will be covered by the ceiling medallion. If your ceiling is already painted, then you will need to rough up the surface area where the rose will be attached. This can be done quite easily by scoring back and forth with a Stanley knife. Omit this step if you have an unpainted ceiling.

Buy and Properly Apply the Materials

Visit your hardware store to obtain a bonding agent suitable for your ceiling. Follow the instructions on the packet. It is very important to ensure the outside edge of the ceiling rose is cemented well to the ceiling; otherwise, shadows and gaps will be evident, spoiling the overall effect. Ensure that you prop up the rose until the bonding agent has dried (30 minutes) A good prop would be a piece of timber with a rag or magazine on top to protect the ceiling rose from accidental damage.

Hints for Installing Larger Roses/Medallions

For larger ceiling roses, a different approach is needed. Holes need to be cut into the ceiling so the bonding agent can be forced through the holes. Large ceiling roses are exceedingly heavy and need to be attached very firmly to the ceiling; otherwise, disaster is inevitable.

For very heavy ceiling roses weighing 10 kg or more, you will need to grout the ceiling timber as well. If you are installing a ceiling rose that has a lacy "see-through" design, ensure that the holes in the ceiling are not made above the lacy parts in the ceiling rose.

Make sure the ceiling holes are directly above the solid parts of the ceiling rose so there is enough surface area to contact and bond well. Ensure the bonding agent cannot be seen through the design holes in the ceiling rose. A mixture of grouting plaster and fiberglass is used to attach larger ceiling roses. Contact your local plaster retailer or hardware shop for recommended products and ratios to use.

When you have finished grouting the ceiling rose to the ceiling, prop up the rose for 30 minutes. A good prop would be a piece of timber with a rag or magazine on top to protect the ceiling rose from accidental damage.

After the ceiling rose has been firmly attached, you can wipe off any excess plaster or cement with a well wrung-out wet cloth. When your ceiling rose is dry, check for any areas that may be in need of a paint touch-up. Use only a small brush for touch-up work.

You now should have a delightful addition to your decor with an interior design project that costs very little in comparison to the effect it creates in your room.