Installing Ceiling Medallions — Profile “Definitions” Presents:

Installing Ceiling Medallions:

Ceiling medallions can complete the look of a room beautifully, but some homeowners are hesitant to install these lovely architectural details because they are afraid it is a difficult, time consuming procedure. They also worry that they won’t install it correctly or will have problems with the wiring in the light fixtures the ceiling medallions will frame.

Installing ceiling medallions does take some time in order to do it properly, but it isn’t as complex as most people think. In fact, if you have any do-it-yourself experience at all, you should be able to install a ceiling medallion with very few problems, if any at all.

The steps for to install ceiling medallions are fairly straightforward, but you’ll want a second person to help you simply because you’ll need that extra pair of hands when working on the ceiling over your head.

• If you plan on painting your ceiling medallion, do this first. It’s much easier to paint ceiling medallions, particularly those with lots of detail, before you put them on the ceiling. Final touch-up after installation will take just minutes.
• Turn off the power to the light fixture! Don’t just flick the switch; make sure all power to the wires is turned off at the source (look for your breaker box).
  The plate that holds your light fixture to the ceiling (called an escutcheon plate) should be removed carefully, then unscrew the wire nuts and check to make sure the power is off by using a circuit tester.
• Take down your chandelier by opening one of the links in the chain or disengaging the suspension bar. Set it carefully to one side.
• Pilot holes should be drilled in the ceiling medallion. Using a countersink bit will enable you to mount your ceiling medallions securely with any visible screw heads.
• Make sure the decorative side of the medallion is facing down and feed the wires and chain or suspension bar through the center hole, the re-attach the wires, replacing the wire nuts carefully.
• Re-attach the chandelier to the chain or suspension bar, making sure that the person you’re working with has a firm hold on the chandelier or pendant light.
• Adhesive caulk should be spread generously over the back of the ceiling medallion.
• Be sure you line up your ceiling medallion exactly before pressing it into place. While the caulking is holding your medallion in place, screw it into place using the holes you created earlier. You will usually receive the correct size of screws with any ceiling medallions you purchase.
• You can seal the medallion with caulking so that there are no gaps around the edge, but be sure you carefully clean off any excess wet caulking before it has a chance to dry.
• Cover the screw heads on the medallion with spackling so that the medallion looks like it is simply a natural part of the ceiling. Once dry, sand the spackled area carefully and touch up with the paint you used on the ceiling medallion.
• Turn the power back on, flip the light switch and enjoy the beauty of your new ceiling medallion!

Once you’re done, you’ll be amazed at how much character your ceiling medallions have added to your home’s rooms. You’ll also be anxious to add additional ceiling medallions to your home once you’ve done the first one and discovered just how easy it can be.