Modern Art Tiles: Made from a variety of synthetic materials, ceiling tiles can add interesting textural qualities to a ceiling. These tiles are also a useful means of disguising a ceiling that is in poor condition.
Styrofoam acoustic tiles are the most common, and are usually 1 2in (30cm) or 24in (60cm) square with chamfered edges. They should be attached with special Tile adhesive, which must be spread over the whole ceiling. Don't use the "five-blob" method of installing - in a fire, tiles melt away from the glue and drop from the ceiling. modern art tiles tiles are self-extinguishing grade (SX), so they are not a great fire risk.
These big, rustic-looking blue tiles suit this room beautifully. A mix of dark and light tiles have been used to add a bit of interest and their surfaces are nicely uneven - a rustic plus point. Using tiles as a work-surface has many advantages. They're heat resistant, easy to lay and good for chopping on. Remember, though, that white grout can get dirty easily and tiles may crack if you bang heavy pans down on them.
Battens of >5 x 1 in (1.5 x 2.5cm) are enough for most tiles. If they are tongued and grooved, no cross-pieces are necessary, but with some square-edge tiles, it may be best to install cross-pieces between the battens to give support on all edges. Tack the tiles through the edges, or use special clips hidden by the adjoining tiles.
If you wish to paint your tiles, the ideal time to do this is before you put them up. Bear in mind that the surface of non-ceramic tiles is not necessarily robust, and so you need to take a degree of care to avoid damaging them. Use either latex or special fire-retardant paint. Never use gloss paint, since it can contribute to the spread of flames should there be a fire.
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