Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings

There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when finishing a room. You can simply apply a flat paint to the ceiling, or spray or roll on a popcorn textured ceiling. However both these choices seem to be waning in popularity to the Skip Toweled look. The Skip Troweled look provides a compromise between the flat painted ceiling and the popcorn ceiling. It provides texture but to a lesser extent than a traditional popcorn ceiling.

Skip Troweling is relatively simple to do and can be performed by a homeowner who is doing a home addition project.

Skip Troweling should be performed after the sheetrock, mudding and taping are complete. Skip Troweling simply involves applying water downed Joint Compound onto the ceiling and running a trowel over it once.

To Skip Trowel a ceiling, simply water down a batch of Joint Compound to a soupy consistency. Then using a trowel (the pros use a sprayer for large areas) simply spread the material onto the ceiling.

Note that this is a very messy job as there will be significant spillage and dripping. Consequently protect yourself and your floors with eye-protection and plastic on the floors.

If the Joint Compound is of the right consistency the material applied onto the ceiling will begin to form stalactites that dangle from the ceiling. Not too worry as this is what you want to occur.

After the joint compound has begun to dry somewhat, use your trowel to knock off the high points (the stalactites). To do this, simply run your trowel over the now partially stiff joint compound area. The completed surface will have a mottled look.

Let the Joint Compound completely dry then paint the ceiling using a roller.

When employing the Skip Trowel method you can get creative by adding fine sand to the Joint Compound mixture before applying to the ceilings, or by moving the Trowel in a swirling pattern when applying the compound. In addition, some of the pros actually mix paint with the soupy Joint Compound mixture to eliminate the need for applying paint after the material has dried.

About The Author
Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com.

Ceiling Medallions, Crown Molding, and Ceiling Domes: 3 Ways to Add Elegance and Beauty to Any Room

I want to draw attention to your ceiling. Take a look at it. What do you see up there? Ceilings are an often neglected area of the room when it comes time to redecorate (or repair). There are so many things that you can do too, that are inexpensive, yet provide the simple elegance that speaks to your style. Choose decorative ceiling medallions, crown molding, ceiling domes, rosettes, or panel molding, just to name a few. Three of my favorite ways to accent a ceiling: ceiling medallions, ceiling domes, and crown molding.

One of the easiest and least time-consuming projects is the installation of a ceiling medallion. Although in the past they were made from plaster, today these decorative ornaments are made of lightweight polyurethane foam. This makes them much easier to handle. Ceiling medallions are used to draw attention to chandeliers and light fixtures, or to enhance crown molding. They can also be combined with a rosette and used to decorate an otherwise plain ceiling. You can use these architectural ornaments as wall decorations. Use several small ones in the hallway. Ceiling medallions are versatile and come in many styles and sizes. They can be painted to match any room. Ceiling medallions are one of the most popular architectural details.

Ceiling domes are similar to ceiling medallions in that they can transform any room into a work of art. However, they are larger and actually recessed into the ceiling, necessitating that they be planned for at the time of construction. Ceiling domes effectively enhance a foyer, dining room, living room, or even the bathroom.

Crown molding, also referred to as crown moulding, or cornice, is probably THE most important architectural element used to define any interior space. Most of today's interior designers agree that every room benefits from the use of crown molding treatment. Crown molding smoothes the transition from wall to ceiling and does much to define the architectural style of a room. The size and style of crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice in a grand entry.

These are just a few of the architectural designs and accents you can use to enhance the overall experience of all who enter into your home. Just don't forget the ceiling!

About The Author
Patricia Tomaskovic is the President of http://www.goceilingmedallion.com. Copyright2005. Visit us soon and register for the monthly drawing. We look forward to serving you.

Ceiling Questions - Different Kinds Of Ceilings?

* What is a French ceiling?

It is a ceiling that is designed by its founders, Jean and Marie Gachet. The design came up after Jean Gachet coupled the stretched ceiling technology (which is relatively popular in lost ceiling designs in France) and his passion for traditional materials. He has created a ceiling finish system that is attractive as well as versatile and dependable. In addition, it is also a perfect complement to any decoration, whether contemporary, traditional, or everything in between. It can also be used in conjunction with thermal insulation and soundproofing purposes.

* What is a tin ceiling?

A tin ceiling is manufactured from various kinds of metals which include copper, tin, steel, and brass. Basically, it comes in the form of large rolls that, when laid, are stamped into a wide array of designs. It can then be cut and used for residential as well as commercial structures.

Most of these tin ceiling plates come in two standard sizes: 2’ x 2’ or and 2’ x 4’. The large standard size is commonly used on commercial structures and preferred by many with regards to drop-in ceiling installation.

* How do I clean my vaulted ceiling?

A vaulted ceiling is your ceiling that closely traces your roof line so that it looks like much of your roof. Before cleaning, you need to cover your floor, carpet, or furniture with plastic or any cloth that will catch the spill. After which, you may use a squeegee placed at the end of an extension pole or a broomstick and start cleaning your vaulted ceiling. If you want to clean it completely, use a scaffolding adjusted on a preferred height and use a cloth dipped in a cleaning solution to wipe your ceiling with any dirt or stain.

* When should I use acoustical ceiling tiles?

If you are living in an apartment and you do not like the noise that the children of your co-tenants on the floor above are making, acoustical ceiling tiles are the best material to fit in your ceiling. Similarly, if you do not want to hear the splattering sound of heavy rains, you may use acoustical ceiling tiles. These tiles are made for soundproofing and noise reduction purposes.

* How much will a new ceiling cost?

The cost of the new ceiling varies according to performance features and product designs. The typical cost of a new ceiling within a 10' x 12' room is estimated to be from $50 to $200. However, such cost does not cover installation costs or suspension system expenses.

* What is a fire rated ceiling?

A fire rated ceiling secures a particular structure (a house, commercial building, or others) from extreme heat and potential collapse in case it is scorched by fire. It provides a strong barrier between the area where the fire occurs and the floor above.

About The Author
Carrie Goyer is a regular contributor to ceiling and tile-related resources such as http://www.CeilingsFAQ.com