Is it possible to paint tiles on the ceiling? How to paint and how to update foam ceiling tiles

The process of interior renovation may include not only the creation of fundamentally new coatings wall panels and the ceiling, but also painting tiles, foam ceiling tiles that were installed several years ago. This will not only provide an opportunity to update the interior with minimal costs, but will also allow you to add new notes to the design, spending only on the purchase of paints and varnishes. Decide how to paint ceiling tiles made of polystyrene foam, it is possible not only based on existing considerations for updating the interior, but also for the purpose of applying a protective and decorative layer to it at the same time.

Foam tiles on the ceiling are not only possible, but also need to be painted if they are not to be replaced in the near future. Painting foam ceiling tiles is possible both when its surface is laminated and when ceiling covering originally intended for coloring. In both options, the choice suitable remedy decoration depends on the type of slabs used, as well as on the imagination of the home owner who decided to breathe into them new life.

When asked whether it is possible to paint foam ceiling tiles, any repair and finishing works will definitely give a positive answer. Some manufacturers initially label similar products, as intended for painting, because foam tiles are produced predominantly in white or yellowish colors, and in this form they look quite cheap and treacherously reveal the texture of the original material.

A wide selection of coloring agents and their varied range of colors enable a person decorating his home to choose not only any shade of the visible spectrum, but also the most optimal coating in terms of durability.

Related article: Features of painting gates and choice of paint

If you decide what you can use to paint foam ceiling tiles while standing at the shelves of a construction supermarket, you may be somewhat confused by the assortment on offer. Modern chemistry polymers and the construction industry have made it multivariate and hassle-free to choose the right product to solve the problem than paint polystyrene foam ceiling tiles.

Existing paints and their suitability for the process

The ceiling made of foam plastic, unlike plastic or plastic, which can only be replaced, is painted with water-based paint, thereby acquiring a new and expensive look.

When deciding what to paint ceiling tiles or a foam ceiling with, you can only focus on the state of the budget allocated for this. The most affordable and simplest type of tile coating is water-based paint. Should be excluded from the general assortment oil paints, since it is generally accepted that they can damage painted foam during the drying process, alkyds and those containing solvents such as acetone are not very suitable for the same reason.

Water-based paint is one of the best options for work aimed at painting tiles.

Water based paint

These compositions, which have been used successfully for decades, have acquired excellent performance properties with the development of the construction industry and are excellent for ceiling tiles made of certain material. When deciding how to update a ceiling finished with decorative foam, first of all, you should think about good old paint on water based. Using a water emulsion in this process you can achieve excellent results.

Moreover, paints from this category have many excellent properties in use:

resistant to the growth of mold and mildew;
relatively fireproof;
relatively cheap;
differ in duration of use;
extremely easy to use;
easy to apply to the surface with any suitable painting tool;
Available in a wide range of colors;
dry easily and quickly;
the surfaces with which they are painted can be washed during use.

Of the few disadvantages in use, we can only recall poor adhesiveness to previously painted surfaces, but if foam tiles have not been painted before, you can safely make a choice in favor of this category. Painting an old coating and breathing new life into it with the help of such compositions can be absolutely hassle-free if there are restrictions on time or available funds.

Polyacrylates as an optimal solution

The second group of more modern and relatively new technologies, in the manufacture of which polyacrylates are used, is acrylic paints. When deciding what is the best way to paint old foam tiles, it is worth remembering the undeniable advantages that such paints have. An alternative to acrylic paints is only possible when the price component plays a decisive role. In all other cases, a person familiar with the advantages of paints with polyacrylates will decide that it is worth covering with compositions from this group.

Such paints have undeniable advantages, they are:

bright;
hygienic;
resistant to fading;
not subject to temperature influences;
insensitive to moisture;
dry well;
elastic and durable.

This means that when creating a protective layer, you not only don’t have to worry that the tile will be damaged, but, on the contrary, it will sparkle with new colors and take on the appearance of new for quite a long time. Moreover, you don’t need to purchase any specific means and methods for painting the ceiling with such paints, and you can get by with old, proven painting tools.

What is easier and how to paint

The process of painting with water-based paint is quite simple and cheap, but will require some time. The problem is not that you need to cover furniture and walls from paint. Even if this happens, it is quite easy to remove with a soap solution. No preliminary layer is required for the water emulsion, but to create a homogeneous and good coverage, it will need to be applied 2 or even 3 times.

Each of these layers must dry for 10-12 hours before subsequent application. This means that at least a day will have to be devoted to applying layers of paint. In the morning, in the evening and the next morning.

To create an even layer of acrylic paint, the surface will have to be coated with an acrylic primer, which will give the base coat greater adhesiveness. But, if this is not done, the paint will also have to be applied in several layers. It is this circumstance that complicates the use of latex paints for painting a foam surface, because applying latex in several layers can lead to peeling of only the applied coating.

Painting ceiling tiles allows you to give the finish the desired shade. In most cases the material of this type has a basic White color, which is very convenient for additional decoration.

Ceiling preparation

The popularity of ceiling tiles is explained by a number of advantages of this finishing material. This nice stylistic solution is characterized by an optimal ratio of cost and decorative characteristics. The variety of slab designs allows you to choose the most best option for finishing various rooms. Low cost and variety are by no means the only strengths polystyrene foam tiles.

Among other advantages of this material for finishing the ceiling are the following:

Washability. Excellent moisture-resistant characteristics allow the slabs to withstand any wet cleaning and cleaning the surface from dust using a vacuum cleaner.
Long term operation. The service life declared by the manufacturers is up to 10 years.
Good quality. Despite the low cost, such finishing cannot be accused of being unpretentious or rustic.
Wide selection of textures and patterns. The basic white color can be easily changed by painting the ceiling tiles with water-based paint.

Only polystyrene foam ceiling tiles can be painted. Plastic or laminated analogues do not have this advantage. Some users, due to inexperience, begin to paint plastic, which ultimately leads to damage to the finish. The same applies to laminated products: such experiments can lead to the replacement of the entire skin.

Selection of paint for ceiling tiles

Having received an affirmative answer to the question whether it is possible to paint foam ceiling tiles, they proceed to choosing a suitable product. There are only two options for what paint to paint the ceiling tiles with. We are talking about acrylic and water-based composition. Use others for these purposes paints and varnishes absolutely not recommended. Only the specified compositions have the most suitable performance characteristics, including quick drying and durability.

Acrylic and water-based paints They have a fairly wide range. This makes the task of choosing what to paint the ceiling tiles much easier. Materials of this type have the necessary strength, density, washability, water-repellent properties, resistance to mold and excellent decorative characteristics.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic compounds are excellent option when choosing what paint to paint foam ceiling tiles. The high popularity of materials in this line is explained by their reliability, bright colors, the ability to hide the surface well and dry quickly.

Among the undoubted advantages acrylic paints The following can be highlighted:

Saturation of shades. This makes it possible to radically change any room.
Easy to apply. Painting is much faster than when using oil-based paints.
High resistance to various aggressive influences.
Absence of volatile substances harmful to humans.
The elasticity of the material avoids the formation of streaks and bulges.
Vapor permeability. This prevents the effect of blocking the room. Very useful property when used in the kitchen and bathroom.
There is absolutely no unpleasant odor during drying.

Acrylic paint for foam ceiling tiles forms a dense, uniform coating on the base. It is not prone to dust accumulation, resists moisture well and withstands temperature changes. When choosing acrylic composition its high cost should be taken into account. When the service life ends, decorative layer starts to wear off.

Water-based

We are talking about very high-quality paint, the kind used to paint ceiling tiles. The performance characteristics of the material are at a very decent level, quite comparable with acrylic analogues. The range of shades here is also quite large.

Water-based compositions have a number of strengths:

Cheapness. From a financial point of view, water-based emulsion is much more affordable than its acrylic counterpart.
Excellent vapor tightness.
High level environmental safety, which allows painting in residential areas.
Easy to use without any unpleasant odor.

Before whitewashing ceiling tiles with water-based paint, you need to take into account the low durability of this material in relation to moisture. In addition, the decorative layer quickly becomes dirty. Therefore, it is recommended to paint ceiling tiles with water-based paint in dry, clean rooms, such as a hallway or bedroom.

When choosing the type of paint for your home, first of all, take into account functional purpose premises and renovation budget. It's better to invest in quality material, which will last longer and will initially have better decorative properties. Also, when finishing the floor, it is important to use ceiling tiles that can be painted. As mentioned above, it is better not to use plastic or laminate products for this.

Painting rules

Before painting ceiling tiles with water-based paint, you must take all necessary measures to protect floors and walls. If this is not done, upon completion of the work you will have to spend a lot of time washing off the dried drops. It is recommended that the room where repairs are carried out be cleared of all items and furniture that can be removed. Objects that are too heavy are moved in one line to the center of the room and covered with thick film. When starting work, it is advisable to put on work clothes and a headdress.

The technology for applying paint to ceiling tiles is as follows:

Use putty to seal the joint areas between adjacent tiles. As a rule, after gluing there are small gaps left that the paint cannot cover. This will allow you to achieve a monolithic finish: after the paint dries, it will look like plaster. Instead of putty, it is allowed to use acrylic sealant.
Preparation of paint composition. Before doing this, you need to carefully study the instructions on the plastic bucket. As a rule, the manufacturer recommends diluting the first layer a little with water (10-20%). In addition, to give the paint the required shade, the desired dye is introduced into its composition. To make the texture of the finish rough, add a little sand to the composition.
All areas of the ceiling where putty was used must be carefully sanded with a paint brush. sandpaper № 120.
The finished paint is poured into a special plastic block, where it is possible to roll out the roller. You can start painting the ceiling tiles with water-based paint from any corner, carefully dipping and rolling out the roller.

For decorating areas along the walls near ceiling plinth It is more convenient to use a painting brush with soft bristles. The same goes for the grooves and patterns on the tile itself. Quite often you have to deal with a relief pattern that needs careful painting.
Having painted the area that can be grabbed from the construction sawhorse, you need to get down to the floor and move the sawhorse to another corner. In this case, the distance should be enough to normally align the border in the middle. This area needs special attention because... This is where the influx most often remains.
After the entire ceiling area has been painted, you need to walk around the room and carefully examine the surface of the tiles for gaps. All detected defects are removed with a small brush.

In order to obtain a high-quality finish, it is recommended to carry out another painting. Before doing this, you need to wait for the first layer to dry.

Foam ceiling tiles are very popular due to their reasonable price, ease of installation and many decoration options. Since this product is most often produced in white or light pastel colors, some varieties of ceiling tiles can be painted to create a finish that matches the style and color of your interior. However, when choosing a dye, you need to be very careful, because some paints contain aggressive solvents that can melt the foam and completely ruin the surface. That is why it is worth finding out in advance how to paint foam ceiling tiles.

In principle, these products do not need to be painted. If you are satisfied with the white relief surface of the finish, then you can leave it without painting. However, over time, the foam turns yellow, absorbs dirt and grease, so the owners of such ceilings have a question about how to update the ceiling from foam tiles. To refresh the surface, it can be whitened or painted with interior paints.

Painting of finishing foam panels is carried out in the following cases:

If the slabs have already been in use for some time, as a result of which they have turned yellow, then painting will return the surfaces to their former fresh look.
After flooding, rusty streaks and stains may remain on the surface of the slabs that cannot be washed off. The only way to hide them is to paint the ceiling.
If the finish is used in the kitchen, where surfaces are often contaminated with soot and grease, then painting is the only way to refresh the ceiling and hide stubborn stains.
This procedure is also performed immediately after gluing the slabs in order to give the surface the required shade that matches the color of the entire interior.
Some types of paints protect the product from absorbing moisture, dust, dirt and make it easier to care for the coating, so painting is done to protect the surface and extend its service life. This is especially true for porous pressed panels.

Pros and cons of painting tiles

Before updating ceiling tiles with painting, it is worth studying the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

The positive aspects of painting slabs include the following:

painting the ceiling allows you to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the coating and obtain the surface of the desired shade;
interior paints protect some types of panels from absorbing dirt and dust, and the paint layer also makes it easier to care for the surface;
porous tiles become denser and stronger after painting, which in the best possible way affects the service life of the coating;
some types of slabs without painting turn yellow over time, so painting will prevent this phenomenon or get rid of the yellowness if it has appeared;
It is recommended to paint seamless slabs to hide the seams between separate elements;
Also, the advantages include great possibilities in terms of decorating the ceiling (you can paint individual elements of the tiles, combine two colors, alternate painted tiles in a checkerboard pattern);
painted ceiling slabs look very nice in combination with foam stucco moldings, moldings, decorative beams and baguettes;
by painting, you can achieve the effect of an antique surface (for this, individual parts of the tile are painted with gold or silver paint, which is applied with a sponge to create unevenness and gaps in the paint layer).

The disadvantages of coloring include the need to purchase additional tools And Supplies to carry out work. Also, over time, the paint layer can fade and change shade, so it will have to be renewed periodically.

Tools and materials for work

Before painting the ceiling made of foam tiles, you need to prepare necessary materials and tools:

The paint can be applied with a long-handled roller with a soft bristle coat, a spray gun or a brush with natural bristles.
You will also need a tray with a ribbed surface for pouring paint and squeezing out the roller.
For working at height, it is more convenient to use a stepladder or scaffolding.
To protect yourself from paint, prepare glasses, a hat and gloves.
To protect the wall surface from accidental painting, you will need masking tape.
You also need plastic film to protect the floor and furniture from paint.

Advice! The spray gun is suitable for painting embossed ceiling coverings. Smooth surface with a minimum of protruding parts, paint with a roller. Large relief parts and hard-to-reach places are first painted with a brush, and then the entire plane of the slabs is rolled over with a roller.

What colors can you paint panels with?

It’s time to talk about how you can paint foam ceiling tiles. If you choose the appropriate coloring composition, the result of the work will please you, and the coating will last much longer while maintaining the beauty and attractiveness of the surface.

When choosing paints, pay attention to the following characteristics of the coloring composition:

adhesion strength to the base;
resistance to moisture;
structure density;
resistance to fading and detergents;
the mixture should not emit an unpleasant odor or be harmful to health;
It is important to consider the service life of the paint coating.

Attention! The most important requirement is that the paint should not contain solvents that react with the foam and dissolve it. That is, use paints that do not contain toluene, white spirit or acetone as solvents.

Water-based emulsion and acrylic paint are suitable for painting foam plastic ceiling panels:

Mixtures based on acrylic polymers and resins are considered universal and are very popular for their numerous advantages, which include the following:

convenience and ease of use;
non-toxic paint;
does not smell;
quick drying;
the coating does not interfere with the natural air exchange of the surface;
does not fade in the sun;
resistance to temperature changes;
does not change color over time;
the coating can be wet cleaned;
large selection of colors.

Important! The disadvantage of acrylic paints is their rather high price, but this cost is paid off by long-term use. To protect against delamination, paint is applied thin layer. It is recommended to do 2-3 layers.

Water-based paints are made from water. They contain pigments and polymers. It is better to apply the paint in a thick layer to avoid cracking and peeling. Due to its loose structure, the paint layer quickly absorbs contaminants. Another disadvantage is that the surface cannot be washed or rubbed intensively due to low moisture resistance. The advantages of water-based emulsions include the following:

low cost;
non-toxic;
adheres well to any base;
high drying speed;
Any tools are suitable for applying paint, because stripes do not remain;
high vapor permeability of the paint layer;
Pigments can be added to obtain the desired shade.

DIY dyeing technique

Painting of foam ceiling tiles is carried out after preparatory work. First you need to remove the furniture from the room or cover everything plastic film to protect against paint. The floor and walls are also covered with film. At the junction of the wall surface and the ceiling, glue a strip masking tape to protect against accidental staining of the contacting surface. If skirting boards are glued along the perimeter of the ceiling or there are protruding beams on the surface that will not be painted, then the junction points are also sealed with masking tape.

If the ceiling has recently been covered with slabs, then fill the seams between the individual elements with acrylic sealant. In the case of painting an old, previously used coating, the surface is thoroughly cleaned of contaminants. To remove cobwebs and dust, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment. Some stains can be washed off with soapy water. After washing, the surface should dry well. If the seams between the old tiles have dried out, they are filled with putty. It is also recommended to prime the surface of old panels with an acrylic primer, which is applied in two layers.

We've sorted out the preparation of the surface, now we'll tell you in detail how to paint ceiling tiles with water-based paint:

First, make sure that the humidity and temperature in the room correspond to the parameters for working with paint, which are indicated on the container with the mixture.
Use a brush to paint the coating hard to reach places ah (behind heating or water risers), at the junction of walls and ceiling. This tool is also used to paint protruding, relief parts on the surface.
After this, the work is carried out using a roller. They start painting from any corner of the room. The roller is dipped in paint poured into a tray and rolled over the ribbed surface to evenly distribute the paint mixture and remove excess paint.
We paint the surface using reciprocating movements. In this case, adjacent strips of paint should overlap each other slightly. In the first layer, we make movements with the roller in the direction perpendicular to the window opening. We paint the second layer along the windows in the room.
To prevent the coating from showing through, it is better to apply the paint in 3 layers. Before each painting, the previous layer must dry completely.

Advice! To achieve matte slabs with glossy raised parts, paint the entire piece with matte acrylic paint. When it dries, cover individual parts with glossy varnish. In addition to the surface texture, details can be highlighted in a different color.

Which tiles are prohibited from being painted?

But before updating the surface of the foam finishing layer, you need to answer the question: is it possible to paint foam ceiling tiles? Not all types of foam panels can be painted.

It is important to remember the following:

porous pressed products not only can, but also need to be painted to protect against the absorption of dirt and facilitate surface care;
injection products can also be painted and repainted using acrylic and water-based compositions;
extruded boards without lamination can also be painted with any suitable paint;
It is forbidden to paint panels with a laminated film coating (they are already resistant to dirt and have protective layer, on which no paint will lie smoothly).

Even with the help of such a simple and inexpensive finishing material as foam panels, you can create a beautiful and original ceiling covering. It is only important to choose the right coloring composition, it color scheme taking into account the type of slabs and the purpose of the room, as well as the general colors of the interior.

Foam ceiling tiles - budget and practical solution in interior design. The disadvantage of the products is that they are often produced in a single white color. A ceiling with such tiles looks fresh, but boring, over time it gets boring and turns gray from house dust. From this article you will learn how to paint ceiling tiles so that they look neat and “sparkle” in a new way.

Types of ceiling tiles

All modern ceiling tiles are made from expanded polystyrene, a type of foam made by extrusion. But this method has its own characteristics, which make it possible to obtain ceiling tiles of different configurations and properties.

There are 3 types of products in total:

Stamped - made by pressing after laying sheets of expanded polystyrene in a special form. This is the simplest and cheapest type of finishing, which does not differ in the variety of decor. The surface of the tile turns out to be porous and rough, and during the gluing process the joints may turn out uneven.
Cast - sheets of base material are exposed to steam and sintered in molds. The geometry of the finished pressed product is more pretentious, with strict adherence to dimensions. This is the highest quality and most wear-resistant type of tile. Cast products are glued without visible seams, are distinguished by increased strength and clarity of the pattern.
Laminated - tiles are made by vacuum molding and covered with a layer of lamination. Due to its moisture resistance, it is suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. Possesses minimum thickness from all varieties and clear decor with a three-dimensional effect.

Can ceiling tiles be painted?

Whether or not the tiles can be painted can be found in the instructions for finishing material. On the packaging, the manufacturer must indicate its features and recommendations regarding coloring.

The lowest aesthetic and practical characteristics has stamped tiles. Due to its porosity and roughness, it requires the application of a layer of paint, which will smooth out surface irregularities and improve the appearance of the ceiling.

Cast tiles are an improved version of stamping with increased practicality. It does not require painting, but the surface can be given the desired shade at the request of the owner.

The dye will prevent the absorption of dust and dirt, which will extend the life of the finish.

There is no point in painting laminated tiles - they are already covered with a protective and decorative layer. In addition, when painting, stains will remain on the surface, and the appearance will only deteriorate.

What paints are suitable for painting tiles?

Before you begin the process of coloring polystyrene foam, you must choose the right dye, otherwise the material will be damaged. Foam tiles do not tolerate contact with:

alcohol-containing mixtures;
alkyd enamels;
nitro paints;
varnishes;
chlorine-substituted compounds;
solutions containing acetone, gasoline and acetic acid.

We will consider paints compatible with polystyrene foam below.

Acrylic

The main component of this group of paints is acrylic - polymer material transparent texture with high mechanical characteristics. It is acrylic that acts as a binding component of all components of the coloring mixture. It provides long-term operation, low abrasion, strength and ease of application of the solution. The right shade is achieved by adding pigment to the composition in the form of a fine powdery mass of organic or synthetic origin.

Advantages of acrylate-based paints:

dry quickly;
do not emit strong unpleasant odors;
easy to apply due to elastic texture;
have a rich, rich palette of colors and shades;
do not attract dust and dirt;
ensure durability of the coating.

The disadvantage of this type of paint is its tendency to peel and form blisters.

Water-based

The “water emulsion” contains water, pigment inclusions and polymer substances that give the mixture certain properties. The simplest type of water-based paint is mineral containing lime or cement. It is compatible with all types of surfaces except metals, but has a short service life.

What is good about “water emulsion”:

environmental cleanliness and absence of toxic fumes;
ease and speed of application using a roller, brush or spray;
low flammability coefficient;
low cost.

Disadvantages: instability to dirt and humidity, less saturated shades. To make the palette more expressive, it is recommended to choose synthetic rather than organic pigments.

Craftsmen advise purchasing paint for ceiling tiles in excess and mixing the entire volume with colorant. If there is not enough solution, it will be very difficult to reproduce the same shade, and you will end up with a different tone on the surface.

Latex

Latex paint is the most expensive option for covering ceiling tiles. Depending on the size of the fraction of the components included in the composition, the product helps to achieve a matte, semi-matte or glossy effect. This gives wide scope for implementing design ideas and adjusting the features of the ceiling.

Advantages of the material:

provides the most durable, durable and moisture-resistant coating;
suitable for rooms with high requirements;
has low consumption;
has high vapor permeability, which serves as protection against condensation.

Flaws - high price; glossy varieties require a perfectly flat surface.

Tools and accessories

To carry out the work, it is necessary to prepare the following tools and materials:

rollers, brushes of convenient shapes and sizes;
sprayer (if necessary);
container with water;
2 containers – for primer and for paint;
ready-made coloring mixture with pigment;
priming agent;
putty and spatula (for old tiles);
sealant;
foam sponge;
rags;
cleaners;
ladder;
protective masking film or newspapers.

It is necessary to take care of overalls, gloves, and headgear. Be sure to get safety glasses - painting the ceiling is very difficult, and getting paint in your eyes can cause health problems.

Painting technology

In the dyeing process, every detail is important - from choosing the “right” product and quality preparation to following the technology for applying the composition.

Preparation

First you need to protect all surfaces that should not come into contact with paint, primer and other means. It is easiest to cover the floor and furnishings with plastic wrap, but old newspapers can be used for the same purpose. All small-sized furniture and items should be removed from the premises. Glue a wide strip of masking tape at the junction of the ceiling and walls - it will prevent accidental staining of the walls.

If you plan to paint new tiles, all joints between elements and walls are sealed with acrylic sealant. If the tiles are old and the joints have partially collapsed, you should use putty to seal them, having previously primed the surface.

Check the quality of the glued tile - if its corners have “moved away” from the base, they will have to be glued with finishing putty.

All the remnants of the "finish" and ordinary putty can be easily removed with fine-grained sandpaper.

Padding

The primer layer will allow the paint to lay down in an even layer and will also hide surface unevenness. The primer is most often performed on old tiles, which requires deeper recovery. But first, the ceiling will have to be washed and dust and dirt removed. If the work is carried out in the kitchen, grease-dissolving agents and a foam sponge are used for washing. You must try to remove all stains, otherwise they may appear even through a layer of new paint.

The ideal base option would be a water-based acrylic primer, which is absolutely safe for polystyrene foam. It is applied to the main area with a roller, and fine work At joints and in hard-to-reach areas, apply with a small brush. One primer coat will be enough, but if the tiles are heavily soiled, you can apply the primer again.

Due to the high relief of the ceiling tiles, they should be primed with a wide long-pile or medium-pile roller.

Painting

Application technology using ready-made water-based paint as an example:

Pour a portion of paint into a container.
Dip the roller into the mixture, and after wetting, squeeze it lightly so that the paint does not drip from the bristles.
Apply paint to the ceiling using gentle strokes, in the direction of the light falling from the windows. There is no need to bring the roller close to the wall; it is better to paint the remaining gap with a thin brush.
When the first coat dries, apply another one, this time in the opposite direction. After the second layer has dried, apply the third, perpendicular to the previous one.

Acrylic and latex paints are applied according to the same scheme, but 1-2 layers will be enough.

Tips for successful painting

The paint layer should be as thin as possible, otherwise the coating will begin to bubble and peel off.
The shade of the ceiling will be uniform if you move the brush or roller strictly in one direction within one layer.
A semi-dry roller will help remove excess paint from the ceiling.
Tile with deep relief is easiest to process with a spray gun, which allows you to paint over difficult areas and create an ideal surface.
The next layer of dye can be applied only after the previous one has completely dried.
Until the product has dried, windows and doors should be kept closed.
The quality of tile processing can be assessed using a lamp, directing a beam of light from different directions.

An easier way to paint ceiling tiles is before gluing them to the wall. But in this case, the coating will take on a less complete appearance, since it will not be possible to seal the joints between the individual elements.

Useful video

Check out visually how to paint ceiling tiles:

Foam tiles have become popular thanks to easy installation, affordable price and good appearance. Most often it is used for final finishing of the ceiling. In order for this material to retain its properties and attractiveness longer, it must be painted. How can you paint foam ceiling tiles?

Why paint a foam tile ceiling? There are two reasons:

The coloring composition plays protective function. It protects the coating from sudden changes in temperature, high level humidity and various damages. If you use paint with water-repellent properties, the tiles can be washed.
A painted ceiling will decorate the interior. Dye a certain color will help you decorate the room in the chosen style. In addition, it will protect the foam from yellowing.

Types of coloring agents

The question of how to paint ceiling tiles should be taken seriously. Not all formulations are suitable for these purposes. In particular, you cannot use those that contain acetone. You should not buy alkyd and oil paints. They have good decorative properties, however, the finished coating will be fragile. Perfect option– water-based and acrylic paints.

They have a lot of advantages:

absolutely safe for human health;
dry in a very short period of time;
easy to apply;
form a durable coating;
have a large assortment;
vapor permeable;
excellent resistance to fire and pathogens.

But there are also several disadvantages:

If you cover polystyrene in several layers, the coating may peel off over time.
In rooms that are too humid, mold may appear on the ceiling.
It is better to apply paint to a clean, previously unpainted surface.

They also have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

resistance to moisture and high temperatures;

strength of the finished coating;
resistance to direct sunlight;
a wide range of;
environmental friendliness;
quick drying;
easy application.

Among the shortcomings we can highlight quite high cost and low vapor permeability. In addition, acrylic dye should not be applied in a thick layer, as it will peel off.
It is recommended to paint only foam ceiling. It is better to avoid painting laminated tiles.

Preparatory work

Before you paint the ceiling tiles, you need to prepare everything you need:

ladder;
container for dye;
eye protection glasses;
brush or roller;
work clothes.

Even before painting the foam ceiling tiles begins, it is necessary to remove all furniture from the room and household appliances. If something cannot be removed, you should cover it with plastic. It is also recommended to cover the walls and floor if they are already finished. TO preparatory work This also applies to puttying the joints between individual tiles.

Painting with acrylic dye

The workflow will consist of several stages:

Work can begin only after the floor, walls, furniture, etc. are completely covered. The tile itself must be cleaned of dust using a dry cloth or a regular brush.
Apply the first layer acrylic primer. Thanks to it, the paint layer will lie more evenly.
Dilute the composition with water. Pour into prepared container. Check how the paint will look on the tiles by painting small area ceiling.
You can paint with either a roller or a brush. The brush is used to reach hard to reach areas. Roller movements must be made in one direction - this is the only way to achieve uniform coverage.
You may need to apply a second coat to achieve a richer shade. This should be done only after the first one is completely dry.
If there are any patterns on the tiles, you should use a spray gun. It will help to paint even small details and recesses.

Painting with water-based dye

Painting foam ceiling tiles with water-based emulsion is easy. The set of tools and devices is not much different from the previous case.

The workflow looks something like this:

Carefully paint the places where the ceiling connects to the walls. How to do it? Dip the brush into the paint, squeeze it out and apply a strip about 5 cm wide around the perimeter of the ceiling. When using a roller, this will help protect the walls from contamination.
The coloring composition must be applied in three layers. It is better to do this with a wide roller. First you need to paint in the direction of the light from the window. It is recommended to start from the left corner of the wall on which there is a window.
If there is excess paint on the tile, you can remove it with the same roller. It is advisable to squeeze it well so that there is no product left on it.
The second layer is applied only when the previous one has completely dried. Application is carried out perpendicular to the first.
After the second layer has dried, you can begin to apply the third. This time the movements come from the corner of the wall, which stands opposite the window. The roller must be moved in the direction of the light. At this stage of work, experts recommend using a new roller. This will help make the coating as even as possible.

It will take about 12 hours for each new layer to dry completely. It is important to wait this time before continuing.

Until the tiles are completely dry, it is not advisable to open windows and doors in the room. You also need to protect it from direct sunlight.

You can check the quality of work using light. It is enough to point it at the ceiling and check for the presence or absence of smudges and other errors.

Can foam ceiling tiles be painted? Yes, if it is not laminated. For painting, either water-based paints or acrylics are used. They can be painted in several layers, each subsequent after the previous one has dried.