Ceiling roses are an easy way to add style and ambiance to any room with a light fixture. They are easy to install and relatively cheap to purchase. While the old standard material for ceiling roses were typically plaster, newer models are mostly made from plastics or foam. The shift to lightweight plastic and foam not only makes the product cheaper, it also allows for more flexibility for design possibilities.
When you prepare to install a ceiling rose, first you need to remove the light fixture. Turn the breaker off in the panel box to the area you will be working on. Remove the fixture from the ceiling and cap off the wires with wire nuts. Set the fixture aside until it is needed.
Prepare the ceiling by wiping away any dirt or dust with a damp rag or sponge. Allow the area to thoroughly dry before continuing. If you plan to do any painting on the ceiling, now is the time to paint before you attach the ceiling rose. It’s also a good idea to paint the ceiling rose before you hang it.
Use the manufacturers recommended adhesive for attaching the ceiling rose. Typically, it is a two-part epoxy. It can be used in a standard caulk gun. Before placing any adhesive, dry test the ceiling rose and put it on the ceiling in the desired location. Mark the sides of the ceiling rose with a pencil to ensure the placement is accurate. Make small pencil marks so you can erase them after the ceiling rose has been hung in place. Cut a several small pieces of scrap wood for braces to hold the ceiling rose while the adhesive dries. A good way to secure it while it dries is to place a ladder under the ceiling rose and measure down to the top of the ladder. You can place the blocks of wood on top of the ladder and test fit the ceiling rose with the braces in place. Trim the braces as needed and cover the ends of the wood with a towel to prevent damage to the ceiling rose.
Once the ceiling rose has been centered and the placement marks have been established, it is time to secure the ceiling rose with adhesive. Apply the adhesive to the back of the ceiling rose only. Squirt the adhesive in “S” shaped lines about one inch apart and two inches from any side. This will ensure an even distribution of the adhesive on the ceiling rose and the ceiling and prevent any excess adhesive to spill from the sides when you press the ceiling rose into place.
After you attach the ceiling rose and set the braces, wipe away any excess adhesive from the ceiling rose with a damp sponge. Let the entire project dry overnight before you attach any light fixtures. Once the ceiling rose has dried, caulk the edge of the ceiling rose with painters caulk to cover any seams between the ceiling and the ceiling rose. Re-attach the light fixture and turn on the breaker. Now enjoy your new ceiling rose!
