Can Glue Up Ceiling Tiles Be Applied to a Textured Surface?

Plaster

• Plaster ceilings often have a textured look similar to that of a wall. The texture is slight, but plenty of grip space remains. With this type of ceiling, the tiles can be glued directly to the texture surface without making any changes.

Paneling

• If the ceiling is already lined with wood paneling, then you have the sturdiest of all textured surfaces. Ceiling tiles can be directly glued to paneling, so long as the paneling does have substantial flat surfacing for attaching the tile to. If the tiling is entirely slatted, then it must be removed before you attach the tile.

Popcorn

• Popcorn ceilings tend to be the bane of most modern homeowners’ existence. Unlike other textured surfaces, tiles cannot be directly glued onto popcorn ceilings. The simplest solution is to install a fresh layer of drywall over the popcorn. This is accomplished by attaching the drywall directly to the studs with drywall nails.

Sheetrock, Drywall or Cement

• If your ceiling is just basic Sheetrock, drywall or cement with texture pressed into the finish, then you can directly attach the tile to the surface with adhesive. However, it might be necessary to secure the edges of the tile with staples for an extra hold.