Acoustic Ceiling Systems require no more maintenance than painted drywall ceilings.  However,  when maintenance is necessary, certain procedure should be followed to insure continued high performance and attractive appearance.

Removing Dust and Loose  Dirt.
Dust and loose dirt may easily be removed by brushing or vacuum cleaner.  Vacuum cleaner attachments such as those designed for cleaning upholstery or walls do the best job.  Be certain to clean in one direction only.  This will prevent rubbing dust into the surface of the ceiling.

Cleaning-Spots, Dirt Marks.
Use soft art gum eraser to remove small spots, dirt marks and streaks. For larger areas, use a sponge rubber pad, or wallpaper cleaner. Make sure the sponge rubber pad or wallpaper cleaner is in fresh condition. Touch up nicks and scratches with chalk. 

Washing
Do not moisten tile excessively. Never soak tile with water. Wash by light application of sponge dampened by mild liquid detergent solution: about one half capful in one gallon water. After saturating the sponge, squeeze nearly dry, then lightly rub the surface to be cleaned.

Painting Recommendation Precaution
When painting, avoid clogging or bridging surface openings so that it will not close up the perforations or fissures of the material. It is through these openings in the surface that sound waves enter the body of the acoustical material and are absorbed.  

Use a paint of high hiding power since it is desirable to keep the number of coats of paint to a minimum on acoustical tile. Hiding character of paint is a particularly important consideration when a single coat is expected to cover stains or change the color of the tile. Some paint manufacturers provide specific formulations which have high hiding power, low combustibility and are not likely to bridge openings in the tile. Where ever possible, apply paint of this type. In all cases, apply paint as thinly as possible. 

Spray painting will result in a more uniform coating on embossed or irregular surfaces.  For best results, panels should be removed from grid suspension system, laid flat for painting,  and allowed to dry thoroughly while still flat before reinstallation. This method eliminates the costly operation of masking walls and covering furniture.  It also provides for easier cleaning and/or repainting of the grid while the panels are being repainted. 

Painting Method
First remove all dust and dirt from surface to be repainted. Use interior acrylic or vinyl latex or alkyd paints manufactured by reputable companies; and follow manufacturer’s instructions for thinning and application. Avoid heavy brush pressure in applying paint. In spraying paint, keep spray gun pressure low and apply minimum coverage for adequate hiding.  Apply it with a stream directed perpendicularly to the surface of the material, moving the gun back and forth to get a uniform coating. Under normal conditions,  one coat should be sufficient. 

Spot Painting. Spot paint badly stained areas first; then apply paint to entire ceiling area.

Severe stains should be treated before repainting to prevent bleed through. 

Fire Performance. If repainting is required, in a public building, for example, choose paint with extra care. Paint may increase the Flame Spread Classification of acoustical materials already installed. Several paint manufacturers offer formulations that are classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in their Building Materials Directory.

The type of paint selected or misapplication can affect the fire performance and acoustical properties of the ceiling product. back to top

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