Field painting your drop ceiling

While it may seem like a simple way to refresh a space, not all ceiling tiles should be painted. Painting your Armstrong ceiling tiles (with a few exceptions) will affect acoustic performance, sag/humidity resistance, and fire resistance, and void your warranty. Before you paint your ceiling tiles, here are some things to consider.

• Are there structural issues? If the tiles are sagging, warped, broken, or have significant cracks, replacement is necessary. Painting will not fix tile damage and may even highlight the issues.

• Is there mold or mildew present? If ceiling tiles are affected by mold or mildew, replacement is your only option. Painting over mold can lead to health issues and won't address the underlying problem.

• Is painting worth the time and money? While installing a brand new grid and ceiling tiles can be a longer project than painting tiles, it comes with a fresh warranty, compliant fire resistance for commercial buildings, and the look you want directly from the manufacturer. For a quicker project, you can replace the ceiling tiles in your suspended grid in less time than it takes to paint. Depending on the style of tile, replacement is typically less expensive than painting.

Top 10 tips for painting ceiling tiles

Here are our top 10 tips on how to carefully paint your ceiling tiles to maintain as much of their acoustical properties and appearance as possible. Please note that outside of small areas of touch-up paint, Armstrong does not recommend painting ceiling tiles.

1. Remove tiles from the grid, lay them flat to paint, and let them dry thoroughly before reinstallation.

2. Remove loose dust with a brush or vacuum.

3. Thin the paint as recommended by the manufacturer; thick paint can clog perforations, affecting sound absorption.

4. Apply the paint perpendicularly to the surface in a smooth, even pass.

5. Under normal conditions, a single coat should be sufficient for an even finish.

6. Avoid painting PVC, vinyl, and laminated surfaces, like MDF planks. Tiles with vinyl or other laminated finishes should not be painted. The smooth, sealed surface prevents the paint from adhering properly and can lead to issues with peeling and flaking over time.

7. Consider freshening up the grid as well. If you aren’t replacing the grid, use a small, fine-bristle brush or trim roller with Armstrong’s touch-up paint, #789512 White.

8. Explore durable, paintable options like TECTUM panels for ceilings and walls. Armstrong’s TECTUM panels allow up to six coats of paint without impacting their acoustical or fire performance.

9. Remove fingerprints and soil marks from ceiling tiles with a dry, clean chem sponge, Here’s how, watch this AWI tip video.

10. Before you paint, explore replacement options.

To paint, or not to paint your ceiling tiles?

While a painted ceiling can transform a room, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. For acoustical tiles, painting can reduce sound absorption, impact the light reflectance, and void your warranty. Additionally, once a tile is painted, future touch-ups or maintenance may be more difficult.

While painting is an option for certain ceiling tiles, it’s not for every type and certainly not without considerations. When in doubt, consult with the manufacturer or your contractor to determine the best approach for your specific tiles.

For additional product and paint information visit, Armstrong’s Installation and Field Painting Technical Sheet.

Ceiling tile paint FAQs

When is painting ceiling tiles a good option?

Painting is a good option for refreshing the appearance of tiles that are in good structural condition but have cosmetic issues like minor stains or discoloration.

What are the limitations of painting ceiling tiles?

Painting will not fix structural damage and it will decrease acoustic performance. Painting also cannot address mold or mildew issues effectively.

Can painting ceiling tiles affect their fire rating?

Yes, Armstrong cannot guarantee that the published surface burning characteristics, fire resistance ratings, acoustical performance, dimensional stability/sag, or light reflectance will remain the same after repainting. * Field painting will void the warranty.

When should I replace my ceiling tiles instead of painting them?

Replace tiles if they are sagging, warped, broken, have significant cracks, or are affected by mold or mildew.

What are the benefits of replacing ceiling tiles?

Replacement ensures structural integrity, can address health concerns (like mold), allows for modern design updates, and can improve acoustic performance.