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Turn a flat ceiling into a focal point by installing a ceiling rose beneath your light fixture. Plaster ceiling roses and medallions can be installed at home or by a professional. Take time to secure it properly, and it can last for decades in your home.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Ceiling

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  1. [1]
  2. Drill a hole in the center of the rose with an electric drill and bit. The electrician can tell you how big the hole in the center must be.
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  3. Use a 120-grit sandpaper pad and hand sander. The sanding process will scuff the ceiling so that it adheres more fully to the surface of the ceiling.
    • Always wear a ventilation mask when sanding.
  4. Set up your ladder. Have someone hold the ceiling rose in the position you desire, and then outline the area with a pencil. [2]
    • Remove the rose, so that you can apply the glue.
    • You may need to set up two ladders so that both the person holding and the person outlining can access the ceiling rose.
  5. You can draw small perpendicular lines outside where the rose is to use as guidelines. [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Gluing the Rose

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  1. You will need to mix it before you place the rose on the ceiling. [4]
  2. Apply the cornice adhesive with a one-half inch (12mm) notched spreader. Don’t apply it within a few inches (5cm) of the edges, because it will spread toward the ends. [5]
  3. Push the rose against the ceiling, paying attention to your marked guidelines. Hold it in place for three minutes, or however long the adhesive package suggests. [6]
  4. Screw it in three to four places. [7]
  5. [8] You can also use a small amount of matching paint to cover the screw heads. [9]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What is a stud finder?
    Community Answer
    The usual stud finder has a short range metal detector that's powered by a battery. You simply press the switch on the side of the unit and move it side to side on the drywall. It will flash (some beep as well) when you pass the detector over a nail head or anything metal. (Nails are usually nailed into studs.) It's a great tool to have in your box, and you don't need to spend a lot of money for a good quality product.
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      Tips

      • If you don’t want to screw a very lightweight ceiling rose into place, you can prop it securely against the wall using a long board. Cover the end of the board with an old towel so that you don’t damage the plaster rose.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Ceiling rose
      • Electric drill
      • Ladder
      • Cornice adhesive
      • Notched spreader
      • Trimming knife
      • Hand sander
      • 120-grit sanding pads
      • Tack cloth
      • Plasterboard screws
      • Ventilation mask
      • Plasterboard nails
      • Sponge
      • Caulk
      • Paint
      • Light fixture

      About This Article

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