Stretch ceiling is a fabric or film fabric that allows you to create a perfectly flat surface. This material has many options for color, texture and pattern. In order not to damage the canvas, it is necessary to perform all actions correctly and carefully.
Mounting a conventional chandelier usually does not cause difficulties for home craftsmen. However, when using a stretch ceiling in the interior, the task becomes more complicated. Mounting a chandelier on a stretch ceiling requires certain knowledge and skills from the master. How to do this work yourself will be discussed in the article.
Mounting Features
Fabric or PVC film from which the stretch ceiling is made, a material prone to deformation. In order for the end result of the repair work to be high, it is necessary to approach this process responsibly. The chandelier is fixed to the stretch ceiling using a special support structure, which is located between the canvas and the ceiling base.
When choosing a chandelier for a stretch ceiling, the price of which will be optimal for the family budget, you should pay attention to its configuration. Today in specializedstores offer a wide range of lighting fixtures. Pay attention to the location of the bulbs. They should not be close to the ceiling. Otherwise, the material may become hot and deformed.
The base of the chandelier should not be sharp. When buying this factor, you need to pay special attention. If the edges of the base will have chips, cracks or simply irregularities, a sharp rim, such products must be put aside. They may damage delicate fabric or film.
Mount options
Having decided which chandeliers for stretch ceilings are optimal, it is necessary to consider options for fixing them to the base. Regardless of the type of lighting fixture, it will be attached to a special structure. The type of such an overlap is selected in accordance with the type of room, the height of the walls.
There are two options for mounting the lighting fixture on the canvas. In the first case, a mounting plate is used. It is also possible to hang the chandelier on a hook. When using this technology, the chandelier will occupy more space in the room. This option is suitable for models with an extended configuration.
For a chandelier with a flat shape, it is recommended to choose a fastening method with a bar. This option is suitable for rooms with low ceilings or a small area. Regardless of the installation method, some preparation must be made before starting work. Similar actions are carried out even before the installation of the ceiling.
Preparatory work
Before connectinghanging chandeliers, it is necessary to make a number of preparatory work. This procedure is performed even before the installation of a cloth made of fabric or PVC. At this stage, special structures are prepared that will hold the lighting fixture on the ceiling.
If you choose a hook attachment method, you need to make a hole in the material for it. With this installation, it is not necessary to install a mortgage bar.
In addition to the supporting structure, you need to bring the wires to the installation point. If necessary, voltage converters will be installed in a niche under the canvas (in the case of using LED lighting). Such additional elements in the electrical circuit are necessary if the device is powered by a 12 V network.
The cable must match the total power of the chandelier. Its length should be sufficient so that after mounting the web it is enough for a comfortable connection.
Installing a mortgage
Considering how a chandelier is attached to a stretch ceiling, it is necessary to study the method when using a mortgage bar. This method will allow you to install a solid mounting base for the lighting fixture. To create a plank, you need a wooden block. The material must be well dried.
The bar is opened with an antiseptic solution before installation. The support must correspond to the distance between the base of the ceiling and the canvas. In the center of the mortgage, you need to drill a channel for electrical wires. The bar is attached to the base with self-tapping screws.
You can also use moisture resistant plywood for these purposes. It is able to support the weight of almost any chandelier for the home. The installation of the structure is carried out after the installation of the frame for the canvas. This will allow you to correctly calculate the distance to the plane of the tension structure. In this case, it is recommended to use a laser level. It is important to consider how the wires pass under the ceiling. During the drilling process, it is extremely important not to damage the conductive wires. The use of rubber seals, appropriate shoes and tools is recommended.
Important nuance
Suspended chandeliers are mounted to the ceiling after the construction of the supporting structure. A hole must be made in the material. For this, special rings are used. This essential element will prevent the film or fabric from tearing under the weight of the chandelier.
A plastic ring is installed at the point where the fixture fixture will pass through the material. Its position must be accurately measured so that in the future it is not necessary to redo all the work. It is impossible to miss or miscalculate the place of installation of the ring.
When the plastic stopper is installed, cut a hole in the film. The ring will not allow the material to tear. The surface of the film will remain perfectly flat. The diameter of the ring should not be larger than the base of the chandelier. This is a hidden structure that will not be visible after the lighting connection is completed.
Longitudinal plank
Mounting a chandelier to a stretch ceiling can be done usinglongitudinal bar. It is installed on a mortgage structure. It would be advisable to choose this method for light lighting fixtures.
After mounting the frame around the perimeter of the room, a mortgage is installed on the base. The surface of the mounting platform must not touch the back of the film or fabric. It is a few millimeters higher. This will avoid deformation of the material after attaching the chandelier.
On the canvas you need to draw the contour of the mortgage. A protective ring is glued here. The fabric or film is cut out along the inner diameter of the limiter. The pins are attached to the bar. In this case, the hole is combined with the base of the chandelier. An electric wire is passed through the hole in the mortgage, which is led to the chandelier. It is attached to the studs with a base. The docking point is closed with a decorative cap.
Cross-bar mounting
Installation of a chandelier on a stretch ceiling is possible using a cross-shaped bar. This design is used if the lighting fixture is large in size and weight. The load in this case is distributed over 4 studs.
Such installation involves fastening the mortgage on top of the film. After installing the profiles, the platform is assembled. On the canvas you need to attach a paper template that matches the base of the chandelier. You need to mark the mounting holes.
In accordance with the markup, a plastic ring is installed. into the center holethe wire is pulled. The cross bar is applied to the canvas, and then the system is screwed to the mortgage. The chandelier is connected to the wiring. She sits on stilettos.
Preparing the hook
Chandeliers on a stretch ceiling in the hall, living room or bedroom most often have large dimensions. They have an extended stem. This type of fixture is most often mounted to the ceiling with a hook. To complete this task yourself, you will need to lengthen the old hook.
There is often a fairly large gap between the base of the ceiling and the stretch fabric. To attach a new chandelier to a hook, you can extend the old hook with strong steel wire. You can also use a chain with strong links.
If the hook has not been previously installed in the room, it can be fixed at the required point. This will require a puncher. With its help, a hole of the required diameter is drilled in the ceiling. Next, a dowel is installed in it. The hook is fixed with a self-tapping screw. An electric wire is connected to it.
Using the hook
Mounting the chandelier on a stretch ceiling can be done with a hook. This option is considered the easiest. It is easiest to do it yourself. On the film, they mark the place where the hook fits the canvas. A protective ring is installed here, a hole is cut in the material. The plastic element is glued to the material. You need to wait until the composition hardens.
From the cut hole, you need to get the wires out. The chandelier is hung on a hook, which was previously extended. The lighting device is switchedwith electrical cables. They are neatly folded and placed in a decorative cap. At the same time, it is important to correctly connect and insulate the junctions of the conductors with the chandelier.
The cap is pulled up the bar. When it touches the film or fabric, it is fixed by tightening the appropriate screws. This option is easy to install and dismantle. If necessary, the lighting fixture can be easily removed.
Expert advice
Experts recommend paying special attention to electrical wiring when connecting a chandelier. All circuit elements must be connected in accordance with existing safety requirements. Connecting a chandelier to a switch can be quite tricky if you use 12V LED or halogen lamps. In this case, it is better to contact a specialist.
Lamps should not heat the stretch fabric. If the shades are directed upwards, only LED and halogen varieties should be screwed into them. Incandescent lamps will cause the film to warp, fade, or stain the fabric.
Having considered the features of mounting a chandelier on a stretch ceiling, everyone will be able to do this work on their own in accordance with the characteristics of the lighting device.
