Popular ceilings in America were once finely crafted plaster work. In the mid-1800s, American builders found an alternative when these ornate patterns were copied onto pressed-metal ceilings. Often called "pressed-tin", these became an easy and quick way to get a Victorian decoration fairly inexpensively, and it was durable and fireproof.

In the old days, the panels were made in a stamping press - called a drop hammer press. The metal was sandwiched between two mating tools. The top tool, or "ram," was lifted up by a rope or chain. Then the ram dropped down onto the bottom die, smashing into the metal that was sandwiched between them. The impact would start to impress the metal. They would do this several times and eventually the impression was pushed into the piece. Today they use a similar process — except the process is mechanical. A hydraulic press is used, but they still slip the metal between the two mating tools.

Thin rolled tin-plate was mass-produced and peaked in popularity in the 1890s. By the 1950s, drop ceilings were popular and decorative ceilings had gone out of fashion. Yet, many old buildings in America still retain these tin ceilings. Today, the ceilings of yesteryear have returned to popularity, due in part to today's innovative uses and improved manufacturing processes.

M-BOSS INC., the company featured in our story, makes over 100 historic designs as well as custom designs such as logos, family crests, and themed panels. Their products are made out of aluminum or copper. The aluminum comes unpainted as a mill finish to be custom painted in the field. M-Boss also manufactures pre-painted white and clear-coated tiles that have a metallic appearance. Their tiles of actual copper will verdigris over time, so they need to be treated if the homeowner wants to keep the shiny, copper penny look.

The aluminum panels weigh just over a pound apiece and the copper panels weigh about four pounds. Tiles are nailed into a plywood backer that has been screwed into joists. Structurally the ceiling system doesn't add considerable weight, so there's no need to reinforce the ceiling for this type of installation. Decorative cornices are usually nailed at a 45-degree angle to the wall and ceiling.

Small decorative copper nails with cone-shaped heads are used to secure the tiles to the plywood backer. The copper nails are historically correct and give the ceiling an authentic look. These hard-tempered nails pierce the metal without bending it.

Contact Information:
M-BOSS Inc.
866-88M-B0SS (866-886-2677)
www.mbossinc.com