Install a Ceiling Medallion
Created by Cheli
Step-by-step checklist for safely installing a decorative ceiling medallion around a light fixture.
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Checklist Items (23)
Prepare for installation
Gather necessary tools, turn off power, and protect the work area.
Gather tools and materials
Collect measuring tape, pencil, stud finder, ladder, drop cloth, medallion, fixture, screwdriver, wire strippers, wire nuts, electrical tape, adhesive, safety glasses, and mask.
Turn off power at breaker
Locate the circuit breaker for the light fixture and switch it off to ensure safety.
Verify power is off
Use a non-contact voltage tester on the fixture wires to confirm no electricity is present.
Lay drop cloth
Place a drop cloth or old sheet beneath the work area to catch debris and protect flooring.
Remove existing light fixture
Take down the current fixture to expose the electrical box and wiring.
Remove bulbs and shades
Unscrew any light bulbs and remove decorative shades or covers.
Unscrew fixture mounting
Loosen the mounting screws or nuts that hold the fixture to the electrical box.
Disconnect wires
Untwist wire nuts and separate the fixture wires from the house wires, noting which is hot, neutral, and ground.
Prepare ceiling opening for medallion
Measure and mark the area where the medallion will sit, making any necessary adjustments to the opening.
Measure medallion diameter
Measure the outer diameter of the medallion to determine the required opening size.
Mark outline on ceiling
Using a pencil, trace the medallion's outline on the ceiling centered over the electrical box.
Cut opening if needed
If the medallion requires a recessed fit, carefully cut along the outline with a drywall saw, staying within the lines.
Clean debris
Remove any dust or drywall particles from the opening and surrounding area to ensure a clean surface for adhesion.
Install the ceiling medallion
Apply adhesive, position the medallion, secure it, and allow it to set.
Apply construction adhesive
Apply a continuous bead of construction adhesive or caulk to the back of the medallion, focusing on the outer edge and any decorative recesses.
Position the medallion
Press the medallion onto the ceiling, aligning it with the marked outline and ensuring it sits flush.
Secure with screws (if needed)
For larger medallions, insert finishing screws through the medallion into the joists or blocking, then cover screw heads with filler.
Wipe excess adhesive
Before the adhesive skins over, wipe away any squeeze-out with a damp cloth to keep the front clean.
Allow adhesive to cure
Follow the manufacturer's recommended cure time (usually 24 hours) before proceeding with wiring or fixture installation.
Wire the light fixture to the medallion
Prepare and connect the fixture's wires to the house wiring, observing proper polarity and grounding.
Strip wire ends
Use wire strippers to expose about 3/4 inch of copper on each fixture wire (hot, neutral, ground).
Connect ground wire
Twist the fixture's ground wire (bare or green) with the house ground wire, secure with a wire nut, and wrap with electrical tape.
Connect neutral wire
Twist the fixture's neutral wire (usually white) with the house neutral wire, secure with a wire nut, and tape.
Connect hot wire
Twist the fixture's hot wire (usually black or red) with the house hot wire, secure with a wire nut, and tape.
Finish installation and test the light
Mount the fixture to the medallion, install bulbs, restore power, and verify operation.
Attach fixture to medallion
Secure the fixture's mounting strap or bar to the medallion using the provided screws, ensuring it is centered and stable.
Install bulbs and shades
Screw in the appropriate light bulbs and reattach any shades or decorative covers.
Restore power and test
Turn the breaker back on, then flip the light switch to confirm the fixture illuminates properly.