The Galaxy Star Ceiling

Rich in detail, and highly textured, the Galaxy with its sculpted constellation graphics will be the focal point of any room where it is installed.

This fantastic new product is available now direct from Starscape. Order on line or by phone. For more information visit the Galaxy link under star ceilings main navigation bar or click here.

 

 

Project 2 pre-drilled star ceiling

In this project we make a small star ceiling. This easy to make panel will enhance any room with its changing colour or twinkle effects. Our project was for a small bedroom hallway.
The hallway between bedrooms and bathrooms, prior to the project.
First, select the type of board you're going to use - mdf, plywood or plasterboard. We've used mdf as being easiest to work with.
Measure and then cut the mdf to size. We've achieved a chamfered edge through using an angled cut on the circular saw, but you could also use a router or plane to achieve an attractive edge finish. You can leave the edge square if you like, but the chamfered edge will help the starfield panel blend in more seamlessly with the existing ceiling. Be realistic about the size of panel you use - the bigger it is the more difficult installation will be. It may make more sense to divide the project into two or three panels. We've used a panel which is 81 inches by 29 inches.
Cutting the panel to size. Measuring up the MDF panel.
Next, to achieve a reasonably uniform distribution of stars across the starfield, divide the panel into a few equal sections and divide the number of fibres in your kit by the number of these sections. We've used an intermediate star kit with 150 stars, and divided the panel into three, so we need to mark 50 drill points in each section. You can dispense with the marking, if you prefer, and simply space out the holes as you drill, but marking them first ensures you get an even distribution.
The star point positions are marked out before drilling, to ensure an even distribution.
Taking care not to break the fine drill bit, make holes for the fibres.
We recommend using the thinnest drill bit you can manage, to ensure that the fibres fit snugly, but be aware that you'll probably end up snapping one or two bits during the job. So, it's an idea to have one or two spares.
When it comes to fixing the fibres there are various options. Silicone will fix the fibres, although not instantly. Duct tape will also work, although the fibre will try to spring up when you bend it, so make allowances for this when you cut the lengths of tape. In this demonstration we've used the trusty hot melt glue gun. Avoid touching the fibre with the metal tip of the gun since you're likely to melt the fibre. A better idea is to put a dab of glue around the drill hole and then insert the fibre. An advantage of this method is that the dab of glue will act as a lens and make the drill hole easier to spot. The fibres are fixed in position - glue, silicone and tape are all options here.
You want the fibre to protrude a few mm on the other side, so ensure that the board is supported above your table or workbench.

Bear in mind that you'll need to fix the board flat against the ceiling, so it's worth thinking about how you distribute the fibres. Remember, the fibres will all have to be gathered together in a bundle to pass through a hole in the ceiling.

Once the fibres are all in place turn the board over and put the first coat of paint on. It's up to you whether to have the board blend in unobtrusively with the existing ceiling decor or whether you prefer a contrasting colour. When the first coat is dry, add a second.

Think about different finishes: you could add some glitter to the starfield or some sun, star and moon decorations. For a child's room you might like to have some spaceship models or similar hanging from the starfield. If so, now would be a convenient time to think about methods of suspending those models. You could drill another few holes and pass some monofilament fishing line through the board, secured on the top surface.
The back of the panel fills up with fitted fibres. The facing side of the panel is painted to match the existing ceiling - or not, according to your preference!
Installation

 

 

Star Cloths

 

End glow fibres