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Stretch ceiling with integrated lighting

Preparing the support for stretch ceilings

September 30, 2025

Keywords:
Stretch ceilings, base preparation, primer, humidity, adhesion, L'Artificio

Before the actual installation, a thorough survey of the room is performed. Lengths, diagonals, and heights are measured, and any out-of-square areas are checked. At this stage, the height at which the new stretch ceiling will be positioned is determined, assessing the impact on the perceived height of the rooms and the need to create space for lights, cables, and other systems.


One of the most important aspects is checking the walls to which the profiles will be attached. For solid brick or reinforced concrete walls, the anchors generally hold very well; on lightweight partitions, old, loose plaster, or inadequately reinforced plasterboard, it may be necessary to reinforce them with internal reinforcements or add additional profiles. A solid anchor is essential, as the taut sheet exerts constant traction on the perimeter structure.


Mapping the systems is also essential. Electrical cables, pipes, ventilation vents, sensors, smoke detectors, and air conditioning systems must be identified and, if necessary, repositioned. The height of the stretch ceiling is also chosen based on these factors: too close to the old ceiling risks limiting the technical space; too low, and the room's height is excessively reduced.


Preparation also includes defining the lighting points: recessed spotlights, tracks, light lines, backlit panels. Each element must be provided with local reinforcements, frames, and support rings to avoid stressing the fabric and ensure stability over time. These measures are planned in advance to avoid improvised solutions during installation.


In rooms that have suffered from dampness or leaks , it's important to address the underlying problem before installation. A stretch ceiling can temporarily "contain" small leaks, but it shouldn't become a way to hide unresolved structural issues. Any loose plaster, swelling, or water marks should therefore be treated beforehand.


Preparing the space also includes arranging the furniture: in many cases, simply moving it to the center of the room and protecting it is sufficient; in others, it's preferable to clear the perimeter area to allow easy access to the walls. A thorough initial inspection allows you to plan all these aspects, reducing downtime and unexpected issues on installation day.

Highlight

• Checking walls and perimeters ensures stable anchoring of the profiles over time.
• Planning light points, spotlights and LED lines avoids invasive changes after laying the membrane.
• Height management allows for the integration of systems, backlighting and canopies without excessively lowering the rooms.

Low Light

• Out-of-plumb or crumbling walls may require additional reinforcement and preliminary work.
• Existing, cluttered fixtures above the ceiling can complicate the placement of LED light fixtures and tracks.
• A hasty design of the light levels risks creating shadows or poorly lit areas in the backlight.

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