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How to Hang Plastic Sheeting from Ceiling [6 Easy Methods]

You’re in the process of remodelling and renovating your project. And you need protection from dust, rain, vapour, fire for your project. In that case, plastic sheeting could be a game-changer for you. But you don’t know how to hang it from the ceiling.

I understand how confusing that is for you.

How to hang plastic sheeting from ceiling?

You can accomplish the task using tapes like blue painter’s tape, green tape, and double-coated tape. You could nail the sheets to the rafters to hang them. Additionally, using plastic wall hangers or thumbtacks is a good option. Lastly, you might use command adhesive picture hanging strips.

But, you need the details to take on this project. So, let’s not wait any longer and dive right in!

6 Easy Methods to Hang Plastic Sheeting from Ceiling

Plastic sheeting is undoubtedly a blessing for us while renovating. But it can be pretty complicated when you’re doing it by yourself at first.

Don’t worry. Just follow the methods listed below.

Method 1: Blue Painter’s Tape

In this method you’ll require plastic sheeting, a knife, and a 3-inch blue tape. 

Firstly, you need to take the measurements of the wall you need to cover. Then, cut the plastic sheet according to the measurements using a utility knife.

Then stick the sheeting to the ceiling using the tape. You could use someone to hold the sheeting in place.

Make sure half the tape is on the sheeting and half on the ceiling. Apply tape along the plastic’s edge to the ceiling.

For added strength, go for a thicker painter’s tape. There will be no effect on the ceiling surface even if the tape is removed.

Following this method, you can also hang pictures on a wall.

Method 2: By Nailing It

Put nails in the rafters to hang plastic from an unfinished part of the ceiling.

Before you get started, you’ll need to find a beam that spans the space you intend to cover. After that cover the area of the ceiling with plastic sheeting.

In every foot or so, hammer a nail into the ceiling through the plastic. Remove the nails in case you want to replace the plastic.

It’s easier to handle rafters if the toe nails are started beforehand. This step is unnecessary if you use a nail gun.

You might confuse drywall nails with drywall screws, but they’re different.

Method 3: Plastic Wall Hangers

Plastic wall hangers boost efficiency since it takes less time and protects work surfaces. It supports more than one layer of plastic sheeting.

Also, They support the sheeting from ceiling grid systems and other overhead projects. A detachable retainer holds the poly in place over the pin.

Both horizontally and vertically, the hanger holds plastic sheeting in place. It can be used to make full containments, dust curtains, and other stuff.

It’s saving labour, holds everything in place and it’s faster to install.

Method 4: Attaching Thumbtacks

Attaching the plastic through thumbtacks is a decent option since the plastic is lightweight. You can pop directly via your sheeting and onto the ceiling.

Insert the thumbtack through the plastic and into the ceiling. Keep a distance of one foot or so between every thumbtack. 

You have to use fewer thumbtacks if the sheeting is lightweight. 

When you’re done, remove the thumbtacks. Make sure to fill in the holes with tiny spots of putty that match your ceiling.

Method 5: Green Tapes

This is also known as the frog tape. This good stuff even works decently on textured surfaces. 

There is a great benefit of green frog tape. It leaves a cleaner edge if you use it for painting.

If you’re painting a ceiling, green tape is a good choice for draping the plastic 

sheeting.

Use 1-1/2 inch wide tape and its strength should be from medium to high. Press down on the top edge, but leave the bottom open. That will cause it to bend a little to show the sticky underside.

Attach the corners of the plastic sheeting to the tape and let it hang. Afterward, curl the tape back on itself and stick the sheeting to the remaining adhesive.

Always test first elsewhere making sure the paint doesn’t come off from the ceiling.

Method 6: Using Command Adhesive tapes

Firstly, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol. Make sure there’s no slippery residue on the ceiling.

Separate strips by tearing apart, do not fold. Remove one-liners. Stick on the edges of the plastic sheeting and remove the remaining liners. 

Press the sheeting against the wall firmly for 30 seconds on the top. Then press it for another 30 seconds on the bottom set. 

To secure strips on the ceiling, peel the sheeting off from the bottom temporarily. Then, press each strip firmly for 30 seconds. Allow one hour for the adhesive to fully bond.

Lastly, realign the strips and attach the sheeting on strips carefully.

Best of all, when you’re done, sheeting comes off cleanly—no sticky residue or nail holes. But, be careful using adhesive products. Because removing adhesive from the floor can be difficult if you mix up.

Tip: If you’re not satisfied with green or adhesive tapes, you could use double-coated tapes. 

Here are some of my favourites:

3M Double Coated Urethane Foam TapeIt can create a reliable bond
3M Natural Polyurethane Double Coated Foam TapeIt offres high shear strength 

These are specifically designed to secure plastic sheeting with a unique adhesive system.

FAQs

Question: How much thick plastic do you need to hang for dust management?

Answer:  thickness isn’t exactly a concern in the case of dust management. The only reason to use thicker plastic is that it resists punctures and tears better.

Question: Are Command Strips considered adhesive?

Answer: Adhesive strips that are tested to be adhesive. It’s adhesive in wet, hot, and humid conditions, keeping things you want close enough.

Question: Is plastic sheeting a vapour barrier?

Answer: Plastic sheeting isn’t exactly heat-resistant. But, it performs brilliantly in cold temperatures.

Final Words

By reading all the steps, you should know how to hang plastic sheeting from ceiling.

Plastic sheeting protects from dust, rain, dirt, paint, and fire vapour. By following the steps, you can get the most out of them. 

I have another tip for you. Whether you’re an amateur or experienced, safety should be your priority.

Happy reading!