help with ceiling light fixture

e90ca · 10-19-2010, 11:10 PM

At my wife's parents house, they put up this ceiling light fixture. However, it wasn't a direct fit over the base plate, so now there is a little gap/opening.

Does anyone know what would be a way to cover up the gap/opening?

I was thinking of using expanding foam sealant then trimming it with a blade, but not sure if this would catch fire if its next to the wires.

khaye1 · 10-19-2010, 11:13 PM

silicone/caulk...take the popcorn ceiling out while you're at it

BTM · 10-19-2010, 11:39 PM

That "base" looks like it's tilted...before caulking I would make sure the gap is even on all sides

e90ca · 10-20-2010, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

That "base" looks like it's tilted...before caulking I would make sure the gap is even on all sides

Yep, its slightly tilted. This light fixture replaced a hanging chandelier. The base plate from the light fixture didn't line up flush/even with the ceiling base and this was the best that could be done when they put it up.

Tondtar · 10-20-2010, 02:01 AM

You can use a polyeurethane "rod" (rope like material used for closing off wide gaps before using caulk or sealant) to go around the cover plate and fill in the gap. Then you can spackle and paint it to match the ceiling finish.

It requires a fine and skilled hand to detail it correctly so it won't look like covering up a mistake but it's not that difficult if you are somewhat handy.

darkcloud · 10-20-2010, 08:07 AM

cauk will look shitty. just replace it the right way with a little dry wall and spackle.

I have the same light btw. It's in out bedroom

BTM · 10-20-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkcloud

cauk will look shitty. just replace it the right way with a little dry wall and spackle.

I have the same light btw. It's in out bedroom

LOL probably if you're not really good at caulking. Personally I suck, but I've seen some amazing caulks before...

...no homo

lopealle · 10-20-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

LOL probably if you're not really good at caulking. Personally I suck, but I've seen some amazing caulks before...

...no homo

gay lol

GT3 Tim · 10-20-2010, 10:58 AM

I would try to adjust the j-box/attachment point first. However, sometimes the fixture and the j-box just don't want to cooperate.

If that was the case, I would caulk it.

One tip for doing a nice job it to keep your finger wet. Just caulk it then run your wet finger over the bead. Rinse finger in a bowl and repeat. The caulking will look great after you do that a few times. The key is to make sure your finger is clean of caulk you just removed, and keeping the finger wet.

darkcloud · 10-20-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

Personally I suck, but I've seen some amazing caulks before...

...no homo

That made me giggle a little haha

dr.jay · 10-20-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT3 Tim

I would try to adjust the j-box/attachment point first. However, sometimes the fixture and the j-box just don't want to cooperate.

If that was the case, I would caulk it.

One tip for doing a nice job it to keep your finger wet. Just caulk it then run your wet finger over the bead. Rinse finger in a bowl and repeat. The caulking will look great after you do that a few times. The key is to make sure your finger is clean of caulk you just removed, and keeping the finger wet.

This, you must have went to school for caulkology j/k. I used to be a Union Bricklayer that is where I learned that trick

Feyd · 10-20-2010, 11:46 AM

e90ca · 10-20-2010, 12:04 PM

Thanks for all the replies and tips guys, I really appreciate it.

So, using expanding foam around the exposed area then using a razor blade to trim the excess of the edges wont work huh?

I'll give the silicone caulk a shot and see how it comes out, i'll let u know how it goes.

I hope the caulk looks amazing!

10-19-2010, 11:10 PM	#1
e90ca Captain 88 Rep 671 Posts Drives: 2011 335i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (12)	help with ceiling light fixture At my wife's parents house, they put up this ceiling light fixture. However, it wasn't a direct fit over the base plate, so now there is a little gap/opening. Does anyone know what would be a way to cover up the gap/opening? I was thinking of using expanding foam sealant then trimming it with a blade, but not sure if this would catch fire if its next to the wires. Attached Images
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10-19-2010, 11:13 PM	#2
khaye1 Colonel 161 Rep 2,811 Posts Drives: 24 G87 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego iTrader: (8) Garage List [10.00]	silicone/caulk...take the popcorn ceiling out while you're at it __________________
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10-19-2010, 11:39 PM	#3
BTM Banned 498 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	That "base" looks like it's tilted...before caulking I would make sure the gap is even on all sides
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10-20-2010, 02:01 AM	#5
Tondtar 12 yr old Juvie 1137 Rep 881 Posts Drives: His Mom Crazy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: El Lay iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 (RIP in 2011) ... [0.00]	You can use a polyeurethane "rod" (rope like material used for closing off wide gaps before using caulk or sealant) to go around the cover plate and fill in the gap. Then you can spackle and paint it to match the ceiling finish. It requires a fine and skilled hand to detail it correctly so it won't look like covering up a mistake but it's not that difficult if you are somewhat handy.
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10-20-2010, 08:07 AM	#6
darkcloud Colonel 353 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	cauk will look shitty. just replace it the right way with a little dry wall and spackle. I have the same light btw. It's in out bedroom __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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10-20-2010, 10:58 AM	#9
GT3 Tim Moderator 98 Rep 1,920 Posts Drives: 2014 MB E63S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0)	I would try to adjust the j-box/attachment point first. However, sometimes the fixture and the j-box just don't want to cooperate. If that was the case, I would caulk it. One tip for doing a nice job it to keep your finger wet. Just caulk it then run your wet finger over the bead. Rinse finger in a bowl and repeat. The caulking will look great after you do that a few times. The key is to make sure your finger is clean of caulk you just removed, and keeping the finger wet. __________________ Tim <--- apparently likes "3" cars 2014 E63S -- The Rocket 2014 F30 328i -- Kids car 2008 E90 M3 -- Sold 2004 GT3 -- Sold 1997 M3/4 -- Sold 1995 M3 -- Sold
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10-20-2010, 11:46 AM	#12
Feyd Major 366 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: a DEEZZULL Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)
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10-20-2010, 12:04 PM	#13
e90ca Captain 88 Rep 671 Posts Drives: 2011 335i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (12)	Thanks for all the replies and tips guys, I really appreciate it. So, using expanding foam around the exposed area then using a razor blade to trim the excess of the edges wont work huh? I'll give the silicone caulk a shot and see how it comes out, i'll let u know how it goes. I hope the caulk looks amazing!
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