Ceiling guide
How do I plaster around a downlight or spotlight?
Keep the downlight position visible, give the plasterer a closed surface and reopen the correct diameter after the ceiling has cured.
Step by step
A practical installation overview
- 01
Start with the downlight specification
Find the exact cutout diameter in the light manufacturer's instructions. Do not choose the bead from the bezel diameter or from appearance alone.
- 02
Prepare the opening and connection
Retrieve and secure the cable or correctly terminated connection. Follow the electrical design, isolation and testing requirements for the project.
- 03
Centre and staple the bead
Place the bead over the prepared ceiling opening and staple the flange flat so it cannot move while the ceiling is skimmed.
- 04
Plaster across the protected centre
The closed surface helps stop wet plaster falling into the opening and gives the plasterer a circular edge to work from.
- 05
Reveal the cut guide
After curing, tap the centre lightly until the guide becomes visible. A centre mark can support an appropriately sized hole saw.
- 06
Cut and fit the light
Open only the diameter required by the chosen fitting, protect the cable and install the downlight to its manufacturer's instructions.
See it demonstrated
