A good medallion will add a touch of class to a formerly bland ceiling and quickly give the room a face-lift. It will cover a light fixture’s ceiling box and can cover sections of the ceiling that are uneven or not well painted.

Installing a ceiling medallion is easy using a few simple tools and procedures. Removing a medallion in the event of replacing it or giving the room a make-over will be just as effortless. Depending on the plan for the medallion in question, it can be removed as a whole or in parts.

1.   Cut off the power supply

It is vital to ensure that the chances of accidents happening are minimized as much as possible. Before tinkering with the medallion or the fixture, switch off the power supply to the fixture at the main switch. Confirm that the power is off by trying to turn the fixture on at the switch.

Use an electricity sensor next to the light fixture’s socket to confirm whether there is any electricity still connected to the fixture. The sensor should light up or sound an alarm in case there is an electric current flowing to the fixture.

2.   Loosen the fixture canopy

The light fixture will likely be held against the medallion by the fixture canopy. This canopy will be fixed to the medallion by two screws or a locknut threaded into a hickey. A loop on the end of the hickey will connect to a chain on the light fixture to keep it secure. Loosen the screws or the lock nut so that the separate parts are easy to move.

3.   Confirm that there is no running electric current

Lower the fixture canopy to bare the electrical wiring. Use the sensor once more to confirm that the power supply is completely cut off.

4.   Remove the light fixture

Untwist the wire connectors and remove the fixture. At this point, you may need some assistance depending on the size of the light fixture and how delicate it is. If it is a grand chandelier, ensure that you lay it at a secure spot away from human traffic and susceptibility to damage.

5.   Loosen and remove the medallion

Use a utility knife to cut through the ring of caulk around the edge of the medallion. Check the face for any screws driven through it to the ceiling joists. They may be hidden beneath putty and need closer inspection to find them. Pry away the putty first and then loosen and remove the screws.

Slide a putty knife between the medallion and the ceiling. Slowly and prying against the medallion itself rather than the ceiling, work your way around the disc, loosening it from the ceiling. Tilting the knife against the medallion will protect the ceiling from damage.

For a larger medallion that may not be easy to work with using a putty knife, try a cake spatula instead. As long as the tool is flat and will slide in between the medallion and the ceiling easily, it will work.

If you intend to remove the medallion in two pieces, use a drywall saw to cut through the medallion. Loosen the separate pieces using the putty knife. Given that the surface will be smaller, there will be more wiggle room making your work easier.

6.   Repair the ceiling

If there is minimal damage to the ceiling, use drywall mud to smoothen it. To make the whole ceiling even, consider priming and repainting the entire surface.

7.   Re-attach the fixture

When the ceiling is dry, secure the fixture back onto the ceiling. Put the power back on and check that the fixture is working as it should.