Shadowline Drywall Picture Rail

• ArtiTeQ Shadowline Drywall: Current 13 mm Product Sheet
  
• ArtiTeQ Shadowline Drywall: Installation Sheet
  
• ArtiTeQ Shadowline Drywall: Technical Sheet
  
• ArtiTeQ: Product Warranty
  
• ArtiTeQ: Built-in and Integrated Picture Rails Brochure
  
• ArtiTeQ Shadowline Drywall: Interior Design Case Study
  
• ArtiTeQ: Picture Rails for Homes Brochure
  
• ArtiTeQ: Product Catalogue 2025, including special-order items
  

How do you install Shadowline Drywall? (check Builder Installation Diagram in image gallery)

1. Check the framing.
   Fix the rail directly to suitable timber or steel ceiling framing.
2. Choose the correct profile.
   Match the 10 mm or 13 mm profile to the ceiling plasterboard.
3. Fix the rail.
   Use suitable countersunk fasteners and make sure every screw head sits flush. Use 7 fixings per 2 m rail or 9 per 2.5 m rail.
4. Install the plasterboard.
   Slide the straight, square-cut edge fully into the profile, then fix the sheet separately to the ceiling framing.
5. Keep the channel clear.
   Do not obstruct the hanging channel with plasterboard, fixings or debris.
6. Finish the junction.
   Tape, set, sand and paint the profile-to-plasterboard junction.
7. Check the rail.
   Make sure the opening is straight, clean and unobstructed before inserting Twister wires.

Will the setting ridge remain visible?

No. Before finishing, you will see the profile flange and 2.5 mm setting ridge. The ridge guides the plasterer and provides the finishing depth.

The plasterer beds paper jointing tape across the profile and plasterboard, feathers setting compound broadly across the ceiling sheet, then applies and sands the finish coat.

Once painted, the ceiling appears continuous, with only the narrow shadowline opening visible.

Finishing sequence for plasterers (check Plasterer Finishing Sequence Diagram in image gallery)

1. Check that the rail is secure, the screw heads sit flush, the plasterboard is fully inserted and the hanging channel is open.
2. Apply a thin base coat across the primed flange and adjoining plasterboard.
3. Bed paper jointing tape across the profile-to-plasterboard junction.
4. Cover the tape with setting compound and feather it broadly across the ceiling plasterboard.
5. Apply a wider finish coat and sand it smooth.
6. Keep the hanging channel completely free of paper tape, base coat, setting compound, finish coat, paint and debris.
7. Remove any accidental compound or debris before it hardens.

What if there is no clearance at the wall and ceiling junction?

The profile needs space for the plasterboard receiving section, finishing flange and setting ridge.

The builder should resolve the framing or lining detail before installing the ceiling plasterboard. Do not cut the profile to make it fit without first checking with Hang Logic.

Should I choose the 10 mm or 13 mm profile? (check Profile Comparison Diagram in image gallery)

Choose the profile that matches the ceiling plasterboard.

10 mm Shadowline Drywall: For 10 mm ceiling plasterboard

13 mm Shadowline Drywall: For 13 mm ceiling plasterboard

Both create the same concealed shadowline appearance.

Where the project uses 13 mm plasterboard and the wall offers the better fixing surface, Shadowline Masonry may be more suitable.

Can you retrofit Shadowline Drywall?

Shadowline Drywall suits new construction or major renovations where builders are installing or replacing the ceiling lining.

For an existing finished room, a surface-mounted picture rail is usually more practical.

Can the rail run around corners or along only part of a room?

Yes. Builders can mitre the rail around corners or install it only where artwork will hang.

Plan the joints, corners and end points before completing the plasterboard.

Who installs it?

• The builder or ceiling contractor fixes the rail to the ceiling framing.
• The plasterboard installer fits and fixes the ceiling sheets.
• The plasterer tapes, sets, sands and finishes the junction.
• After painting, the client insert the Twister wires and hooks to hang pictures

Which hanging wires and hooks should I use?

ArtiTeQ Twister wires and TwisterCliq2Fix hanging wires can be inserted, removed and repositioned anywhere along the installed rail.

Clear perlon: For the most discreet appearance

Steel wire: For a straighter, more architectural appearance

Select a compatible hook for the wire diameter and artwork weight. We recommend two wires and two hooks per artwork for stability.

How do the weight ratings work?

Shadowline Drywall carries a maximum distributed load of 20 kg per linear metre when installed correctly.

The safe artwork weight also depends on the framing, fixings, wire, hook and the artwork’s hanging points. Always follow the rating of the lowest-rated component.

1 mm perlon Twister with 1 mm Micro Grip: Up to 5 kg per wire and hook set

1 mm steel Twister with 1 mm Micro Grip: Up to 10 kg per wire and hook set

2 mm steel Twister with 2 mm Micro Grip: Up to 20 kg per wire and hook set

Shadowline Drywall or Shadowline Masonry?

Choose Shadowline Drywall when the builder can fix the rail securely to suitable ceiling framing before completing the ceiling lining.

Choose Shadowline Masonry when the wall provides the stronger or more practical continuous fixing surface. This may include masonry, concrete, timber wall framing or suitable steel framing.

Both systems become concealed within the finished wall and ceiling junction. The building structure and installation sequence determine the best option.

Related information

Built-in Picture Hanging Systems Guide

Bulkheads and Shadowline Ceilings Explained