Product Description
FMA3-125 Recessed Lighting 3-1/4" Round Flush Mount Mud Ring Adapter is an Aculux flangeless adapter that lets you create a clean, trimless 3" aperture in drywall ceilings. Designed for new construction Aculux 3" housings, it uses a high-performance 3M™ adhesive and a supplied paint shield to speed finishing while achieving a crisp 1/8" reveal around the recessed housing.
Product Summary
- FMA3-125 — 3-1/4" round flangeless (mud-in) adapter for Aculux 3" housings
- Ceiling thickness: 7/8" – 1-1/4" (use FMA3/163 for 1-1/4" – 1-5/8")
- Drywall cutout: 4-3/8" diameter to maintain a uniform 1/8" reveal
- Adhesion: High-performance 3M™ pressure-sensitive adhesive; installs to clean, dust-free paper-faced gypsum board
- Includes: Adapter, collar, and cardboard paint shield for finishing protection
Free shipping on orders over $250
Benefits
- Seamless, trimless aesthetic for high-end interiors—no visible flange or hardware.
- Faster finishing thanks to the supplied paint shield and 3M™ adhesive—less masking and cleanup.
- Consistent reveal with guided cutout dimensions to achieve a uniform 1/8" gap around the housing.
- Durable finish when paired with setting-type joint compounds and Level 4/5 drywall standards.
Key Features
- Flangeless (mud-in) design for a clean, modern 3" aperture.
- High-performance 3M™ adhesive for permanent attachment to clean, dust-free gypsum board.
- Paint shield protects the housing during finishing; remove only after prime/paint.
- Compatible only with Aculux 3" new construction housings and matching flangeless trims.
- Accessory hardware guidance for trims using torsion springs and extension assemblies.
Specifications
Technical Specs
| Model | FMA3-125 flangeless adapter (3" Aculux) |
| Application | For new construction Aculux 3" housings and flangeless trims only |
| Ceiling Material | New, unpainted, paper-faced gypsum board (drywall) |
| Adhesive | High-performance 3M™ pressure-sensitive adhesive (permanent attachment) |
Physical Specs
| Ceiling Thickness Range | 7/8" – 1-1/4" (use FMA3/163 for 1-1/4" – 1-5/8") |
| Drywall Cutout | 4-3/8" diameter to maintain 1/8" reveal |
| Aperture Appearance | 3-1/4" round trimless opening after finishing |
Compliance & Finishing
| Recommended Finish Level | Level 4 (textured ceilings) or Level 5 (flat ceilings) |
| Joint Compound | Use a setting-type compound (e.g., Sheetrock® Durabond®) for durability and crack resistance |
Application Examples
- Luxury residential spaces requiring a trimless recessed look
- Hospitality and retail ceilings emphasizing a clean architectural aperture
- Gallery and corporate interiors where fixtures should visually disappear
Installation Tips
- Cut drywall to 4-3/8" diameter and ensure the housing aperture is centered to maintain a 1/8" reveal.
- Clean the mating drywall surface to be dust-free before bonding the adapter with the 3M™ adhesive.
- Test-fit the adapter + collar before removing the adhesive liner; press firmly for at least 5 seconds to bond.
- With the paint shield in place, apply and feather multiple thin coats of setting-type compound; sand smooth per Level 4/5.
- Prime and paint; remove the paint shield by pulling straight down. Trim hardware steps (torsion spring extensions) may be required on some trims.
FAQ
Q: Which housings is FMA3-125 compatible with?
A: It’s intended for Aculux 3" new construction housings and corresponding flangeless trims.
Q: What ceiling thickness does this model support?
A: 7/8" to 1-1/4". For thicker ceilings (1-1/4" to 1-5/8"), use FMA3/163.
Q: What drywall cutout is required?
A: A 4-3/8" diameter cutout centered on the housing, producing a uniform 1/8" reveal.
Q: Can I use it on existing painted ceilings or non-gypsum materials?
A: No. For best adhesion, use on new, unpainted, paper-faced gypsum board only.
Q: What finishing compound should I use?
A: A setting-type joint compound (e.g., Sheetrock® Durabond®) is recommended for durability and to minimize hairline cracking.
Q: When do I remove the paint shield?
A: After priming and painting; then pull straight down and clean any excess material from the inside surface if needed.
Q: Are there steps for trims with torsion springs?
A: Yes. Some trims require removing the factory torsion springs and installing spring extension assemblies before reattaching the brackets and installing the trim.
