Hyderabadghar/carpentry & repairs/Installing Molding Trim

Molded trim does have a functional side – it covers gaps, rough edges and transitions between building materials. But when skillfully laid out, it can do much more. Wide baseboards, wainscoting, picture molding, crown molding and false beams on ceilings all add architectural detail and a decorative touch that can't be achieved with paint or wallpaper.

Elaborate cornices, medallions and mantles can be made not only from exotic hardwoods or stock lumber, but also from lightweight, easy-to-install molded foam. The following instructions are for cornice moldings of rigid polyurethane foam, which can be painted to accent your decor.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 1 day
Start Tips: If you're planning to add walls and haven't yet raised the drywall, mark the stud locations on the floor so you'll know where to nail the trim.
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from stray flecks of molding or adhesive.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Molded trim of rigid polyurethane foam	Finishing nails
Power miter saw (which can be rented)	Fine-grit sandpaper
Pencil	Primer & paint
Caulking gun	Paintbrush
Construction adhesive	Safety goggles
Drywall compound	Dust mask
Drywall taping knife	Tack cloth
Hammer

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Cut the molding
Cut lengths of molded trim, creating clean, tight mitered joints with a good miter-box saw or a professional power miter saw (which can be rented).

Fig. 1

2) Mark its placement
Hold a section of the molded trim in place, and mark guidelines along the top and bottom edges with a pencil. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

3) Apply construction adhesive
Following the manufacturer's directions, install a bead of adhesive just inside your lines on the wall and ceiling. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

4) Attach the molding
Press the molding into the beads of adhesive, and fasten the lightweight sections with finishing nails. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

5) Fill the gaps
Use drywall compound to fill seams between sections of molding and to fill gaps along its top and bottom edges. Spread the compound smoothly. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 6

7) Prime and paint
Wipe away sanding dust, cover the fresh compound and trim with primer, and finish the trim and compound with a coat of paint. (Fig. 6)