Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 1 day
Tools and Materials:
Molded trim of rigid polyurethane foam
Power miter saw (which can be rented)
Pencil
Caulking gun
Construction adhesive
Drywall compound
Drywall taping knife
Hammer
Finishing nails
Fine-grit sandpaper
Primer and paint
Paintbrush
Safety goggles
Dust mask
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.
1.
Cut the Molding
Cut lengths of molded trim, creating clean, tightly mitered joints using a good miter-box saw or a professional power miter saw (which can be rented).
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)
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)
4.
Attach the Molding
Press the molding into the beads of adhesive, and fasten the lightweight sections with finishing nails. (Fig. 3)
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)
6.
Sand
When the compound dries, lightly sand the wall and ceiling seams with fine sandpaper. (Fig. 5)
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)
