Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic wall molding is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your home. Wall molding, also known as trim or crown molding, can be installed around doors, windows, and ceilings to add a decorative and functional element to your home. It can be a simple and soothing process once you get the hang of it. The first step is to decide on the type of molding you want to install and measure the length of each wall where the trim will be placed. Then, you can choose the right tools and materials for the job, such as a miter saw or hand saw to cut the molding and construction adhesive or fasteners to install it. With careful planning and the right tools, you can achieve professional-looking results and add elegance and sophistication to your space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Measure the room to figure out how much molding is needed. |
| Decide on the layout and size of the boxes. | |
| Tools | Molding, saw, gloves, fan, safety glasses, etc. |
| Stud finder, short strips of masking tape, nails, screws, nailer strips, etc. | |
| Preparation | Clean the surfaces. |
| Prime the molding and put on a coat of paint. | |
| Installation | Use adhesive to ensure a strong, long-lasting bond. |
| Use nails or screws to hold the molding in place while the glue dries. | |
| Fill nail holes with wood putty and sand the spots smooth. | |
| Paint the molding and caulk the edges. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Once you've chosen the type of moulding, it's time to measure the length of each wall where the moulding will be installed. Be sure to measure twice to ensure accuracy. You can then use these measurements to calculate the total amount of moulding needed, adding 15-20% extra to account for mistakes and ensure seamless installation. Don't forget to purchase fasteners like trim nails, screws, or construction adhesive. A combination of fasteners and adhesive is recommended for a strong bond. If you're using adhesive, choose an environmentally friendly, low-odour option that will bond well with your wall material, such as Loctite Power Grab Express Heavy Duty.
Before beginning the installation, prepare your work area. Gather all the necessary tools and set up your moulding and saw in a convenient location for cutting. Remember to prioritise safety by wearing gloves and ensuring proper ventilation or using a fan. It's also important to work on clean surfaces, so dust or wipe down the walls as needed. If you're painting your moulding, consider priming it and applying a coat of paint beforehand to minimise the number of coats needed once it's installed.
Additionally, if you're installing crown moulding with uplighting, you'll need to plan the electrical aspects. Install a switched electrical outlet box close to the edge of the nailing strip, leaving enough space for the cover plate. Wire the circuit with a separate switch to control the lighting independently from the overhead light, allowing you to set the desired lighting level and mood.
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Choosing the right adhesive
When installing plastic wall moulding, choosing the right adhesive is essential to ensure a strong and long-lasting bond. The type of adhesive you select will depend on various factors, including the materials you are working with and your specific project requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right adhesive for your plastic wall moulding project:
Firstly, ensure that the adhesive is suitable for the materials you are bonding. Plastic wall moulding can be installed on various surfaces, such as wood, drywall, plaster, or concrete. Select an adhesive that specifically mentions bonding these materials together. For instance, Loctite Power Grab Express Heavy Duty is a professional-quality adhesive suitable for bonding a variety of construction materials, including those commonly found in interior trim applications.
Secondly, consider the strength and durability of the adhesive. Look for adhesives that offer a strong, long-lasting bond and are weather-resistant. Instant grab adhesives are a good option if you are not using nails or other fasteners, as they will hold the trim in place within seconds of application. Loctite Extreme Gel is another highly versatile and strong adhesive that can seal and repair almost any surface.
Thirdly, opt for an adhesive with low odour and environmentally friendly properties, especially if you are working indoors. This will ensure a more pleasant working environment and minimise the impact on your indoor air quality.
Additionally, consider the ease of use and workability of the adhesive. Select an adhesive that allows for some repositioning time, giving you the flexibility to make adjustments if needed. Adhesives with a high viscosity, no-drip gel formula can be advantageous as they are easier to work with and can even fill sizable gaps.
Lastly, prepare the surfaces properly before applying the adhesive. Ensure the walls are clean, dust-free, and dry. This is crucial for the adhesive to work effectively and establish a strong bond.
By considering these factors and selecting an adhesive that suits your specific project requirements, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting installation of your plastic wall moulding.
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Cutting and measuring
Before you start cutting, it's important to measure and plan. Measure the length of each wall where you will be installing the moulding and measure twice to ensure accuracy. It's a good idea to purchase a little extra moulding in case of mistakes or miscalculations. You may also want to prime the moulding and put one coat of paint on to minimise the number of coats you will need to do once it is in place.
Once you have your measurements, you can cut your moulding to the correct length and angle. You can use a miter saw or a hand saw for this. If you're new to using a miter saw, practice on scrap pieces of moulding first. If you're using a power saw, make sure you use at least an 80-tooth blade. If you're using a fine-toothed hand saw, you can cut the joints at a 45-degree angle.
If you are installing crown moulding, you will need to use a stud finder and short strips of masking tape to mark the position of all wall studs. Nail or screw nailer strips around the perimeter of the room, ending each strip about 4 inches away from each inside corner to allow the butt-fitted ends of the crown moulding to extend to the wall.
If a piece of moulding is too short for the length needed, you can splice two pieces together by cutting each piece at a 45-degree angle and then joining them with construction adhesive.
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Installation
Installing plastic wall moulding is a great DIY project that can add elegance to your room. Before you begin, you need to choose the right type of moulding for your project. There are several types of wall moulding, including crown moulding, chair rail moulding, picture frame moulding, and baseboard moulding. Once you have decided on the type of moulding, you can start preparing for the installation.
First, measure the length of each wall where you will be installing the moulding. It is important to measure twice to ensure accurate measurements. Based on these measurements, you can figure out how much moulding you will need and purchase the necessary amount, adding 15-20% extra to allow for mistakes. You may also want to prime the moulding and apply a coat of paint to minimise the number of coats needed once it is installed.
Next, gather your tools and set up your workspace. Along with the moulding, you will need a saw, gloves, a fan if the area is not well-ventilated, and the right adhesive or fasteners. For adhesive, Loctite Power Grab Express Heavy Duty is a professional-quality option that will create a strong, long-lasting bond. If using fasteners, trim nails or screws are recommended. A combination of both adhesive and fasteners is ideal.
Now, you are ready to begin installing the moulding. Start by preparing the surfaces, ensuring they are clean so that the adhesive will work properly. Dust or wipe down the walls as needed. Then, proceed with the installation, using your chosen adhesive and/or fasteners. If using adhesive, apply it to the back of the moulding and press it firmly against the wall. If using fasteners, nail or screw the moulding in place. For coped corners, a special technique is required. Hold the coped piece against the wall-butted piece and run a pencil along the back to mark a cut line. Remove the excess material with a fine-tooth saw and chisel.
Finally, finish the installation by filling any nail holes with wood putty and allowing it to dry. Sand the spots where you filled the nails to create a smooth surface. Apply latex caulk to the edges of the wall trim and any corners or gaps between pieces. Once the caulk is dry, you can paint the wall and moulding if desired.
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Finishing touches
Once you've installed your plastic wall moulding, there are a few finishing touches you can consider to enhance the look and ensure a long-lasting finish. Firstly, fill any nail holes with wood putty and allow it to dry. Sand the spots where you filled the nails to create a smooth surface. You can also apply latex caulk to the edges of the wall trim, corners, and gaps between pieces for a seamless finish. If you're working with wall boxes, you might need to sand and fill the nail holes between each box.
If you're painting your moulding, it's recommended to prime the moulding and apply at least one coat of paint before installation to minimise the number of coats needed once it's in place. Once installed, you can paint additional coats as needed, using an angular brush for moulding and a smaller roller for the walls to avoid brush strokes. Paint the moulding with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish to complete the look.
For a unique touch, consider adding uplighting to your plastic crown moulding. This can be done by installing rope lights behind the moulding, creating a warm and inviting glow in your home. To do this, you'll need to follow a special technique for coped corners to ensure the rope lighting can make the turn. Hold the coped piece against the wall-butted piece and run a pencil along the backside of the coped moulding to mark a cut line. Remove the excess material with a fine-tooth saw and chisel, then lay the rope lights neatly into the trough.
Finally, if you're looking for an easy and modern alternative to traditional plastic moulding, consider using a peel-and-stick wall moulding kit. These kits offer a quick and simple way to add a stylish accent to your walls without the need for nails or tools, as they come with high-quality self-adhesive backing.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a stud finder, short strips of masking tape, nails or screws, a nail gun, a miter saw or hand saw, and construction adhesive. If you are installing crown moulding with lights, you will also need rope lights and a switched electrical outlet box.
The type of moulding you use depends on the look you are going for. Crown moulding is installed along the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling, chair rail moulding is installed at chair height, and picture frame moulding is installed in a rectangular or square shape. You can also purchase pre-primed moulding or moulding kits.
First, measure the room and figure out how much moulding you will need, adding 15-20% extra to account for mistakes. Then, mark the position of the wall studs with masking tape and nail or screw the nailer strips around the perimeter of the room. Finally, install the moulding, butting it against the strip and nailing it in place. If you are using adhesive, apply it to the back of the moulding before sticking it to the wall.
