Introduction

This guide will help those trying to preserve and restore crown molding within their home or business. My step-by-step guide will show you how to remove, restore, and reinstall crown molding without causing further damage.

The most difficult task for this repair is removing the crown molding. This can take patience. It is important to go slow and work the crown molding from the wall a little at a time. Going too fast or applying too much pressure at once could potentially cause more damage.

After the molding is removed, the magic happens. Identify any damage that may have already existed and/or that might have occurred during the removal process. Once you have identified what needs repaired, you can add your adhesive to the splits, cracks, or holes. Keep in mind the adhesive has to dry or it will not be effective.

Once the cure time has expired, you can begin to reinstall your molding. If you’ve determined that new material is needed, you need to make some measurements and cuts before continuing. Make sure to measure the top and bottom lengths of the molding since joints can vary. Also, take into consideration the angle at which the cut needs to be made. If possible, it is always good to gauge your new cuts with the molding being replaced. However, careful measurements may be needed if the cuts from the original molding are not within expectation. Once the cuts have been made and the molding fits to standard, you can begin reinstalling.

During the installation process you will need to make sure the molding is in the correct position before securing it to the wall. Make sure the seams between the wall, joints, and ceiling are smooth. This will create a perfect bond between surrounding surfaces after the caulk is applied.

After the caulk has cured, paint can be applied to restore your home or business to its original glory.

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    • Make careful slow cuts to avoid injury.

    • Cut around the seam of the crown molding with a knife or razor blade.

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    • Avoid prying too hard, which may cause damage to the wall or trim.

    • Gently pry the molding from the wall using a flat prying tool such as a putty knife.

    • It is important to take your time to prevent further damage to the molding or wall. This step may take several minutes to complete.

    • Work the putty knife back and further along the seams to gradually pry the molding from the wall.

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    • Remove old nails, caulk, or adhesives from the wall and/or molding.

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    • Assess any damage to the crown molding.

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    • Damage to this extent will likely be beyond repair. It will be better to replace that section of molding with new material.

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    • Fill in holes created from nails with wood glue or adhesive.

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    • Identify splits or cracks that are within the scope of repair.

    • If possible, place the nozzle underneath the split or crack and apply adhesive.

    • Remove any excess adhesive.

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    • Apply rubber tip clamps to the repair area.

    • Read the instructions on the bottle of adhesive being used and know your product's cure time. Keep the clamp applied until the end of the cure time.

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    • Make measurements to prepare for the proper cut.

    • Make accurate measurements at the top and bottom of the molding since the length at the joints can vary.

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    • Use a pencil to mark your measurements.

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    • Be careful when using a saw, as they can cause serious injury.

    • Use a saw to cut the trim.

    • A skill saw is recommended to get a clean, precise cut. A hand saw is doable and may be a cheaper alternative. If a hand saw is used, make sure it is specific for wood cutting to get smooth-edged cuts.

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    • Secure the molding to the wall using trim nails.

    • The nails need to be long enough to penetrate the molding and the wall. A nail gun is recommended, but a hammer and nail is a doable alternative. Nail placement is recommended for every one to two feet.

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    • Caulk the seams of the trim to make a clean transition between wall, ceiling, and adjacent trim.

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    • Smooth and remove excessive caulk.

    • Allow time for the caulk to cure. Once it is cured, the trim is ready to paint. Painting the trim will add a smoothness to the appearance and hide exposed nails or glue marks.

Merick Juarez

Member since: 16/09/20

253 Reputation

2 comments

Hello Merrick Juarez

sir can you guide me on which glue I select from these all top 10 types of glue for furniture and Crown Molding Trim Replacement I have been read your all instructions but not clear about such glue which I use for the project. I have facing trouble in selecting the right glue for wood

Thomas -

For a project like this, I suggest using any brand of wood glue. You can find these products at Home Depot, Lowes, or other similar stores. It does not matter which brand you buy. Just make sure the product is made for wood, and that you read the instructions on the product that you buy for the required cure times. I hope this helps.

Merick Juarez -