Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Use Mdf Crown Molding

Crown molding is a decorative interior trim used to decorate the joint where the walls and ceilings meet. MDF, medium density fiberboard, is a synthetic material and is an affordable option for crown molding where actual wood is not required. It is cut, installed and painted in the same manner as wooden crown molding. If you plan to paint your molding, you can use MDF to cut down on your project costs.


Instructions


1. Measure each wall of the room where you plan to use the MDF crown molding.


2. Mark each 96-inch section of crown molding to length for each wall with a tape measure and pencil. Mark the required angle for each end of the crown molding sections. Corner joints will require a 45-degree angle with the back side having the long point. Joints on projecting corners will require a 45-degree angle with the outside face of the molding having the long point.


3. Cut each section of crown molding to length and cut the correct angle on each end with a miter saw. Hold the crown molding so that the bottom edge is against the fence and the top back edge is against the table to make a correct cut.


4. Fit each section of molding onto the joint between the wall and ceiling. Drive 10d finish nails every six to eight inches through the crown molding into the wall and ceiling with a hammer to fasten the molding in place.


5. Set the nails 1/16-inch below the surface of the molding with a nail set.


6. Fill the holes and any imperfections in the corner joints with wood putty with a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry overnight. Sand the putty flush with the surface of the molding with 120-grit sandpaper.


7. Paint the crown molding with a paintbrush and allow the paint to dry.

Tags: crown molding, crown molding, molding with, 45-degree angle, 45-degree angle with, angle each