Crown Molding Rules
Crown molding refers to a decorative finishing piece, often made from plaster or wood, installed along the line where a wall and ceiling meet. Crown molding can be installed by a reasonably competent craftsman or do-it-yourself enthusiast, but following certain rules makes the process easier. Does this Spark an idea?
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Selection
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Choose a crown molding based on the height of the ceiling. Typically, allowing 1 inch of molding height for each foot of ceiling height creates a pleasing effect visually. If you have standard domestic ceiling with a height of 8 feet, choose a molding 8 inches in height.
Cutting
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You may be tempted to lay molding flat to cut it, but because of its angled design, you will need a saw with a blade that can be tilted and rotated. Instead, a better cutting method is to turn the molding upside down and cut it in a miter box -- a trough-like box open at both ends, with guide slots for your saw.
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Priming and Staining
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Always prime and stain your crown molding before you fix it to the wall. This avoids dripping and prevents primer or stain from getting on the wall or ceiling. Let it dry completely before mounting it.
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