How to Install a Shadow Wainscot

Use a miter box to cut angles on your molding.

Wainscoting is commonly comprised of wooden panels that are attached to the lower portion of a wall. Shadow wainscoting is created with the use of a chair rail and picture molding. The chair rail separates the lower section of the wall from the upper section while the picture molding is installed in box or rectangle shapes to create texture and depth to the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• Miter box
• Picture rail molding
• Construction adhesive
• Carpentry nails
• Nail set
• Caulk
• Putty
• Paint

Instructions

1. Cut a section of chair rail molding the distance of the wall. Cut the chair rail with a saw and miter box. For one wall, cut the ends at 90 degree angles. If the chair rail extends around the room, cut the ends at opposing 45 degree angles so they butt tightly up against each other.

2. Apply a thin line of construction adhesive to the back of the chair rail molding and hold it to the wall. Nail the molding to the wall with carpentry nails. Counter-sink the nails with a nail set so the head of the nail is below the surface of the molding.

3. Draw the layout of the shadow wainscoting boxes. Evenly space the boxes out and center them below objects like windows. Alternate squares and rectangles or alternate sizes to make the dimensions work for your space.

4. Cut out the picture rail molding to fit the sizes of the boxes and rectangles you want to create. Cut the ends at opposing 45 degree angles so they butt snugly together at the corners.

5. Place a thin line of construction adhesive on the back of the picture rail molding and put in place on your wall. Nail through the molding and into the wall. Install all of the molding and counter-sink the nails with a nail set.

6. Caulk the seams where the picture rail molding and chair rail molding meets the wall. Caulk on all sides with a paintable caulk so there are no gaps between the moldings and walls.

7. Fill the nail holes with putty. Dip your finger into the putty and wipe it on the molding, filling the nail holes. Wipe the excess putty off with a slightly dampened rag. Let the putty and caulk dry overnight.

8. Paint the wall. Choose the same color of paint for the chair rail and picture rail moldings. Paint the wall either the same color as the molding or a contrasting color so the moldings show. Choose different colors for above and below the chair rail molding to complete the shadow wainscoting.

Tips & Warnings

• The moldings must be level when you install them.

• Paint the moldings prior to installing them, especially if they're going to be a different color than the wall.

• Use a nail gun for large rooms and faster installation.

• The height of the chair rail is a personal preference.

• Be careful when using tools like hammers and saws.

References

• HGTV: How to Install Wainscoting and Chair Railing