How to Remove Molding Without Damaging the Wall

Floor replacement, door and window replacement and large-scale remodeling efforts are just a few reasons you might need to remove the current molding in your home. Removing the molding without damaging the wall is the top priority for this task. Damage to sheetrock can be complicated to repair, and if you are not qualified to make the repairs, you will have to hire a professional. Removing molding without damaging the wall is easy with a little patience.

Things You'll Need

• Steel ruler or other metal straight edge
• Utility knife
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Place a straight metal edge, such as a steel ruler, against the molding to be removed at the caulk line. Run a utility knife blade down the caulk line to separate the caulk from the wall. Repeat this process for all sides and edges of the molding that have caulk.

2. Insert a putty knife at one end of the molding between the molding and the wall and gently pry the molding a bit away from the wall. Do not apply too much pressure or you will punch a hole in the sheetrock with the putty knife. If you notice caulk that is still attached to the molding and the wall, stop prying immediately and cut the caulking.

3. Remove the putty knife and repeat the process just after the location of the next finishing nail. Gently pry the molding a bit away from the wall. Repeat the process down the entire length of molding.

4. Return to the beginning of the molding and pry the molding further away from the wall than before. Repeat this process down the molding over and over until the molding is free from the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Never grab one end of the molding and pull from the wall. The molding can break and snap into the wall or pieces can fly at you.

References

• Crown Molding & Trim: Install It Like a Pro; Wayne Drake; 2003.