How to Remove Decorative Molding

Decorative molding was introduced by the Romans and Greeks, but it wasn't until the 19th Century that woodworkers began using decorative molding in America. The moldings are generally made from resin, plaster and wood and are used to decorate ceilings and cabinets. Decorative crown molding is often used in elegant dining rooms, master bedrooms and formal living rooms to give them a sophisticated appearance. Removing decorative molding is a much simpler task than installing it. Depending on the size of the room in which you plan to remove the molding, you can probably finish the project in a couple of hours.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Leather work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Utility knife
• Pry bar
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Put on leather work gloves and safety goggles.

2. Set up a ladder under the section of molding where you'd like to begin working. It's best to start in a corner or on a seam.

3. Cut the bottom edge of the molding with a utility knife where the molding meets the drywall. This is so the molding doesn't pull the paint off the wall when you remove it.

4. Slide a pry bar under the molding. Tap the handle of the pry bar with a hammer, and lift up and out on the molding. The decorative molding should pop away from the wall.

5. Slide the pry bar as far as you can along the edge of the molding before you get down to move the ladder to the next section.

6. Move the ladder to the next section, and repeat Steps 3 to 5 until you have removed all the molding.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask someone to help you remove the molding if you'd like to reuse it for another project. It is difficult to keep it from breaking if you work alone.

• Be careful of nails popping out from the wall as you remove the molding. Keep your safety goggles on throughout the project.

References

• This Old House: Removing Trim
• "Crown Molding & Trim: Install It Like a Pro;" Wayne Drake; 2003