How to Add Molding to Cabinet Doors

Cabinetry can make a big impact on the overall appearance of a room, but cabinet replacement or re-facing can run thousands of dollars. Plain cabinets can often be dressed up by the addition of molding and decorative embellishments to the cabinet doors. Home improvement stores and craft stores offer a wide variety of moldings that only require a little finishing and some glue to bring life to your boring cabinets.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Clean cloth
• Primer suitable for wood
• Paint or stain
• Saw
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Paintable/stainable caulk

Instructions

Finish the Molding

1. Sand the molding with fine-grit sandpaper until the finish is smooth to touch. Wipe the sanding dust from the molding with a clean cloth.

2. Prime the molding with primer suitable for wood if you are painting the molding. If you are staining the molding, skip this step. Allow the primer to dry completely. Check the molding after the primer dries to ensure the finish is still as smooth as you desire. If needed, lightly sand the molding with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding dust with a clean cloth.

3. Paint or stain the molding with your choice of color. You will probably need to apply two or more coats of paint or stain to achieve the desired color. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely in between coats.

Attach the Molding

1. Measure the cabinet doors and cut the molding to the size and shape desired. If you need to make angled cuts to the molding, a miter saw or table saw with a miter gauge is the most efficient way to make accurate angled cuts. If you are installing pre-cut decorative embellishments, then skip this step.

2. Remove the door from the cabinet, if it is installed. Place the door flat on a table for ease of installation.

3. Wipe the door with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt from the surface. Allow the door to dry completely before installing the molding.

4. Run a line of wood glue on the backside of the molding in an "S" shape. Keep the glue line thin and be careful not to allow big clumps of glue to sit in one spot on the molding. Do not place the glue line right next to the edge of the trim or it will squeeze out onto the door.

5. Place the molding on the door and press it into place. Hold the molding in place until the glue sets or use clamps to keep the molding from slipping. Continue attaching molding to the door one piece at a time.

6. Caulk gaps between the molding and the door than need to be filled. Make sure you use a paintable/stainable caulk. Touch up the caulk with the paint or stain used on the molding when it is dry.

7. Allow the glue to dry overnight before re-hanging the cabinet doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses when operating power saws.

References

• "Crown Molding & Trim: Install It Like A Pro;" Wayne Drake; 2003