How to Attach Molding to Particle Board
You can improve the look of particle board by installing molding. Particle board is a type of compressed sheathing used on walls or in the mass production of do-it-yourself storage units. Entertainment centers, bathroom vanities, and other storage solutions are made from this material and sold as a kit in home improvement centers.
Attaching molding to particle board surfaces provides an ideal way to improve the look of a room or storage unit. Whether you're installing molding to a wall or a storage unit, the techniques are the same.
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Things You'll Need
- Soap
- De-greasing cleaner (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw or miter box
- Paint or stain
- Construction adhesive (wood glue)
- Nail gun
- Galvanized nails
Instructions
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1
Clean the particle board surface with a solution of mild soap and water. Use a de-greasing cleaner if you are installing molding on particle board in a kitchen. Do not use a "wood soap" that contains oils; oil soap will prevent glue from adhering to the particle board surface.
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2
Measure the particle board surface twice to ensure you have the correct measurements. Write each measurement on the particle board surface so you will know where molding fits after it's cut.
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3
Purchase a quality "stain" or "paint" grade molding to install on the particle board. Stain grade molding is free from defects such as scratches and knicks; in its raw wood form it also readily accepts stain. Paint grade molding is pre-primed from the factory to save you time.
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4
Cut the molding using your measurements. Remember that 45-degree corners require that each piece be cut at 22.5-degree cuts in order to align correctly. A miter saw or miter box adapter will help you make these cuts. Paint or stain the molding using a finish that will complement the existing furnishings.
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Align the molding with a test fit to make sure all the angles are cut right. Apply a quality wood glue or construction adhesive to the back of the molding and put it in place. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Use a nail gun to secure large pieces of molding to the wall or at the top and bottom of cabinets.
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6
Use a caulking product to seal cracks along the top edge of molding. Use a wood putty and your finger to fill in holes made by galvanized nails.
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Tips & Warnings
The process for installing molding is the same for any wood surface.
Particle board is compressed board made from wood fibers.
Inside corners should be cut with the front face of the molding facing down and backward.
Do not cut inside and outside facing corners the same way.
References
- Photo Credit background particle board image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
