Moldings; Install & Finish

Do-It-Yourself Project

There are numerous styles of trim molding that can be purchased at warehouse home centers and lumber and building materials suppliers. Wood trim molding is used to decorate and cover the intersections of walls and ceilings, window openings and door openings, around fireplaces and built-in cabinets. Cutting trim molding can be done with common hand tools, but is best done with a miter box and back saw to cut the basic angles of 90 degrees and 45 degrees. For doors and windows that are using simple corner blocks all that is needed is a 90 degree cut. A standard 45 degree miter cut should be used on all other installations See diagram below:

    

For installation of wood trim along floors a miter box or power miter saw is used to produce a 45 degree cut as well as a 90 degree cut. To make the perfect corner joint a coping saw is also used. See below:



One thing all wood trim has in common is that it is shaped to some kind of profile and that shape is created using molding cutters. The effect of those cutters often leaves a surface that has wavy surface called chatter marks. See the diagram below.

Step 1 - Safety

Safety first. Since this process involves sanding and the removal of material that creates airborne dust, we recommend safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, a work apron or close fitting clothing and an approved dust/mist respirator .

 

Step 2 - Sanding & Finishing

To get the best surface finish those chatter marks need to be sanded smooth prior to staining or priming. This can be done before or after installation. Norton makes a special sanding sponge uniquely designed for this sanding application. The new Norton Molding and Millwork Sanding Sponge has a unique shape that allows the user to sand the flat surfaces, curved surfaces and inside corners that are common on various types of wood trim moldings. The two flat sides stiff enough to ensure smooth flat surfaces but also flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces. The ¼ round end allows the user to get into tight inside curves, while the angled end makes sanding sharp inside corners simple and easy. Begin by sanding along the grain in long strokes.

Once sanded, stained and sealed and or primed for painting, it is a good practice to sand the sealed surface or primed surface prior to applying the final coat of finish or paint. Sanding between coats produces a satin smooth surface. Again the Molding and Millwork Sanding Sponge can be used or Norton's 3X Sandpaper is also recommended.

Norton Project Planning Form