Brad Staggs, the host of DIY's Complete Fix-It, shows a homeowner how to repair two crown-molding problems: a corner where the two pieces don't meet and a section that has started pulling away from the ceiling.
Filling a Gap Materials:
Utility knife
Paper (newspaper, etc.)
Painter's tape
Plastic household filler
Putty knife
Board or other mixing surface
Sanding sponge
Paint
Paintbrush
- Use a utility knife to clean and even out the edges of the gap (figure A).
- Tear off pieces of paper and use the knife to push them into the gap. This will help fill in the gap so you'll need to use less filler.
- Place strips of tape along the ceiling to protect it from the filler (figure B).
- Mix a small amount of plastic filler according to directions on the label and use it to fill in the gap, smoothing it on the edges of the molding as you work ( figure C). Let dry.
- Sand any rough spots with a sanding sponge, and paint over any filler that shows.
Reattaching Loose Molding Materials:
Stud finder
Pencil
Drill
Small finish screws
Caulk
Paint
Paintbrush
- Use a stud finder to find the ceiling joists closest to the gap. Mark their location with a pencil.
- Predrill the molding and drive a finish screw through it at each joist.
- Use caulk to fill in any remaining gaps between the molding and the ceiling, as well as the predrilled holes.
- Touch up the molding with matching paint.
Note: To order the new HGTV's Complete Fix-It book, see Resources, below.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
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