Crown Molding Painting: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting a room with crown molding can be a simple and rewarding project that can transform the aesthetics of a room. Crown molding is a decorative element that is often used in homes, especially those with high ceilings. The process of painting crown molding involves preparing the surface, choosing the right paint and technique, and working in small sections to achieve a professional-looking finish. The order of painting the room is also important, with some recommending painting the trim first, followed by the ceiling and walls, while others suggest painting the walls first and then the crown molding.

Preparation: Caulking, sanding, and priming before painting

Painting a room with crown molding can be tricky, but with the right preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. Caulking, sanding, and priming are essential steps before painting to ensure a smooth and seamless result.

Caulking

Caulking is necessary to fill any cracks, gaps, or joints in the crown molding and create a seamless edge. Use a high-quality caulk, such as a high-end clear caulk, and apply it to every crack along the ceiling and wall. If you are working with existing molding, also caulk any nail holes and joints. Use a damp finger to remove any excess caulk and create a smooth finish.

Sanding

Sanding is an important step to ensure a smooth and even surface for painting. Crown molding has curved and uneven surfaces, so it is crucial to sand it down to create a uniform base for the paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 150-220-grit, to lightly sand the molding. If your home was built before 1978, be sure to conduct a lead test before sanding. When sanding indoors, create an exhaust system by placing a box fan in an open window to direct dust outdoors.

Priming

Priming the crown molding before painting is essential to ensure the paint adheres properly and to create a smooth finish. Use a premium interior primer/sealer and apply one or two coats, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Let each coat dry thoroughly, preferably overnight, before continuing. If you are using latex-based paint, choose an acrylic or oil-based primer. When priming, use a small paintbrush and cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the bristles, tapping the brush on the side of the can to remove excess paint. Apply the primer with long strokes, and unload the brush on the return trip.

Painting order: Paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls

Painting a room with crown molding can be a simple and rewarding project. Crown molding is a decorative element used to accent ceilings and walls, typically symbolizing elegance and refinement. The painting process can transform the ambiance of a room and add value to your property.

When painting a room with crown molding, the recommended order is to paint the trim first, followed by the ceiling, and then the walls. Painting the trim, or crown molding, first provides a seamless finish and ensures that the walls remain untouched. It is easier and faster to tape off the trim than the walls, and painting the trim first eliminates the need to tape off both the trim and the walls.

Before painting the crown molding, it is essential to prepare the surface. Fill any gaps or cracks between the molding and the wall with painter's caulk, creating a smooth and seamless edge. Sand and prime the molding to ensure the paint adheres well and covers any imperfections.

When painting the crown molding, work in small sections and maintain a wet edge to achieve a perfectly blended finish. You can use a paintbrush, or for a faster and more accessible option, spray paint. Apply two thin coats of paint or a primer followed by a finish coat.

After the crown molding has been painted and dried, you can move on to painting the ceiling and then the walls. Choose paint colors that complement each other and create a cohesive atmosphere in the room. With the proper techniques and a bit of patience, you can achieve professional-looking results.

Painting technique: Spray-painting vs. hand-painting

Painting crown molding can be tricky due to the intricate details and curved surfaces involved. There are two main techniques for painting crown molding: spray-painting and hand-painting. Both methods can achieve smooth results, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which technique to use.

Spray-painting crown molding can be a faster process, especially for experienced painters, as it is excellent for reaching intricate details. It is also a good option if you are painting before installing the molding, as you can paint outside and don't have to worry about ventilation. However, spray paint can take a long time to dry, especially if you apply thick layers or if the weather is humid.

Hand-painting crown molding, on the other hand, is a more accessible option for most people, as it requires fewer specialized tools and is generally easier to do. All you need is a paintbrush and paint. Hand-painting also dries faster than spray-painting, which is advantageous if you are working on a project with a tight timeline. When hand-painting, it is important to pay special attention to details and intricate designs to achieve a smooth result. Hand-painting is also a good option if you are painting after the molding has been installed, as you may need to use a ladder to reach the molding and spray-painting may not be feasible indoors.

When it comes to the type of paint, water-based paints are generally easier to work with and have a less strong odor compared to oil-based paints. However, oil-based paints are more durable and easy to clean. For crown molding, a glossy finish is often preferred as it stands out from the walls and ceiling, creating visual interest. Semi-gloss paint is a popular choice as it imparts some shine and texture to the molding and is more durable than flat paint. However, flat paint offers a subtle and classic look that many homeowners prefer.

Regardless of the painting technique chosen, proper preparation is key to achieving great results. Filling any cracks or dents, sanding the surface, and using a primer can help ensure a smooth and flawless finish. Additionally, when hand-painting, it is important to stir the paint well to ensure a smooth consistency.

Sheen: Glossy vs. flat sheen

Crown molding is a decorative element often used in homes and buildings. Painting it is a simple project that can transform the look of a room. When it comes to choosing the right sheen for your crown molding, there are two main options: glossy or flat.

Glossy Sheen

A glossy finish is a popular choice for crown molding as it stands out from the walls and ceiling, creating visual interest. It is also durable and long-lasting. If you're aiming for a French Victorian look, choose a strikingly different colour from your standard neutrals. For a modern vibe, opt for a subtly different shade than the wall or ceiling, but still use a semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen to set off the crown molding. Glossy finishes are ideal if you want to draw attention to the molding and make a statement.

Flat Sheen

Flat sheen, on the other hand, offers a subtle and classic look that many homeowners prefer. It is often chosen when a minimalist approach is desired, allowing shadows and light to play across the surface. Using the same paint as your ceiling creates a subdued sense of drama, especially with double crown molding. Flat sheen is a good option if you don't want to draw attention to imperfections in the wall, as glossy finishes can accentuate these.

Regardless of the sheen you choose, it's important to properly prepare the crown molding before painting. Sand and prime the molding, and use painter's tape to mask off the area you're not planning to paint. You can also use a technique called "cutting in," which allows for a smooth edge with just a brush, but this is more suitable for experienced painters.

Additionally, consider the order in which you'll paint the room. Pros usually paint the trim first, then the ceiling, and finally the walls. This way, you only need to tape off the trim, which is faster and easier than taping off the walls.

Colour: Matching the room's decor vs. creating a new look

Painting your crown moulding can be a great way to match the room's existing decor or create a new look. Crown moulding is a decorative element used to accent ceilings and walls, and it can be painted to match the rest of the room or to stand out as a unique design feature.

If you want to create a cohesive look in your room, choose a colour for your crown moulding that complements the existing wall and ceiling colours. Mismatched colours can disrupt the ambiance and take away from other features in the room. A simple way to ensure your colours match is to use the same paint for your crown moulding as you did for your ceiling. This creates a subtle sense of drama, especially if you have a double crown installed. Alternatively, you can pick a shade that is only subtly different from your wall or ceiling colour while still using a sheen like semi-gloss or high-gloss to set off the crown moulding.

On the other hand, you can use crown moulding as an opportunity to create a new look or add a pop of colour to your room. Crown mouldings can be painted in a variety of colours and wood stains, and they can handle both subtle and striking shades. If you're going for a French Victorian look, for example, you can choose a colour that is strikingly different from your standard neutral paint colours. You can also play with light and shadow by using a flat sheen and a minimalist approach, allowing the natural light in the room to create visual interest.

Regardless of whether you're matching the existing decor or creating a new look, it's important to consider the order in which you paint the different elements of your room. Pros usually recommend painting the trim and crown moulding first, then the ceiling, and finally the walls. This is because it's easier and faster to tape off the trim than the walls, and you don't want to have to tape off both. It's also recommended to apply two thin coats of paint or a primer followed by a finish coat to avoid lap marks and a shoddy-looking paint job.

Frequently asked questions