How to Create Faux Crown Molding With Paint
Crown molding is a type of decorative trim that adds depth and visual interest in a room. This molding, which runs along the walls of a room below the ceiling, is typically made of wood or plaster. You can enhance the look of your existing crown molding easily or mimic the look inexpensively with only paint. Learn how to create faux crown molding with paint in this video by Ace Hardware:
You will need the following tools and materials for this DIY project:
- Drop cloth
- White cloth rags
- Paint roller tray
- Mini paint roller
- Utility knife
- Quality paint brush
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Painters tape
- Painters putty
- Nail gun and nails
- Paint samples (pints)
- Thin molding/trim
1. Select a color that complements your decor. If you’re working with an existing wall color, select a shade darker than the main wall color as an accent. Select a classic white as a contrasting color for your crown molding and trim.
2. If you have existing crown molding and baseboards, select a narrow trim piece in the thickness of your choice to complement them. A 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch trim is ideal for this type of project. Paint the trim piece with one to two coats of your favorite classic white.
3. Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect the surfaces. You’ll want to make sure the walls are clean, sound and free of dirt or grease.
4. Decide on the placement of the trim molding. if you have 8-foot ceilings with crown molding, measuring 6 inches down from the base of the existing crown molding is a good height. Mark lightly with a pencil. Place painters tape directly below the pencil mark around the perimeter of the room. You’ll also want to place painters tape along the bottom edge of the existing crown molding to protect it from getting painted.
5. To determine how much molding you’ll need, measure each wall and add another 10 to 15 percent excess to each piece to account for waste.
6. If you’re using paint + primer in one, there’s no need to prime before you paint. Satin sheen is a good sheen for trim.
7. Using a mini paint roller, paint the wall between the top crown molding and the painters tape with a darker accent color. Allow to dry completely, then remove the painters tape.
8. Attach the painted trim piece directly over the bottom edge of the painted area using a nail gun approximately every 12 inches. Use a small level to ensure straight placement.
9. Once all the molding is secured, use painters putty to fill in the nail holes. Once dry, touch up the areas with your selected classic white paint. Allow to dry completely.
You can create double the impact when you mirror the look on the bottom portion of your walls. Simply follow these same steps and measurements using the baseboard molding as your starting point.
