DIY Molding and Coping

Measure the wall with a measuring tape and transfer these measurements to the crown molding with a pencil.

Set the crown molding on the miter saw. The molding should be positioned so that the top of the molding sits against the saw table and the bottom of the molding sits against the saw fence. The crown molding should always be in this position when it is cut.

Cut the moldings for an outside corner. Adjust the miter saw so that it is set at a 45-degree angle. Cut the first piece of molding on the saw. Nail in place with a pneumatic nail gun. Cut the other side of the molding corner by positioning the molding in place. Set the saw to an opposite 45-degree angle as the first cut and then cut the second piece of molding. Nail in place with a pneumatic nail gun.

Cut the crown molding for inside corners. Set the crown molding in position on the miter saw. Cut the molding while the saw is at the zero degree setting. Nail in place with a pneumatic nail gun. Create the other half of the inside corner by cutting the molding at a 45-degree angle and coping out the back of the molding. Cut the cope by finding the front top edge of the 45-degree angle cut. Hold the coping saw at a 45-degree angle and cut away the back portion of the molding. The molding will then fit into the profile of the first cut piece of molding for the inside corner. Nail in place with a pneumatic nail gun.

Cover the nail holes in the molding with drywall compound or wood filler, and fill the gaps between the crown molding and the wall with caulk. Let dry overnight and paint.