How to Glue a Cove Base

Cove base is a type of vinyl trim used along the base of a wall. It is usually applied in conjunction with vinyl flooring and serves to protect drywall. Cove base's advantages are that the vinyl is easy to sterilize, so it's appropriate for such environments as a doctor's or veterinarian's office, and that it is more affordable than crown molding. Vinyl cove base is a slick material, so a special adhesive is necessary to get it to stick permanently on the wall. Use the appropriate product and give it time to cure so you'll have trim that lasts for years.

Measuring tape
Utility knife
Straightedge
Cove base adhesive
Notched trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Place the uninstalled cove base inside for about 24 hours so it is room temperature, which makes it more pliable and easy to work with.
- 2
  Measure the section of wall where you are going to apply the cove base, and cut it to fit. Use a utility knife and a straightedge to make even cuts.
- 3
  Spread cove base adhesive to the back of a piece of cove base with a notched trowel. Avoid applying adhesive within 1/2 inch of the top of the cove base so it doesn't squeeze out when pressed to the wall.
- 4
  Allow the adhesive to set according to the package instructions; this makes the adhesive tacky. Not all types of adhesive need to set before use.
- 5
  Align the cove base up to the wall so the bottom is flush with the flooring. Smooth the vinyl in place so it is even and doesn't have any air pockets. Start at one edge and smooth it to the other edge with your hands.

How to Build a Wall to Hold Rafters

How to Attach Paneling to a Styrofoam Wall

Walls