How to Replace Moulding

Removing the old moulding

• 1

  Use the utility knife to cut the paint along the top and bottom of the moulding to separate the old moulding from the wall.

• 2

  Press the wedge of the pry bar along the wall and under the moulding. Use the hammer to tap on the end of the moulding if the pry bar does not easily fit underneath.

• 3

  Push the pry bar firmly down towards the wall to pry the moulding up and away from the wall.

• 4

  Slide the pry bar down the wall behind the moulding and continue to pry the moulding upwards until it comes off the wall.

• 5

  Repeat the removal steps until all of the moulding you intend on replacing is removed.

Installing the new moulding

• 6

  Measure the length of moulding needed for each run using the tape measure.

• 7

  Cut the moulding to length using the miter saw, with a 45-degree angle on the ends where two pieces of moulding will be meeting at a corner.

• 8

  Starting at the end of the longest piece, nail in a finish nail at the end of the moulding, and every 3 inches or so along the moulding until you get to the other end. A pneumatic nailer works considerably better than a hammer and nail, but is not essential.

• 9

  Fit the next piece of moulding against the already installed piece and nail it in place in the same way as the previous piece of moulding.

• 10

  Continue nailing moulding in place, always working away from currently installed moulding pieces.