Molding Finishing Processes

Trim

• The word trim serves as something of a catchall for any type of material used to accent interior surfaces, particularly at the edges. Types of trim include decorative baseboards, surfaces around windows and fireplaces, and molding. Molding encompasses any type of trim with a recessed or protruding surface. For instance, a wooden fireplace facade with a mantle that extends beyond the rest of the frame to form a small ledge constitutes molding, as do textured, angled surfaces extending from a wall to a ceiling.

Finishing Trim

• Finishing trim entails the process of applying finishes, or layers of varnish and other materials, to wood trim. This process serves two purposes: one practical and one aesthetic. Practically speaking, finishing trim adds protective layers to wood, preventing rot and other damage from moisture penetration. Aesthetically speaking, finishing trim allows for the creation of a smooth piece of wood with fine, pronounced grain, emphasizing the natural qualities of the wood. Finishing also affords the opportunity to change the color of the wood to meet the overall design of a room.

Types of Finishing

• Technically speaking, paint qualifies as a type of finishing material because you use it to put the finishing touches on trim. Top coats, another type of finishing material, come in two types: stains and clear. Clear preserves the natural color of wood while protecting it from moisture damage. Stains change the color of wood, allowing you to make molding darker or lighter to match your interior design. Putty and wax crayons help you finish wood by fitting into nail holes and covering the nail for a smooth finish, while varnishes are applied on top of all other layers of finishing to protect and seal the finish.

Finishing

• The finishing process begins with sanding. Sanding wood with sandpaper or a power sander removes imperfections, blemishes and inconsistencies in the surface to create a smooth, flat, even finish. Sanding also exposes the natural grain of the wood. After sanding wood, apply any top coats you intend on using. Some top coats require multiple layers, and even require you to sand the wood between the application of layers to smooth out the top coat. Always sand wood before installing it. You can add layers of top coat before installing wood, afterward, or both. Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer of your finishing material, for the best results.