What Roller to Use When Painting Crown Molding

Rollers and Brushes

• You can use a standard roller to paint flat crown molding. If leaving the crown molding on the ceiling, use a small roller no wider than the molding. If removing the crown molding to paint, a larger roller is usable. However, to utilize the most paint, it is best to use a soft, narrow roller made for wood products. For more ornate or elaborate crown molding, such as architectural crown molding, a paint roller will not evenly distribute the paint through the crevices in the design. A small, soft-bristled paintbrush works best to apply paint evenly in the hard-to-reach places.

Selecting a Paint

• Crown molding paints are more versatile than wall paints, since crown molding is not washed as often. An acrylic or oil-based paint is fine; however, consider the amount of time and cleanup you want to spend. Oil-based paints have a smoother look than acrylic and are very durable, but take longer to dry. Acrylic paints dry faster, but do not always have an even finish. Acrylics, however, maintain gloss and sheen longer than oil-based paints.

Preparation and Painting

• Before painting, you must prepare the crown molding so the paint sticks and has a smooth, even finish. Install-Molding.com recommends that you remove the crown molding prior to painting it. Lay the molding in an area where it can be flat, but refrain from leaving it outside where moisture can warp the boards. Sand down the molding to remove existing paint and even the surface of the wood. Use a primer to help the paint adhere. If the molding has a prefinished surface, however, you do not have to sand and prime before painting.

Other Paint Options

• If you do not wish to go through the hassle of painting crown molding with a roller, brush and bucket of paint, use spray paint to change the look without the added supplies. Sand down the surface of the crown molding to remove any imperfections. Wipe it clean with a damp rag. Apply smooth, even coats using spray paint and allow each coat to dry before applying the next. When using spray paint, stay in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing in harmful fumes.