How to Apply Paste Wood Filler to Molding

Crown molding adds elegance to a home by framing the ceiling. It comes in a variety of sizes and styles so a homeowner can find the suitable style for his home's needs. After cutting and installing molding, you need to cover some exposed seams and nails, especially if you installed precut or accent joints. Wood-filler paste is the most common type of covering applied to these spots, and you can put it on right after installing the molding.

Tape
Premixed wood-filler paste
Putty knife, small
Caulking gun
Sandpaper
Damp rag
Stain or paint in the molding color
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Locate nails, gaps and seams on the installed molding and mark them with some tape or a sticky note. Pay particular attention to seams created for joints.
- 2
  Open the container of wood-filler paste and stir it slightly with a putty knife. Cover the nails first by placing a small dab of paste over the nail spot. Spread the filler over the nail with the putty knife, scraping away excess paste in the process. Return the excess paste to the container. Repeat the process to cover all of the exposed nails.
- 3
  Cover any seams or gaps by smoothing small amounts of paste over the seam spot. Press the filler into the seam gaps and scrape it across the molding's surface gently until it is smooth. Repeat the process for the remaining seams and gaps.
- 4
  Fill any large gaps between the molding and the ceiling with a caulking gun, and then smooth down the paste with a putty knife. Allow the paste to dry completely.
- 5
  Sand the surface of the wood filler to remove any uneven spots or clumps of paste on the molding. Wipe the sanded surface clean with a damp wet rag. Allow the surface to dry.
- 6
  Paint or stain over the filler spots using the same paint as you used on the molding. Keep the paint smooth and blend it in with the sections of the molding that you have not applied wood filler to.

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