Helpful Hints
Handling:  Plaster moulding should always be carried on its edge.  If moulding is carried flat, it may crack, due to longitudinal stress.  Unlike wood and rigid foam, cracks are not detrimental to plaster moulding.  Should cracks occur, simply sand with fine sandpaper.

Planning:  Always plan the installation of each section to ensure the patterns match.  Select a wall that will be a focal point or the first viewed wall when entering the room (primary wall).  Using the center of the primary wall, place entire a section of moulding at center and work towards each corner.  When continuing onto the other walls, match the pattern at each end of the primary wall.  This will ensure a dramatic focal point and ensure the pattern stays intact for the remainder of the installation.

Cutting:  Mouldings are easily cut using an ordinary handsaw.  A radial arm saw can be used and will produce a smoother cut.  Try to use a fine-toothed blade for best results.

Installing:  Apply construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) to flat areas of plaster mouldings, prior to fastening.  Once adhesive is applies and the moulding is bedded, use a pneumatic hammer in place of a regular hammer.  Drywall screws can also be used, but be sure to pre-drill holes with a counter-sink bit.  Apply joint compound (sheetrock mud) to corners and seams and sand until seam is not visible.

Painting:  Prior to painting, caulk top and bottom edges to ensure uniformity.  Plaster mouldings should be primed and painted, according to design specification.  Any type of paint will adhere to plaster. 

Cornice, Chair Rail, and Panel Moulding Installation Procedures
Step 1:  Determine the drop and projection of the moulding.  Using a section of moulding, place moulding at an angle to the ceiling and wall, adjusting up and down until it beds properly (shimming may be necessary to bed the moulding flat.  Draw a line along the top and bottom.  Remove the moulding and measure drop and projection (drop will be on the wall.  Projection will be on the ceiling).  Using the measurements, mark the ceiling and wall near each corner and strike a chalk line on both the wall and ceiling.  Locate and mark all wall studs and ceiling joists.  Bed moulding in miter box and cut at 45 degree angle.  Square-cut opposite end to match pattern.

Step 2:  Start in a corner of primary wall and work to the other end of Primary call.  Apply construction adhesive on both bedding edges.  Do not apply construction adhesive on butt joints.  Use joint compound. 

Step 3:  Cut a second piece of moulding to match pattern of first piece.  This piece will either be a butt joint or a 45 degree angle cut.   Check for fit and pattern match. 

Step 4:  Continue to install mouldings, so that ending point is in the least visible corner of the room.  Joint compound should be thoroughly dry before sanded.  Joint compound may shrink after drying and may need to be reapplied.

Step 5:  Countersink all nail holes.  Apply join compound to countersunk nail or screw holes.  Sand joints after filling.  Caulk on top and bottom bedding edges.  Prime and apply finishing paint or faux finish, per design specification.

Centre Piece Installation Procedures
Step 1:  Be sure electrical panel box is shut off.

Step 2:  Hold the centre piece in required position and pencil around the outer edge onto the ceiling

Step 3:  Within the penciled circle, locate position of ceiling joists and mark appropriately.

Step 4:  Position centre piece, per design specification, and make pencil mark on centre piece to align with joist locations.  Some centre pieces have pre-located screw locations.

Step 5:  Pre-drill small screw holes in centre piece with count-sink bit.  

Step 6:  Apply construction adhesive to back of centre piece and press into position.  Using a galvanized  screw, fasten through centre piece into ceiling joist.

Step 7:  Caulk around outer edge of centre piece and fill screw holes with joint compound.

Step 8:  Connect electrical fixtures and turn-on panel box.

Step 9:  Prime and apply finish paint or faux finish.

Applique’ and Plaque Installation Procedures
Step 1:  Check for electrical wiring or fixtures that may be located behind installation surface.

Step 2:  Hold the appliqué in required position and pencil around the outer edge onto the installation surface.

Step 3:  Within the penciled area, locate position of wall studs and mark appropriately.

Step 4:  Position appliqué, per design specification, and make pencil mark on appliqué to align with wall stud locations. 

Step 5:  Pre-drill small screw holes in appliqué piece with count-sink bit.  

Step 6:  Apply construction adhesive to back of appliqué and press into position.  Using a galvanized screw, fasten through appliqué into wall studs.

Step 7:  Caulk around outer edge of appliqué and fill screw holes with joint compound.

Step 8:  Prime and apply finish paint or faux finish.

Niche Installation Procedures
Step 1:  Determine dimensions of niche before preparing for opening.  If new construction, build wall frame according to dimensions.  For existing wall, locate wall studs and determine best location for rough opening.  Frame or cut rough opening, as appropriate.  If lighting fixture is to be used, install electrical components.  If fixture is to be used, be sure the electrical panel is turned off, prior to installation.

Step 2:  Position niche in opening and mark for fastener locations. 

Step 3:  Pre-drill holes with countersink bit and apply construction adhesive to outer edges that touch drywall.  If lighting fixture is to be used, locate position on niche and pre-drill hole.   

Step 4:  Position niche in opening and secure to wall studs with galvanized screws.

Step 5:  Caulk around outer edge of niche and fill screw holes with joint compound.  If glass shelves are to be installed, locate position of shelves and pre-drill small holes.  Install small white headed screws leaving about 1/8th of an inch exposed.  The outer edge of the shelves will rest upon the exposed portions.

Step 6:  Prime and apply finish paint or faux finish.

Download Installation Procedures PDF