Photo by Max Vakhtbovych

Though small, trims and moldings can make a huge difference in home interiors. However, while these elements are void of direct contact, they can still become cracked and dull if not cared for. Fortunately, One Handy’s trim and molding service in Makawao helps homeowners with their needs.

When it comes to home renovation and improvement, people can’t miss out on trims and moldings, visually enhancing accessories almost every household utilizes. These fixtures are a common way of adding a little jazz and luxury into one’s space without asking owners much in return.

Instead of having plain edges and corners on walls or ceilings that unknowingly cut people’s sight, evidently separating these room sections, trims make them flowier and connected. By covering gaps and spaces, these fixtures make the room more put together and orderly, creating an illusion that the room is much larger than it is in actuality. In between railings and baseboard trims, this little detail uplifts the room’s vibe and overall appeal.

However, this beauty can’t be conveyed if it’s hidden and covered with cracks and dust. As with every other appliance and household fixture, time will affect trims’ appeal. While these aren’t as directly handled as other devices, signs of wear and tear will still grow if trims aren’t adequately cared for over time. Fortunately, this article will detail the basics of trim and molding care.

Trim vs. Molding

Before going into the specifics, it’s essential to establish the basics. With trim and molding almost always tied together, it’s easy to mistake their association. But truth be told, there’s not much difference, and interchanging them doesn’t hold much significance in any context.

Trim is the general term for fixtures used around household openings like windows, doors, and corners between ceilings, walls, or floor intersections. Trims can also be applied to walls, like chair rails or wainscoting. On the other hand, molding is a specific type of trim. It is characterized or only differentiated by its more elaborate and decorative enhancing profile.

Trims and moldings are used to lessen the contrast between the walls and ceilings. It softens the lines and edges between these spaces, creating a subtler and more graceful appearance.

Trim and Molding Repairs

It’s crucial to realize that trims and moldings can be made from different materials. Hence, they can require various means of repair. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. What works for one trim material may not work for another, demanding a trial and error process in fixing these fittings.

This being said, if the damage is deemed too complicated, it’s advisable to skip the DIY process. Else, it may only exacerbate the issue. Instead of quickly diving toward the issue alone, it’s best to call experts for help. One Handy Haole’s trim and molding service in Makawao offers excellent reparation, or installation services fit for any homeowner’s needs. If a quick and easy fix is needed, One Handy Haole is the right company.

If the problem is manageable, read more to learn common trim repairs.

Caulk

If the crown molding installation didn’t quite sit right and left gaps between the ceiling and wall, latex caulk can provide a quick fix. With a caulk gun, spread a bead of caulk, smoothen it to secure the gaps, and leave it out to dry overnight. If the molding is painted, a paintable latex caulk can be used for repainting. Wait for it to dry and paint over it to match with the rest of the molding.

Drywall Mud or Wood Putty

Homeowners can easily apply drywall mud or wood putty to cover these damages if the molding has received nail holes, dents, and gaps between sections over time or during installation. The mud or putty will smoothen out the irregular texture caused by the damage and hide these trim sins. Between drywall mud or wood putty, the former is the better option if the molding has been painted. It can be applied easily, and a repainting project is also doable.

Replacement Molding

If the molding has received severe damages, like water damage, rotting, or cracks, instead of covering these damages with putty or caulk, it’s best to replace the damaged section. Beyond knowing how to repair, it’s also crucial to know when to replace these moldings. Replacements can easily be found in local hardware stores. But the replacement process can be a little challenging. If it’s beyond one’s capacity, a call for help to the professionals would always do wonders.

Refinish

Some trim materials like wood or crown molding are susceptible to scratches and shallow dents. If the molding has any of these damages, refinishing the section is an easy and effective fix. Locate the area and sand it down to smoothen the damaged section. This will allow the stain to soak into the wood. Afterward, clean the sanded area by wiping the cloth and rubbing in the stain.

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