Note: Before installing the mouldings, allow them to acclimatize in the room for at least 48 hours at a temperature of between 18° and 22°C. This gives the material time to adapt to the ambient temperature. Extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity can cause undue expansion or contraction of the mouldings.
Installation tips
Install the mouldings using finishing nails or wood glue. Let the nail head stick out by 1/16". Countersink the nails with a nail set.
You can join two mouldings by cutting them at right angles. However, a scarf joint is recommended. Position the two pieces against the wall and cut them at a matching 45° angle. When connecting two mouldings, make sure the colour and grain match. Keep the number of joints to a minimum whenever you install any kind of moulding.
Step-by-step instructions
To achieve the desired effect, it is essential to work on a clean, smooth surface. Prepare the wall properly. Fill any holes or cracks, then clean the wall and paint with a coat of primer.
Measure the wall and draw the desired pattern on paper. All the panels should be the same height throughout the room, except under the windows. Their width can vary according to the width of the walls and the furniture layout. Leave a distance of 3" - 4" between the outer frame and the edges of the wall and floor. The gap between the inner and outer frames should be between 2 ¾" and 3 ½" and be the same for all the panels.
Make a template for cutting the inside corners to ensure you make the same cuts for each panel.
Once you have decided on the layout, transfer your plan to the wall using masking tape to visualize the complete design. When you are satisfied, mark with a pencil the location of all exterior corners.
Cut the mouldings at 45o angles according to the measurements you made. Sand.
Start with the inner panels. Use the template for the decorative corner cut. Because our panels are very high and wide and the moulding used very narrow, it is easier to fix the mouldings in place with wood glue directly on the wall. If your design calls for smaller panels, it is preferable to build the frames first and then attach them to the wall. Doing so will ensure the panels are square.
Make sure the panels are straight and square. Nail in place with finishing nails. If you use a hammer, let the nail head stick out by 1/16" and countersink it with a nail set. An automatic nailer will make installation easier and quicker.
Install the moulding for the outer panels, making sure the distance between the inner and outer frames is constant.
Patch the holes with filler. You can use a putty knife but it’s even simpler to do it with your fingers.
For a nicer finish, apply latex sealer to close the gaps between the moulding and the wall as well as in the panel corners. Let dry, then sand. Wipe with a damp cloth for a clean and smooth surface.
Paint the mouldings with a brush to completely cover the surface. Paint the walls.
Measure and paste the wallpaper to cover the inner panel. Remove the excess paper with a utility knife.
Feel free to use the mouldings to create more complex designs. For a balanced overall look, be consistent in your measurements to ensure the panels are symmetrical.