Showing posts with label Molding. Show all posts

How To Salvage Molding and Trim for Reuse

  • Salvaging Molding and Trim for Reuse.  Certain types of moldings and trims are excellent choices for salvaging.  This is particularly true of those made from wood and wood materials.  Many DIY like to salvage old molding and trim from older homes and estates that have a particular style or design and are still in relatively good condition.  These can be invaluable in creating a special decor by simply restoring the wood and refinishing it with a different look.
  • The Value of Molding and Trim for Reuse.  Considering the expense involved in the purchase of new molding and trim and the cost of raw materials like unfinished woods, salvaging molding and trim for reuse makes a lot of economic sense. Molding and trim can easily be reused so long as it has been checked for any major cracks or other flaws.  If the material is relatively intact, it's a simple matter of removing all surface coatings with a good paint or finish remover.  A light sanding to smooth off any rough edges may also be necessary if there are tiny depressions or "scars" visible.  Any light-weight sand paper is adequate for this job.  Sanding equipment for small and detailed sanding projects is available in any large hardware emporium.  Once the surface is smooth, a light buffing with a chamois or an electrical buffer will removed any dust particles and bring the surface up to a natural gloss.  The molding and trim is then ready to be finished in paint or stain, as is preferred.
  • Choosing The Right Molding and Trim Paints and Stains. Once molding and trim material are ready for finishing, it's a good idea to use a polyurethane undercoat as a base.  Allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding with a final coat.  Many people who learn how to salvage molding and trim for reuse like the appearance of natural wood.  The finish all depends on the molding and trim style as well as personal preference.
  • Other Types of Molding and Trim for Salvaging.  Wood molding and trim are the most widely used types available.  Molding and trim can be salvaged from other sources such as restaurants and old buildings like banks and churches.  Those who are most involved in molding and trim salvage for reuse find that estates, Victorian homes, older retro homes and even old railroad passenger coaches offer the most unusual types of molding and trim.  All it takes is ingenuity and a bit of creativity.  
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How To Remove Trim or Molding without Breaking It

Removing trim or molding without breaking it can be a difficult job.  Unless you want to keep the trim or molding, it would be easier to just rip it out and throw it away. However, if you want to salvage the molding or trim, there are some simple steps that can save you time and headache.
When removing trim or molding you will start by running a utility knife along the seam between the molding and the wall.  Many layers of paint can make it difficult to remove molding and by running the knife between the seams you'll loosen that paint, making removal a much easier job.
When removing the trim or molding you do not want to use a screwdriver or anything of that nature - you'll be much more likely to gouge the wall if you do.  It is best to use something flat and sturdy.  You can find a flat pry bar at a local hardware store, but a good sturdy putty knife can do the job just as well.
Be sure to you lace something like newspaper or thin cardboard between your pry bar or putty knife and the wall.  This prevents denting or scraping the wall.  Place the protective material where you will apply the most leverage between the pry bar and wall.  Work very slowly and evenly down the length of molding or trim.
If nails pull through the wood, that is all right; you can fill those in later with wood putty.  The process will actually be much easier if you do not try to keep the nails in the wood.  This way you will not have to pry the nails out of the wood once you have removed the molding or trim.  After you have removed the molding you can either pull those finishing nails out with pliers or a light hammer, or nail them back into the wall.  If you choose to leave the finishing nails in the wall after you remove the molding, be sure that when you fill the nail holes in, you sand the wall before painting.  This will give the wall a nice smooth finish.
Removing molding or trim without breaking it can be a frustrating task; if you follow these few simple steps, removing your molding will be a breeze.  Just remember to take your time, especially with homes that have older trim or molding.
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