Hey, it’s Harper 👋

You already know I’m obsessed with molding — but even the most gorgeous design won’t shine if it’s installed poorly. Trust me, I’ve made enough rookie mistakes to know! 😅

Whether you’re going for timeless picture-frame molding or sleek geometric panels, the key to success is all in the install. Let me walk you through the five most important tips that make all the difference in getting that flawless, high-end finish (even if you’re totally DIY).

✨ Start With a Clean and Smooth Wall

Before anything goes up, prep that surface!

🧽 Dust, grease, or leftover paint chips can prevent proper adhesion and leave you with peeling corners later. I always clean the wall with a mild cleaner and make sure it’s totally dry before I start.

🎨 Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to lay out your design directly on the wall — it helps visualize spacing and prevents crooked installs.

🔧 Choose the Right Adhesive for Strong Bonding

Not all glues are created equal.

For almost all of my installs, I use liquid nail adhesive — it bonds beautifully to both MDF and foam moldings. It’s strong, fast-setting, and works like a charm.

🚫 Stay away from silicone sealants if you’re attaching panels — they’re great for sealing gaps but not strong enough to hold trim pieces.

🪛 Apply the Panels Using the Correct Technique

Here’s how I do it:

Apply adhesive in a zig-zag or dotted line along the back of the molding
Press firmly into place for at least 20–30 seconds
Use painter’s tape or props to hold it in place while drying

📐 DIY upgrade: For longer pieces, I cut the ends at 45-degree angles to get that seamless joint. It looks cleaner and feels more custom.

🧱 Use Spacers for Perfect Panel Gaps

Panel spacing is what makes or breaks the visual balance of your design.
I always use a simple wooden spacer or ruler to keep the gaps perfectly even — especially between repeated frames.
Even being off by a centimeter can mess up the whole wall’s rhythm, so it’s worth the extra few minutes!

🎯Finish Strong: Fill, Seal, and Paint

After the panels are installed and dried, fill in nail holes or corner gaps with caulk or wood filler. This step really makes the whole thing look high-end.

Then paint everything with your favorite interior wall paint. (All Moldart moldings come pre-primed — no sanding needed!)

🏠Final Thoughts

Installing wall molding is actually simpler than it looks — especially when you break it down into clean, repeatable steps.

With a little prep, patience, and good materials, you’ll end up with a wall that looks straight out of a boutique hotel.

And hey, if DIY isn’t your thing, Moldart’s pre-cut kits are always ready to make the job easier 😉

Happy trimming!— Harper