How to Install Wall Frames

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

Molding Typically, base cap or panel molding works best for creating frames. Make sure to get 10 to 20 percent more than you think you'll need, to accommodate offcut waste.

Scrap Plywood and Wood Blocks to make a jig for building the frames

2-Inch Brad Nails

Wood Glue

220-Grit Sandpaper for smoothing mitered corners and filled nail holes

Panel Adhesive to secure the frames to the wall

Hot-Glue Cartridge

Wood Putty

Paintable Caulk

Primer and Paint

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- random-orbit sander fitted with 150-grit paper
- combination square
- framing square
- pneumatic brad nailer (rents for $55 per day with compressor)
- miter saw
- spring clamps
- caulk gun
- hot-glue gun
- small putty knife
- paint brush
- paint roller
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Product selections for this project
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Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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14: Paint the frames

1. Prep the walls

Smoothing and priming the walls before applying the frames avoids the drips and blobs that often accompany painting around the molding when it's already in place.

Using a random-orbit sander and 150-grit sandpaper, smooth the walls in the area under the existing chair rail.