Getting perfect seams when installing any moulding can be a challenge. Walls and ceilings are frequently out of square, and then there are vaulted ceilings. Don’t even get me started! Sometimes, even if you’re using my awesome crown molding templates, you still end up with imperfect corners. Not to worry, it’s so easy to fix gaps in crown molding with lightweight spackle!
Fix Gaps in Crown Molding
Note: This is for painted moldings only. If you have wood molding that you are going to stain, this is not the fix for you. Let’s face it, sometimes gaps happen. So for those times when your moldings don’t line up perfectly and you have gaps, lightweight spackle can be an easy fix.
I know, Scary, but with a little caulk and light weight spackle, no one will ever know. OK I guess everyone who sees these pics will know, but you get the idea.
Start by caulking the molding as per usual, and include a bead of caulk in the gap. This will stabilize the molding. Don’t worry about trying for a cosmetic fix with the caulk, just fill the void and let dry.
Use Lightweight Spackle
Next use lightweight spackle. I like Dap’s Patch–n-Paint. It has the texture of a stiff meringue and seems like it will be too delicate to work, but this stuff is awesome! It’s moldable (OK it’s not modeling clay, but you can get it to conform to a molding profile pretty easy), and the edge can be feathered to blend really well. Also, it is sandable, but retains a bit of flexibility so it won’t crack and chip out over time, and it doesn’t shrink.
I start by making a series of small balls or snakes that I press into the gap leaving the spackle proud. Then gently blend. Work quickly. As the spackle dries, it will begin to stick to your fingers and become less toolable. Don’t try for perfection. Just get the general shape and let dry.
After the patch has dried, use sandpaper to continue tooling and refining the patch. Repeat until you are happy with the look. If the spackle you are using needs to be primed, it is a good idea to prime between coats. That way you don’t re-imulsify the first coat as you add more. Dap’s Patch-n-Paint doesn’t need to be primed, Hallelujah for one less step!
Paint
Now paint your moldings and watch that ugly gap disappear! Is it perfect? NO. But it’s pretty darn good. Especially since no one is going to be looking at your molding with a telephoto lens.
You might also like: How to Cut and Install Crown Moulding like a Pro, and Crown Moulding Stop and Cutting Guide, and How to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
And these handy crown molding hangers make installing tons easier!
Melissa @ aprudentlife says
That is incredible! Never thought to sand spackle – thanks for sharing!
kristin says
Perfect timing as we have yet to caulk and paint our board and batten installed Thanksgiving week. Yes, it will be a fun Christmas break! This will help wonderfully on the wonky stairs in our 60’s tri level. This project was like completing a puzzle at times! This will be great for the few trouble spots we couldn’t “perfect”–ha! Thanks!
kim massa says
it is always interesting to see the imperfections we find in our projects become ‘perfect’. thanks for the info, i am sure i will use it sometime in the future
Susan says
Great tip! I’m always filling molding cracks and this tip makes them disappear!
Candice Hofmann says
Loved this post! It reminds of what my wonderful Uncle Frank always said: “Putty and paint fixes what ain’t”. I always say that to myself when doing a project with molding that doesn’t come out perfect! BTW, this led me to your great tutorial on cutting crown moldings. I bookmarked this so I can use it in the future! Thanks!
Julie says
That’s cute, I have heard a version about make-up fixing what “ain’t.” I like your uncle’s much better!
Hello I Live Here - Linda says
That’s one awesome fix!!! Great job!
Genevieve Claire says
Hey Julie,
Are you saying to caulk in the gap first and then use spackle? How much caulk if so, and why not use all spackle?
I’m on my first ever DIY moulding and I have gaps!!
Please help lol
Thank you x
Sandra says
Yes, caulk first. That will stabilize the joint. Then use spackle to make it look pretty. 🙂
Katie says
How exactly do you send this? I bought the exact same product but when I try to send it after it has dried it just peels off, I’m not able to mold it at all.
Katie says
Sand* not send
Cody says
If it’s not sanding try an all purpose joint compound which I like alot more than dap anyway. I’ve never found something it doesn’t stick to, and it sands very easily.
Sandra says
The product may have changed since this post was written. I haven’t tried this trick in a while. I’d try a plain spackle (without the primer).
John Reedy says
Use Crawford’s Vinyl Spackling. Amazon carries it.
Jason says
I’ve had good luck packing ugly inside corners with jb weld after it’s setup for a few minutes. Then I used drywall patch over that and sand. The jb weld keeps the joint from EVER opening up again. Drywall patch also makes the best nail filler in painted molding. You can set your nails, fill, lightly sand and prime in one day. NEVER prime over Alex latex caulking until at least 24hrs has passed! I learned that one the hard way.
Mary says
Can I use the spackling on large gaps too? My old house has wonky ceilings that the molding just does not line up to in places leaving some pretty large spots. Like an inch wide in places.
Sandra says
Large gaps like that are better fixed with a hardening wood putty.