Getting perfect seams when installing crown molding can be a challenge. Walls and ceilings are frequently out of square, and there are vaulted ceilings to consider. Sometimes, even with my awesome crown molding templates, you may still end up with imperfect corners. Fortunately, it’s simple to fix gaps in crown molding using lightweight spackle!
Crown molding is one of those finishing touches in home improvement that elevates the aesthetic of a room. Whether you are going for a traditional look or a more modern design, the right crown molding can seamlessly tie your interior together. However, even seasoned DIYers sometimes end up with unsightly gaps that detract from their efforts.
Note: This technique is for painted moldings only. If you have wood molding that you intend to stain, this fix isn’t suitable. Gaps can occur, and during those times when your moldings don’t align perfectly, lightweight spackle is an effortless solution to fix gaps in crown molding.
What causes gaps?
Before diving into the specifics of repair, it’s important to understand why these gaps occur in the first place. In the case of my photo above, it was a really bad installation job. But it’s not always the fault of the installer. Older homes, in particular, may have settled over time, resulting in cracks in your molding seams. Additionally, temperature and humidity changes can cause materials to expand and contract. With that in mind, even if you didn’t used to have any gaps in your crown molding they can appear over time .
Fixing larger gaps with Caulk
With a little caulk and light weight spackle, someone would have to look REALLY closely to see any issue with this corner once it’s fixed.
Using lightweight spackle is a fantastic choice for small gaps, and knowing how to fix gaps in crown molding with it can yield excellent results. For larger gaps however, consider using caulk specifically designed for moldings. A bead of caulk in the gap will stabilize the molding. Don’t worry about trying for a cosmetic fix with the caulk, just fill the void and let dry.
Using lightweight spackle to fix crown molding gaps
Now apply 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 a fine 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!
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.
Now that you know how to fix gaps in crown molding, go ahead and enjoy the transformation in your space!
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
Sandra says
Large gaps like that are better fixed with a hardening wood putty.
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.
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.
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.
John Reedy says
Use Crawford’s Vinyl Spackling. Amazon carries it.
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).
Katie says
Sand* not send
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.
Sandra says
Yes, caulk first. That will stabilize the joint. Then use spackle to make it look pretty. 🙂
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
Hello I Live Here - Linda says
That’s one awesome fix!!! Great job!
Julie says
That’s cute, I have heard a version about make-up fixing what “ain’t.” I like your uncle’s much better!
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!
Susan says
Great tip! I’m always filling molding cracks and this tip makes them disappear!
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
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!
Melissa @ aprudentlife says
That is incredible! Never thought to sand spackle – thanks for sharing!