A moderate amount of mechanical knowledge and preparation is required to cut a corner trim.To connect 2 pieces of trim at an angle, you will need to use a miter saw.The way you cut depends on whether you need to cover an inside corner, between connecting walls, or an outside corner.If you measure and cut carefully, you don't need to fill the gaps with caulk.
Step 1: Determine how long the trim needs to be by taking out your wall space.
Determine where you will place the trim before you cut it.To get an idea of how it will fit, hold a piece of trim to the wall and use a tape measure.Although each piece of trim needs to be cut to a specific length, overestimate the length you need to cover the corner.It's important to get enough trim for the corners.You can use short pieces of trim to form the corners, then connect them to longer trims.
Step 2: An online calculator can be used to determine the angle of your wall.
The best way to determine the angle is with a protractor.Place the base end against one wall, open the tool, and place the blade against the other wall to use the bevel.To figure out the angle measurement, find the 0 degree mark and read the number above it.Then, use the angle calculator to figure out how to adjust the saw to cut the trim perfectly.A calculator can be found at http://www.installcrown.com/Crown_angle_generator.html.
Step 3: Before cutting trim, make sure your eyes, ears, and airways are protected.
Before operating a saw, take some precautions.Wear earmuffs, a dust mask, and safety glasses.Cut the trim in aventilated area outside of your home for more protection.Close the doors and windows if you can't get outside.Gloves, long clothing, and jewelry can get caught under the saw's blade.
Step 4: At a 45 degree angle, slice a trim board.
You will need a saw to cut the trim at an angle.You can set the bases for the angle you want to cut.You can see on the angle gauge beneath the base that the saw points to the 45-degree angle mark.Place the trim to the left of the saw blade against the metal fence to hold it in place as you cut.The piece will usually fit on the left-hand side.There is trim around windows and doors.There is a picture frame.Installation of crown and baseboard is done outside corners as well.Outside corners usually have single pieces of trim connected together.For long walls, you can glue or nail longer pieces of trim.
Step 5: The second piece of trim needs to be sliced with the saw.
The angle gauge needs to point to the opposite angle from what you used before to create the mating piece of trim.You should see a second 45 on the gauge if you look at it.To cut through it, hold the trim to the right of the blade, then turn the saw.The piece will fit on the right side.The opposite end of the original trim should be cut for trim with multiple corners.
Step 6: Attach the pieces to each other.
The edges will connect when you push them together.Hold the trim against the wall corner where you plan on installing it to get a better idea of this.The perfect corner angle can be created by redo the miter cuts.The corner of your wall, door, or window is where the cut edges should fall.
Step 7: Attach the pieces with paintable silicone caulk.
If you want to cut the trim down to size, you can use a square cut.You can slice through the ends of the trim with the 0 degree setting.Attach the trim and fill the gaps with caulk.You can use a caulk gun.Place the nozzle close to the gap you need to fill, then slowly move it along the path of the gun.It is possible to nail the boards in place for additional stability.About every 16 in along the trim, position 2.5 in finish nails.caulk can cover up the flaws if the boards don't connect cleanly or rest flat against the wall.If you paint the caulk the same color as the trim, anyone who comes into your home will be hard-pressed to spot the flaws in the cut.
Step 8: You can cut a piece of trim with a saw.
The angle gauge should be turned clockwise until it's oriented to the left.Place the trim to the right of the saw.The corner angle can be created by cutting through the trim.This is similar to cutting a corner.You can cut a piece of trim at a 45 degree angle and put it on the wall.Most walls do not form a perfect 90-degree angle, so there are gaps in the connection.The inside corners are where 2 walls meet.It is common in baseboards.
Step 9: Cut trim should be connected to identify gaps.
To perfect the inside corner, you need to trim one of the boards.Attach the mating piece to the cut piece of trim by laying it down on the flat surface.The second board should be held over the first board.Use a pencil to mark the angle of the first board to the second board as a guideline for the next cut.If the boards are not set up correctly you won't get an accurate cut.
Step 10: The second trim board needs to be cut.
Hand saws are thin, so they are good for smoothing out small areas.To use the saw, you need to hold the piece of trim steady.The saw should be moved back and forth to slice through the trim.To make sure the pieces fit together on the wall, follow the shape of the trim.If you are good with a saw, you can use it instead of the other way around.To make a square cut, set it at 0 degrees and slice off the edges you marked.
Step 11: Remove the trim's edges with a wood file.
The cut may look rough at first, but it doesn't have to be perfect.You can shave the trim's edge to make it better.Make sure the trim is the size you need it to be.The only way to perfect tight curves is through this method.You can use a utility knife to smooth out the rough edges.
Step 12: Put the trim on the wall.
The pieces of trim need to be connected again.The trim will be flush with the face of the board.The edge of the board will rest against the wall.It is used for inside corners.If you can't get the angle right, fill in the gaps with caulk and paint over it to hide it.