Crown is typically nailed up with a 2” finishing nail and a compressor and finishing gun. Outside corners are usually done with a brad nailer and 1” brad nails with glue. Studs are generally 3-1/2”, drywall a ½” and the crown moulding a minimum of ½”; therefore 2” finishing nails are necessary.
Nailing Pros and Cons
Prolongs the life of baseboards by keeping them secure and straight. It's easy to remove nails from baseboards, whereas glue can damage or cause the boards to split.
I use Gorilla Glue (or equivalent) on the triangles - although probably overkill - and nail them to the studs and top plates. When I put the crown up I merely nail it to the triangle pieces. This method seems to work quite well. Traditional -- no, but still effective.
You could certainly use glue, and there are cases where that might be appropriate, but you will have to use some sort of mechanical fastener to hold the molding on while the glue cures.
Brad nails are a better choice for molding. They tend to not be visible once put in. You can get a pancake compressor that comes with a brad nailer for around $100.
Nailing into the top plates or studs at the bottom of the crown fastens it. Then cross nailing will hold the top tight to most ceilings. You can also caulk the top and bottom joints so it's secure as a system.
Usually, dentists create a temporary crown with semi-permanent dental cement. This type of easy-to-break dental glue is used to address numerous dental problems. The most common type of temporary dental glue is Zinc oxide-eugenol dental cement.
Crown molding is an inexpensive and easy way to add visual interest and value to your home. With just a few tools and basic carpentry knowledge, you can achieve a stylish upgrade within any space.
Whether you are installing new baseboards or replacing old ones, you can't go wrong with high-strength adhesives like the ones in Loctite's Power Grab product family. They reduce the need for nails, which makes them perfect for installing baseboards.
As we've said, liquid nails are formulated for construction. So, naturally, it has stronger bonding properties than wood glue. As long as you follow the application instructions properly especially the drying time, you'll get unbeatable bonding results.
Liquid Nails LN710-10oz Paneling and Molding Adhesive is a fast sure hold adhesive that provides precision placement and less nailing. LN710 is specially designed for projects like paneling and molding where instant hold is needed.
Apply Dynagrip Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive to the back side of the crown molding as needed before attaching. This formula's powerful instant grab will hold molding, making it easier to nail it in place as needed with brads.
A go-to glue for mouldings is a 2 part Cyanoacrylate glue kit. This consists of a glue and an accelerator. This is often considered the best glue for mouldings.
When Shouldn't You Use Crown Molding? Crown molding isn't advisable in any room with vaulted ceilings. Also called high ceilings, vaulted ceilings feature an arched design that creates more space above the room.
A finish nailer is a versatile tool, and drives either 15- or 16-gauge nails. They are used for smaller projects than framing nails, such as crown molding, baseboards, cabinets, chair rails, decorative trim, millwork, and hardwood flooring.
Predrill the moulding to correspond to every wall stud and then nail it in place on the wall. To avoid denting the moulding, use a nail set to finish driving the nails in. You may need someone to help hold long pieces while you drill and nail. Continue this process until all the moulding is installed.
Use the hammer to attach the baseboard molding.
Use a wall stud finder to work most effectively. You may also perform a knock test on the wall to identify the empty spaces between the studs. Insert two finishing nails into each stud at the base of the baseboard. Using a nail set, hammer the nails in at a steep angle.
And in many cases, you can use either a nail or a screw for a strong, lasting connection. The right choice often comes down to the tool used to drive in the fastener, the dimensions of the wood pieces being fastened together, and whether you're constructing a house or building a woodworking project.
Brad nails are thin fasteners commonly used for indoor projects like applying trim, paneling and moulding. Also called brads, they have a small diameter with a smaller head than other nail types. This allows for a seamless finish with a less visible hole, making them ideal for many woodworking projects.