Ceiling Centres: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Preparing for Cornice Installation

Before affixing your chosen coving to the walls and ceiling of your room, several key steps ensure a successful installation. These involve examining the area, gathering essential tools and materials, and ensuring the surfaces are ready to receive the cornice.

Assessing the Installation Space

First, they take a thorough look at the area where the coving will be installed. They check if the corners are square using a spirit level, as this may affect how the coving fits together. Uneven walls and ceilings can make the job trickier, so they assess the room’s overall condition. This includes looking for any obstacles like existing skirting, architrave, or light fittings that might need special consideration.

Gathering the Right Tools and Materials

It's important to have all the tools and materials ready before you start:

• Fine-toothed saw
• Mitre box for cutting accurate angles
• Tape measure and ruler for precise measurements
• Pencil and chalk line for marking guidelines
• Spirit level to ensure everything is straight
• Adhesive specifically made for plaster or, for lighter materials, an appropriate alternative
• Screws, panel pins, or nails depending on the coving material
• Dust sheet to protect the floor and furniture

For the coving itself, plaster is traditional and can be more ornate, but polystyrene or duropolymer options are affordable and often quicker to install. The choice will largely depend on the room’s style and the budget available.

Preparing the Walls and Ceiling

Before they start, walls and ceilings must be clean and free from loose paint or wallpaper. They use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces down and remove any dust or debris. If there’s old paint or other residues, it might affect the bond, so they give it a careful scrub. Next, using a pencil, they mark the wall with a straight edge or a chalk line as guidelines for where the coving will sit. They position these marks according to the profile of the coving, usually a set distance from the ceiling or wall edge to ensure a consistent finish around the room.

In each step, precision is crucial for maintaining the decorative join and ensuring that the coving, once installed, stays in place with minimal maintenance.

Cutting and Fitting the Coving

Getting those corners right is key when fitting coving, and securing it firmly ensures a professional finish. The right adhesive and precise cutting technique are fundamental for both traditional and modern styles.

Making Precise Cuts for Corners

When tackling corners, it's crucial to measure and mark accurately for that sharp, clean look. For internal corners, a mitre box is invaluable, guiding the fine-toothed saw and making sure the mitre cuts meet perfectly. Here's a step-by-step:

1. Measure the corner angle.
2. Set up the coving in the mitre box.
3. Follow the guides for an exact 45-degree cut.
4. Repeat the process for the adjoining piece.

External corners demand the same precision, with the mitre cut in the opposite direction. Always remember to sand the edges gently for smooth joins.

Securing the Coving to Walls and Ceiling

A reliable coving adhesive is essential for a lasting fit. Heavier, durable materials like plaster may require a mix of adhesive and small screws or nails. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Apply adhesive evenly on the edges of the coving.
2. Press firmly against the wall and ceiling, aligning with marked lines.
3. For external corners, nails may add extra security.
4. Use a scraper or damp cloth to wipe any excess adhesive.
5. Allow the adhesive to set as per the manufacturer's instructions, before removing any temporary supports.

A filler may be needed to smooth out any gaps to ensure that joint is seamless. With the application of these methods, installing coving can enhance the character of any room, blending seamlessly with its decor.

Achieving the Professional Finish

A professional finish on plaster cornice or coving installation hinges on precise application and meticulous attention to detail during and after fitting.

Applying Adhesive and Aligning the Coving

To ensure coving adheres securely, a consistent layer of coving adhesive should be applied along the edges that will contact the walls and ceiling. A tape measure and pencil are ideal for marking pencil lines on the wall to guide the correct position. When placing the coving, press it firmly against the wall and ceiling, aligning it with the pencil marks for accuracy. Excess adhesive that oozes out can indicate a good bond but must be wiped clean for a neat finish.

• Materials: Coving adhesive, pencil, tape measure
• Step-by-step:
  1. Measure the correct position on walls and ceiling.
  2. Mark lines with a pencil.
  3. Apply adhesive to coving.
  4. Align coving with marks and press firmly.
  5. Clean any excess adhesive immediately.

Sanding, Filling, and Painting

After the coving is installed and the adhesive is dry, inspect for any little gaps or imperfections. Use fine sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or areas where the saw might have left marks. For gaps, apply a filler and allow it to dry before sanding down to a flush finish with the surrounding surfaces. Once the surface is smooth and even, apply a coat of primer followed by matt emulsion paint. It might be necessary to tape areas for straight lines or to protect the walls when painting the coving.

• Tools and Materials: Sandpaper, filler, primer, matt emulsion paint, paintbrush, tape
• Process:
  1. Sand any rough spots or saw marks on coving.
  2. Fill gaps with filler and let it dry.
  3. Sand again for a smooth, even surface.
  4. Prime the coving to prepare for painting.
  5. Paint with emulsion for a clean, professional look.

Frequently Asked Questions

In installing plaster cornice or coving, knowing the right adhesive to use, understanding the installation steps, and managing corners are key. The costs and finding professional installation services also matter for a complete picture.

What type of adhesive should be used to secure plaster coving?

The adhesive chosen should be specifically for use with plaster materials, commonly referred to as coving adhesive or plaster adhesive. It's important to select a type that has ample working time for flexibility during installation and provides a strong bond once set.

What are the steps to properly install a plaster cornice?

Proper installation begins with measuring and marking the wall and ceiling for placement. Apply an even layer of the correct adhesive to the edges of the cornice that will contact the wall and ceiling. Carefully press the cornice in place, wiping away any excess adhesive, ensuring it's aligned with your marks.

How do you accurately fix cornice coving around corners?

Coving around corners requires precise measuring and cutting at 45-degree angles for both internal and external corners. Use a mitre box for accuracy. Trial fit the pieces before applying adhesive, and be meticulous in aligning the corner sections for a seamless join.

Can you guide me through installing a fibrous plaster cornice?

Installing fibrous plaster cornice involves preparing the ceiling and wall surfaces, cutting the cornice to length, and applying the adhesive. Holding the cornice in place for a few minutes may be necessary to secure the initial bond. Make sure to reinforce the structure with screws or nails in larger cornices.

What are the estimated costs associated with plaster cornice installation?

Costs for plaster cornice installation vary based on the complexity of the design, the length of cornice required, and any preparatory work. It typically ranges from moderate to high expenditure, factoring in materials and labour. Prices may also differ regionally and with the expertise of the tradespeople hired.