Materials Needed:
- Utility Knife (A new blade is recommended)
- Cove Base
- Adhesive
- Marker
- Framing Square
Step 1- Choosing the Cove Base
You need to choose your vinyl cove base first. Many people will choose to use a complimentary color for the base, others will want it the same color as the wall. The choice is yours. You will be able to find cove base in just about every color under the sun.
Step 2- Proper Measurements
Measure to find how much molding you will need to install. Start in the corner when measuring and work your way out. The molding will need to be installed first, so this is important.
Step 3- Start Laying It Out
Lay a piece of the base down on it’s face on top of a piece of wood. Measure this to match the molding you measured earlier. Use the framing square to mark a line.
Step 4- Cut the Cove
With the base cove still lying on the flat wood, cut through it. Press down firmly on the framing square to ensure your cut is even. You may have to make several passes at it to cut it all the way through.
Step 5- Glue It Up
Use the adhesive you purchased made specifically for vinyl and apply it to the wall. Press the cove firmly against the wall to make sure you have an even bond.
Step 6- Work with Second Strip
Now you can start to measure for your next strip. Attach the second strip next to the first one. Hopefully you’ve made perfectly straight cuts. A straight cut will eliminate noticeable seams and you won’t be able to see where the two pieces butt against each other.
Step 7- Working with Inside Corners
Use the inside corner of the wall to carve a curved portion. You want this to be seamless so it won’t look off. Once you have a curve cut out you can adhere it to the wall using the same glue.
Step 8- Outside Corners
Use your marker to place a mark on the back of a piece of cove. This is the piece that will be placed on the outside corner. Bend the two ends together to form a slight seam to make it easier to apply.
Step 9- Glue the Corners
You will want to slice a little less than half of the bend piece to make it easier to install. Don’t slice all the way through, just slightly on the back side. Adhere this piece to the wall.
Step 10- Finish the Room
Continue this process all around the room until you have your vinyl cove base installed completely.
You will want to wait to clean the new cove base until the adhesive completely dries. It may feel secure long before it has cured. Follow the directions on the glue to find this amount of time.
A cove base is a great way to add a distinctive touch to any wall. With the ease of installation, this is a good project for anyone to try.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
