Caleb Foster
Baseboards are used to cover the joint between a wall and the adjoining floor, enhancing the aesthetics of a room and hiding any imperfections. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and plastic. When installing plastic baseboards, it is important to consider the use of plastic cement or construction adhesive, along with brad nails for extra security. Before nailing, it is recommended to drill small pilot holes to prevent bending the nails and leaving marks on the trim. Filler can be used to cover nail holes, and caulk can be used to fill gaps between the trim and the wall.
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What You'll Learn
Using the right tools: brad nailer, hammer and punch, or nail gun
When nailing plastic base trim, it is important to select the right tools for the job. Three common options for this task are a brad nailer, a hammer and punch, or a nail gun.
A brad nailer is a power tool that drives thin, small nails known as brads into wood. Brad nailers are designed for detail work and are ideal for nailing plastic base trim because they can drive nails without causing damage to the trim or the need for filling nail holes. When using a brad nailer, be sure to select an appropriate nail length that will penetrate the trim and provide a secure hold without being so long that it protrudes excessively from the wood.
A hammer and punch is a traditional option for nailing plastic base trim. This method involves using a hammer to drive nails through the trim and into the underlying surface. When selecting a hammer, consider the weight and material. A heavier hammer will require more force but may be necessary for larger nails, while a lighter hammer may be more comfortable for constant hammering and smaller nails. For a hammer and punch, a ball peen hammer is a good option as it is softer than a carpenter's hammer and will not chip. If you are concerned about damaging the trim, a brass hammer is a good option as it will not mark the surface you are hitting.
A nail gun is a powerful tool that can drive nails quickly and efficiently. Nail guns are often used in construction and can be effective for nailing plastic base trim if used carefully. When using a nail gun, be sure to select the appropriate nail type and size for your specific trim. Additionally, be cautious of the powerful force of a nail gun to avoid driving nails too deeply or causing damage to the trim.
Regardless of the tool you choose, it is important to prioritize safety. Always wear eye protection when using tools, especially when working with hammers and nails. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and keep a firm grip on your tools to avoid injury.
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Measure the space and cut the trim to size
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a measuring tape, a knife, and a saw. You may also need a protractor, T-bevel, contour gauge, template tool, or angle finder to measure the angles of your trim.
To measure the space and cut the trim to size, first, take the room's perimeter by measuring the length of each wall and adding them together. If your walls are longer than 16 feet, cut the end of your base trim at a 45-degree angle before nailing it on. Then, cut the next piece at the opposite 45-degree angle to continue the run. For walls with interruptions, measure each section individually and add them together. If the areas are small, measure all the lengths on the wall in inches, then add them together and divide by 12 to get the total number of linear feet.
Next, cut the baseboard trim to the size of the space you just measured. If the trim extends too far over the wall's measurement, you can cut it down. Remember to cut the trim a little longer than the wall's measurement to account for any mistakes. It's better to cut off a little extra than to have a piece that's too short.
Finally, dry fit the trim pieces before applying any adhesive or nails. This will help you ensure a proper fit before installing the trim permanently.
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Filling nail holes: use wax filling sticks, spackle, or caulk
Filling nail holes is a crucial step in ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish to any project involving plastic base trim. While there are various methods and materials available for filling nail holes, three of the most commonly used are wax filling sticks, spackle, and caulk.
Wax filling sticks are a popular choice for filling nail holes in plastic base trim. They are widely available at hardware stores and come in a variety of colours to match your trim. When using wax filling sticks, you can simply rub the stick over the hole, and then wipe off any excess with a cloth. For a more precise application, you can use a small flathead screwdriver to scoop out a small amount of wax and insert it directly into the hole, scraping off any excess with a plastic scraper. While wax filling sticks can be effective, they may not be suitable if you plan to paint over the filled holes, as paint does not adhere well to wax.
Another option for filling nail holes in plastic base trim is to use spackle, a type of lightweight joint compound. Spackle is easy to work with and can be applied generously to the nail holes. It dries quickly, does not shrink, and can be sanded down smoothly after it has hardened. Spackle is also suitable for filling larger gaps and holes and can be painted over, making it a versatile option. However, it is important to avoid applying spackle completely flush with the surface, as this can result in dimples that become visible once painted.
Caulk, on the other hand, is generally recommended for filling seams rather than nail holes in plastic base trim. While caulk can be effective for filling small gaps, it may not be the best choice for filling nail holes, as it tends to shrink over time, causing the nail holes to become visible again. Therefore, if you plan to use caulk, it is crucial to choose a product that stretches to avoid this issue.
In addition to these methods, it is worth noting that some creative alternatives exist for filling nail holes in plastic base trim. For instance, you can use a crayon that closely matches the colour of your trim. Simply rub the crayon over the hole, and remove any excess with a dry rag. You can also gently warm the crayon with a lighter to make it softer and more malleable, allowing it to fill the hole more effectively. Another alternative is to use white toothpaste to fill nail holes if you plan to repaint the trim.
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Attaching the trim: locate the studs and secure the trim
Attaching the trim requires you to first locate the studs. Use a stud finder to do this—confirm each one as they are usually 16" apart, but some homes may have them up to 24" apart. You can then use a brad nailer to attach your baseboards to your drywall, securing it to the studs.
If you are nailing the trim to the wall, use 18-gauge nails (1 1/2” or 2” brad nails). You can also use PVC cement or construction adhesive, but it is recommended to add a brad nail for extra security. If the nails are closer to the bottom of the baseboard, attach them to the framing behind the drywall. Be sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Brad nails will leave tiny holes in your baseboard. While some people choose to leave them unfilled, it does improve the overall appearance if filled using wood filler. Once filled, allow the filler to dry, then sand. If you have uneven floors or gaps, it is beneficial to install a quarter-round.
If you are installing trim in tight corners, it is recommended to drill a small pilot hole in the baseboard where your nail is going. This will prevent the nail from bending and leaving hard-to-fill marks if driven at a bad angle. With a drill hole, the nail will go through the trim effortlessly, and you will only need force to drive it into the stud.
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Finishing touches: sand, fill gaps, and paint
Sanding
Before painting, it is important to sand the plastic base trim. Sanding the plastic will help the paint stick better to the surface. Start with 180-grit sandpaper and finish with 320-grit sandpaper. If you want to be especially thorough, you can start with 120-grit or 80-grit sandpaper to cut down the texture faster, but it will be harder to feather scratches from the plastic. You can also use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff-sand the surface.
Filling Gaps
If you have gaps in your plastic base trim, you can fill them with caulk or filler. You can also use a piece of self-stick vinyl floor tile of the appropriate colour, cutting it to fit and gluing it on. If you want to use a filler, Kwik-Poly is a good option, as it will sand and work like wood once it's hard and is paintable.
Painting
Not all furniture paint works for plastic, so be sure to use paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. For interior plastic, use top-quality acrylic spray paint, and for outdoor plastic, use spray paint designed for plastics. Apply multiple light coats, letting them dry completely before applying the next coat. For extra protection against peeling and cracking, use primers and paints made specifically for plastic surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use 18-gauge nails (1 1/2” or 2” brad nails) to attach the baseboard to the wall. First, locate the studs using a stud finder and confirm each one. Then, use a brad nailer to attach the baseboards to the drywall by securing them to the studs.
You can fill nail holes with wood filler. Once filled, allow it to dry, then sand it down. If you are painting the trim, you will need to paint over the filler. Wax filling sticks are another option, as are spackle and caulk.
No, you can install plastic base trim without a nail gun. You can use a hammer and punch, or a hammer and nail set. Drilling small pilot holes in the baseboard can make it easier to drive the nail through the trim.
