Install Exterior Foam Molding Trim

Many homeowners are opting to install foam molding in a number of places inside their homes. It is less expensive than wood trim and it looks just as good. While it is very popular to put on the inside of a house, many people are also now installing it on the exterior of the house. There are many applications where you could install foam molding outside and it would perform wonderfully. For example, many people use it around the outside of windows to provide a durable and inexpensive alternative to wood trim. Here are the basics of how to install exterior foam molding trim. 

Step 1- Paint the Trim

Before you install the trim, you should paint it with an acrylic paint. Unless the molding already comes with a UV protecting finish, acrylic paint will be needed to prevent damage from the sun's rays. Doing this before you install will be a lot easier than trying to do it once the trim is attached to the wall.

Step 2- Measure the Area

Take your tape measure and get the dimensions of the area that you plan to install the foam molding. You need to get very exact measurements so that you can make sure the molding fits together. 

Step 3- Cut the Trim

Use a miter saw to cut the trim at an angle. Make sure that you hold the molding firmly under the saw and make a very clean cut. If you do not cut the trim properly, it will not fit together with the other piece of trim as well and can cause problems. 

Step 4- Smooth the Edges

After you have cut the trim, you need to smooth out the edges with some sandpaper. If you leave the edges rough, it will not fit together flush with the other piece and leave a gap. 

Step 5- Attach the Trim

Once you have made the proper cut and smoothed out the edges, it is time to attach the trim to the wall. Using a little bit of adhesive and nailing it will help make sure that it stays in place. Run a bead of adhesive down the back of the trim and press it into place. Then hammer a few nails through the trim and into the wall. Put a little adhesive on the mitered edge of the trim and press it together with the next piece of trim. Nail all of the other adjoining pieces of trim into place as well. 

Step 6- Finishing Up

You can also cover the seams with a little bit of painter's caulk to reduce their appearance. You should match the color of the paint and fill in any gaps with this caulk. It will help keep everything together and give it a much more finished appearance. You can also touch up the paint a bit if there were any scratches or chips during the installation process.