Step-by-Step Installation Guide:

Preparation:

• Ensure all surfaces where the cornice will be installed are clean, dry, and free from dust or grease.
• Mark the wall and ceiling as guidance for straight and level installation. Note that ceilings aren’t always level, so it is not wise to only use your ceiling as a guide.

Cutting the Cornice:

• Measure and mark the desired length.
• Use a mitre box to make precise angle cuts for corner joints. Straight cuts are appropriate for simple butt joins, or angled cuts for advanced butt joins.
• Ensure measurements and cuts are accurate.

Preparing the Cornice:

• Smooth over cut edges with a fine grained sanding block.

Applying Adhesive:

• Load a construction adhesive cartridge into a caulking gun, if using a tube-based adhesive.
• Apply a continuous bead of adhesive along the top and bottom edges of the cornice where it will contact the wall and ceiling, ensuring it covers the entire length. If not using a tube-based adhesive, use a flat spatula or pallet knife to evenly apply sufficient adhesive.
• Adhesive coverage will depend on the size of the cornice as well as the condition of the surface:
  • ~50g/meter for small to medium cornices (60mm to 79mm)
  • ~65g/meter for larger cornices (80mm and over)
• Apply additional adhesive to any joints or corners.

Installing the Cornice:

• Press the cornice firmly into place against the wall, aligning it with the marked guidelines.
• Press along the length of the cornice to ensure that the adhesive makes contact with the surfaces.
• In the event of uneven ceiling or wall surfaces, maximise the contact points between the cornice and both surfaces while ensuring the cornice remains sufficiently straight. Gaps between the surface and cornice can be filled using the adhesive or a water-based gap filler after the contact adhesive has dried.
• Hold in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to bond.
• Wipe excess adhesive along the edges of the cornice or joints with the damp sponge.
• Repeat the process for each section of the cornice, ensuring proper alignment and tight joints.

Joining the Cornice:

• For butt joins and miters, apply adhesive to the edges of the cornice pieces that need to joined, and press together. Smooth over and wipe away excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
• Butt joins can be done using the straight edges of the cornice as is for a simple join. Alternatively edges can be cut at an angle for a cleaner join (recommended for professionals with the appropriate tools).
• In the event of uneven surfaces across corners, join the cornice together for a clean match. Gaps between the surface and cornice can be filled using the adhesive or a water-based gap filler after the contact adhesive has dried. Consider sticking corner pieces together prior to installation, where possible.

Finishing Touches:

• If required joins can be finished with a solvent free, lightweight filler, and lightly sanded to smooth over.
• Fill any gaps between the cornice and the wall or ceiling with a compatible foam-friendly caulking compound using a scraper or finishing tool.
• Allow the filler and caulking compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Painting the Cornice:

• Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces from paint.
• Choose a high-quality, solvent-free acrylic or water-based paint suitable for foam surfaces.
• Apply the paint evenly using a paintbrush, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before applying additional coats if required.

Clean Up:

• Remove the painter’s tape carefully once the paint is dry.
• Clean your tools and brushes with water or the appropriate solvent according to the paint manufacturer’s recommendations.