Im remodeling my powder room and possibly ran into some problems?
Question:So Im remodeling my powder room
(1/2 bath) theres plaster in there which I just painted and its fine.. but theres also something called "Congo Wall" (which I painted over. It's really old from what I understand. Anyway. Im in the process of putting a wooden baseboard up and the congo wall seems to be cracking a little. Not a lot though. Is this a serious problem? Also can anyone give me tips on putting down the wooden base board but making it look really fancy? I used a 1X2 or a 1X3 I think and I might put 1/4 round too but anyother suggestions would be helpful. So this is kinda like two questions in one! Thanks in advance!
Answers:
If you don't have a router, just look in the trim section of your building supply store (same place you would get the 1/4 round) for a thin profile wood trim strip molding -- it would look like a 1/4 round but with a fancier compound cut. Look for the more flexible type made of plastic wood compound (these are usually prime-painted white.). Attach the strip to the top edge of your 1 x 3 base board (the construction adhesive works for this) to give it a more elegant look.
If your wall (the "Congo wall" -- not sure what that is made of) is cracking when you try to nail up the base, you are likely not hitting the framing studs. I have usually found it is better to use coarse thread drywall screw to mount base boards instead of nails. They can be driven (with a phillips-head screwdriver tip in an electric drill or screw gun) below the surface of the trim and then you can fill in the hole with putty or drywall mud before painting the trim. The screws don't work their way out like nails and you are not pounding with a hammer and risking the plaster (or "congo") damage.
Be very careful when applying the baseboard. It would be best to put it in with heavy duty construction adhesive since it it seems as though your wall is delicate. Also, fill the cracks and finish the surface nice and even before applying a quality latex paint. Also, try taking a router to the tops edges of your 1X3. It would have a better look than just a quarter round on the top the top.
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