Publication Date: Friday, May 20, 2005
Matching molding, paneling
Matching molding, paneling
(May 20, 2005) Multiple solutions to similar problems
by Lynn Comeskey
Q We are having some remodeling work done in our home and want to extend some crown molding where a wall was removed. We need more molding to match the existing but haven't been able to locate any in the local lumber yard. We could tear out the rest of the existing and buy all new, but we like the old pattern.
A There are several possibilities.
The lumber yards only have the standard patterns and there have been hundreds of patterns of molding produced over the years. There are a number of larger mills that produce quite a variety of crown molding and other trim-for that matter. Ask for their names at the lumber yard, call a building contractor or look in the Yellow Pages. You may be lucky and find what you want from this source.
If the above doesn't work, look for a shop that can fabricate material to match existing. Again, check with the same sources; look in the Yellow Pages under molding, milling, millwork, for a name. You will have to pay $100 to $200 to have a set of cutting knives made (to "cut" the pattern out of solid wood) but the cost to run the material is not much.
You can, as you suggested, tear out the existing and install all new material. This could be the most expensive solution because you will have to purchase more material, there will be more material to install and, most importantly, you will either have to prime and apply two coats of paint to all of that material or pay someone to do it. That will probably cost around $4 a linear foot. Doing a good job installing crown molding is quite time consuming.
Look at your alternatives and see which is most feasible and cost effective for your situation.
Q We have an older house with some beautiful paneling. We want to install similar paneling in the adjacent room. How can we match the color and the patina?
A Take a piece of the existing material (even if you have to remove it) and take a piece of the material you will be installing to a reputable paint store. Ask them to match both color and patina. The store will probably charge you to do the match but it will be worth it. Years ago I did match an old finish. It took me a week to do it; the match was almost perfect but those were the days when all I had was time.
Q Where can I get information about remodeling Eichlers?
A There is a very informative Web site www.eichlernetwork.com.
Q We are trying to change some window glass in our Victorian house and finding it very time consuming to remove the putty and wood stops. Is there some secret way to do this to make the job easier?
A As you are aware, there is either putty or four or eight stops holding a piece of glass in place. I recently learned about a super labor-saving tool to remove stops. I was doing just what you were doing and it was taking me a half hour to remove a five-inch length of a wood stop. The tool, made by a German company, Fein, consists of a flat oscillating blade that can be inserted between the stop and the glass. It can do in five minutes what took me up to one-half hour to do manually. That's the good news; the bad news is the tool costs $700.
The professional glazers can afford these tools. Check to see if a tool equipment yard has these to rent. I like to do things myself, but I think this is a case of either renting the tool or paying a professional to do the work.
There are also some power tools for removing putty; I have no experience with them. They're not as expensive, but probably worth a try.
Lynn Comeskey continues to work with Mac & Lou Construction Co. in Palo Alto. Readers can write Comeskey care of the Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
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