Huge gaps to fill?? TRIMS FIX EVERYTHING!, by Gosforth Handyman on YouTube. 13 min 19 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 19 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Measure the gap along the frame with a tape measure. Note the widest point, then add about 10mm each side so the trim can overlap the frame and the wall.
Choose a uPVC cloak profile wide enough to bridge the gap with that overlap. Trims come in a range of widths, so take your measurement with you.
Cut the trim to length with a fine-tooth blade, such as a 250mm 60T blade in a mitre saw. On thin trim, a utility knife scored several times will also work.
Cut 45 degree mitres at corners so the pieces meet neatly. Dry fit every piece before you open any adhesive.
Wipe the frame and wall clean and let them dry. Dust, grease and loose paint stop the adhesive from gripping.
Run a zigzag bead of grab adhesive along the back of the trim. For a fast hold on mitre joints, use a CA glue with activator instead.
Press the trim into place and hold it firm. Tape along the length with low-tack tape to keep it tight while the adhesive sets.
Run a thin bead of decorators caulk along both edges of the trim. In bathrooms or anywhere that gets wet, use silicone instead.
Smooth the caulk with a damp finger or a caulk tool. Peel the tape off straight away, while the bead is still wet.
Fill any small gaps at the mitres with caulk and wipe them clean. uPVC trim needs no paint, just an occasional wipe with a damp cloth.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the protective film on the trim while cutting and fitting, then peel it off at the end to avoid scratches.
Wear eye protection and keep fingers clear of the blade when cutting mitres on a mitre saw.
Peel low-tack tape before the caulk skins over, or it will pull a ragged edge out of the bead.
Check the trim sits flat against the wall along its whole length before the adhesive grabs, and bend or pack it if the wall is uneven.
Questions
Can I stick uPVC trim straight onto the wall?
Yes, grab adhesive holds well on most clean, sound surfaces. Strip loose paint or wallpaper first so the trim bonds to something solid.
Should I use caulk or silicone around the trim?
Use paintable decorators caulk in dry rooms such as bedrooms and hallways. Switch to silicone in bathrooms, kitchens and around doors that get wet.
Do I need a mitre saw to cut the trim?
No. A fine-tooth saw and a cheap mitre box give clean 45 degree cuts. A utility knife works on thin profiles if you score the line several times and snap it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
