How to cut a ceiling plinth: work with or without a tool
Any repair requires attention to the smallest detail. On how well the finish is made, depends on the appearance of the room and its overall perception. To a large extent this applies to the ceilings, which in most cases are imperfect, so to hide all the imperfections (and their walls), many owners use ceiling skirting, which give the room completeness. If the installation of the baguettes in straight areas is not particularly difficult, then the joints of the elements in the corners require the utmost accuracy. Therefore, many owners who are planning, or have already begun repairs, are interested in how to cut the ceiling plinth, what tools can be used for this stage of the work.
The answer to the question of how to cut a ceiling baseboard depends on what material it is made of. Slicing is different because baguettes have different densities. Therefore, the first thing to consider is the most popular materials, and at the same time the peculiarities of their cutting.
Styrofoam
Such products have the lowest price, because the material is very unstable to mechanical influences. Styrofoam is easy to scratch, damaged by accidental impact. Pros. minimum weight, which simplifies gluing, easy processing, the ability to paint in any color.
This foam material consists of small granules, which are quite easy to separate from each other. However, they are the main disadvantage of such baguettes. They require a very sharp tool. Otherwise, the plinth can crumble, so it will be unsuitable for installation. This is true for both angular and straight cuts.
Styrofoam
This contender is more expensive, but it does not differ from the first candidate very much, because it is a “relative” of foam: it is produced from expanded polystyrene. This material also consists of small granule bubbles, but they stick together more densely. But the polystyrene foam will not tolerate not too sharp blade, it also will crumble. Therefore, the master must prepare not less than a sharp instrument.
The main advantage of foam and polystyrene foam is their softness, which allows you to avoid gaps, tightly pressing the workpieces to each other and to the corners.
Extruded polystyrene foam
EPPS is made from the same raw materials as conventional polystyrene foam, but in this case using a different, more sophisticated technology. Ordinary EPS is made with the help of steam, which is passed through the microgranules.
To obtain extruded polystyrene foam, the particles are mixed at high temperature and the same pressure, and then a foaming agent is added to the raw material. The granule size in this material is much smaller (maximum 0,2 mm), as a result it is less crumbly and more durable. Very sharp tool for its cutting is not required, but bluntness of the cutting edge is also not welcome.
Polyvinyl chloride
Plastic skirting boards (PVC). another type of ceiling products. Usually they are purchased for finishing bathrooms. If we consider the topic “How to cut a ceiling plinth”, in this case they are exceptions, because to dock them use special, ready-made corners.
In general, these baseboards can be cut with a box cutter, a metal hacksaw, or a sharp kitchen tool. Since PVC products do not reshape due to their lack of elasticity, it is not recommended that they be pressed too hard when cut.
Polyurethane
This is another representative of polymer products. It is characterized by high density and lacks the disadvantages of previous competitors. It is easy to cut, so the tool must be sharp, but there are no maximum requirements for its sharpening. Skirting boards made of polyurethane do not crumble, do not deform, and can withstand almost any pressure with honor.
Wood
This traditional material is cut with usual woodworking tools, e.g. a jigsaw, a hand saw or an electric tool. Processing the places of the cut with sandpaper or a file. Since such products are more expensive than other skirting boards, care is required when working. A serious mistake can be made easily, but there is no way to fix it. The consequence of negligence will be the purchase of a new baguette.
The ideal tool for cutting wood would be an electric mitre saw. The biggest disadvantage of it. the high price, especially quality models. On the other hand, buyers have the opportunity to find an inexpensive tool that will do a decent job.
Tools to be used
First about how to cut a polymer or wood ceiling plinth, how to do it correctly and quickly. In this case, the work will require 2 implements. a chisel and a cutting tool.
What to cut skirting boards with?
As for the latter, the choice depends on the baseboard material:
- Styrofoam products (all polystyrene) require the use of a sharp office knife;
- Polyurethane skirting boards are usually cut with a metal hacksaw;
- wood requires a jigsaw or saw to be “active.
The second potential tool for polyurethane is the same office knife. The reason is the rather low density of the material. Another alternative is a sharply sharpened kitchen knife. The blade is not too thick, which is a special requirement.
A metal hacksaw is a possible substitute for a wood jigsaw. A blade that has the smallest teeth is optimal. Otherwise the tool will get stuck in the material, and in such conditions it is extremely difficult to make a flawless cut.
The chisel and its self-made
The chisel is the second indispensable tool for working with baseboards.
What it is?
Not everyone may know what it is. It is a device that allows you to cut any workpiece at different angles (45-90°). It is a groove, consisting of the bottom and two sides, in which slots are made for tools. On the bottom of it lay the material, and in the slots are inserted a hacksaw (knife, etc. д.). After sawing the baguettes with it, you get almost perfect blanks.
Chisel. a necessity for trimming any skirting boards, because the joints of the elements require a 45° angle. Otherwise, the connection of the parts will not work: or there will be a gap between the adjacent skirting boards, or they simply will need to be trimmed again, since it will be impossible to join the adjacent products.
Yes, the remaining hole can be masked with some compound. However, this option is still not the best. The filler may soon change color a little, and this discrepancy will become very noticeable. However, even here there is an exception.
How to Make a Jigsaw?
For self-made will need to find a board length of about a meter or more, or a sheet of plywood (chipboard). It is still necessary to prepare:
- From the selected material cut 3 parts with a width of 200 to 250 mm, their length. 300 mm (400, 500 mm). Using self-tapping screws, they are connected in a “U” shape.
- Using a protractor, the upper parts of the sides make marks corresponding to the angle of 45 ° (if necessary, and 90 °).
- Then they take a hacksaw, which saw the holes so that the grooves reach the bottom of the tool.
Ready-made holes are reamed with a rasp, so the jigsaw or hacksaw can freely enter into them.
Cutting with a jigsaw: the outside corner
Most often, when installing ceiling plinths home masters interested in how to properly draw the inner corners of the room. Cutting exterior corners is less common, but with a certain wall layout and it is necessary. Let’s consider how to properly make an internal fillet, using a special tool (a jig).
First you will need to buy a wire cutter. This tool is a tray in which the part is fixed, and it is trimmed. In order to measure the length of the necessary product, you need to put it to the ceiling. Next, it will be necessary to install the skirting board in the jig. Its location should correspond to the position it will occupy on the ceiling.
Chisel
Important! When cutting it is necessary to hold the left hand to retain the fillet. It must fit tightly against the wall of the tool. The part of the product, which will be fixed to the ceiling, should be at the top. The other part is pressed tightly to the bottom of the working tool.
How to properly cut the inner corner of the ceiling plinth. not a simple question, to answer which the corresponding photos help. Experts recommend to study them, and only after that proceed to work.
Once you are satisfied that the product is properly positioned in the tool, you can begin cutting. The hacksaw must have a certain angle, viz: 45 degrees. During work it is not recommended to press much on the cutting tool, as it can damage the surface of the jigsaw. Next, trimming the adjacent strips is performed by “mirroring” them.
Cutting with a power hacksaw: inside corner
To get the right inside angle it is best to use a professional tool. Of course, such work can also be done without a joiner, but in that case more effort would be required. Let’s look at the sequence of operations for cutting an inside corner with a jigsaw.
The first thing to do is to determine the distance from the corner on the outside to the nearest wall. Next, it is necessary to mark the skirting board, thus preparing it for cutting. On the outer side of the bar, you need to draw a line for the trimmer along the length of the measurement. Please note that in this case the upper part of the strip should protrude a little.
After that you can start trimming. To do this, the ceiling plinth is placed in the cutting tool and pressed securely against the wall. After cutting the first piece, you can start with the counter piece.
Cutting with a wire cutter: the inside corner
To get the inside corner right, it’s easier to use a professional tool. Of course, such work can also be done without a jigsaw, but in this case, more effort is required. Consider the sequence of operations for cutting an inside corner with the wood chisel.
The first thing to do. determine the distance from the corner on the outside to the nearest wall. Next, you need to mark the skirting board and prepare it for cutting. On the outer side of the fillet you need to draw a fishing line for the trimmer along the length of the measurement. The upper part of the strip must protrude slightly from the groove.
After that you can start trimming. To do this, the ceiling plinth is placed in the cutting tool and pressed firmly against the wall. After trimming the first piece, you can start processing the counter piece.
Cutting corners without a chisel
Not everyone has the opportunity to buy a professional cutting tool. Yes, and the expediency of such a purchase is rarely justified, because spending money on a jig that will be used only once is not the best solution. It is also possible to cut the fillets without it. There are several alternative ways to make the right corners.
Manual preparation of the template
The first and most common option for cutting the fillets without using a jig is to use a paper stencil. To implement this method, you will need to prepare the following tools and materials:
Important! Use heavy paper to make a simple workpiece. A great solution is to use cardboard. From it is cut out a template, which will be performed by cutting.
To the cardboard workpiece we attach the baseboard and cut it with a hacksaw. Some masters perform marking on the product itself. In this case there is no need to use a template.
The second option is to make the cutting tool yourself. To do this you will need to prepare 3 boards that have the same dimensions (50 by 15 cm). Next, it is necessary to join them together. The two side boards, which are the walls, must be fixed at right angles to the cross board. The next step is to mark an angle of 45 degrees on the walls. The necessary measurements can be taken with a simple angle piece. The ready-made tool will allow for a short period of time to formalize all the corners in the room.
The third method involves the use of improvised means. In this case there is no need to construct a template. It can be replaced by an ordinary table that will need to move to the wall. To the corner formed in this way, it is necessary to attach the fillet, and then conduct its marking. Finally, the part is cut using a hacksaw or a construction knife.
How to make a flat corner: Methods
The most difficult thing to cut a corner so as to get a perfectly flat: the surface of the materials used is not easy to cut, in addition, you need to maintain a good joint, preferably without huge gaps. How to make an angle on a ceiling plinth? You can use several methods: with a jigsaw, without a jigsaw, using decorative corners, as well as an alternative method.
How to cut a skirting board without a joiner? To work you will need a well-sharpened pencil, a small piece of baseboard, a box cutter (for polystyrene or polyurethane) or a saw on metal (for other materials), a ruler.
You need to put the baseboard to the corner and draw the trimmer line with a pencil along the outer edge, then put it to the other side of the corner and also mark. As a result, the ceiling will get a cross, the center of which will mark the place where the ceiling plinth strips should converge.
Place a section of the skirting board where you are going to glue it. Set the end into the wall, transfer to it the desired mark. You can cut the corners of ceiling skirting boards this way, without the need for a joiner.
Making corners with the use of a jig saw
If the walls and corners in the room are flat, you can use a wire cutter to work. In order to properly cut the corner, you should put the part in which a person will make a cut, then insert the saw into the guides.
That way the piece will be held in place and you can cut it at the right angle. For a quality cut of the skirting board, it must simultaneously adhere to both surfaces, so it must be pressed against the wall of the wood chisel. Press the skirting board to the side that is closest to you.
With the help of a wire cutter you will need to cut a corner of 45 degrees. First you have to decide how to position the skirting board in the jigsaw. To avoid confusion and cut correctly, place the right slat on the right and the left on the left.
Do the work according to the following instructions:
- The part of the mortar that will be on the ceiling, press it to the bottom of the mortar. The second side will be raised and be closer to you. It can be leaned against the wall of the tool, so it will not wobble when you saw.
- Determine the direction of the kerf, as shown in this figure, and then cut the corner.
Place it on the ceiling and check the geometry. If it is not straight enough, you can fix it a little with a knife, and in the case of minor defects and wide gaps, you can use putty.
Making corners using the jigsaw
If the walls and corners of the room are straight, you can use a compound mitre saw. To properly cut the corner, inside the jig, you should put the part in which a person will make a cut, then insert the saw into the guides.
That way the piece will be held in place and you can cut it at the right angle. For a good cut of the skirting board, it must touch both surfaces at the same time, so it must be pressed against the wall of the jigsaw. Press the skirting board against the side that is closer to you.
You will need to cut a 45-degree angle with the jigsaw. First we have to determine how to position the skirting board in the jigsaw. To avoid confusion and cut correctly, place the right bar on the right and the left bar on the left.
Follow the instructions below to complete the job:
- The part of the jig that will be on the ceiling, press it to the bottom of the jig. The second side will be raised so it is closer to you. It can be leaned on the wall of the tool, so it will not wobble when sawing.
- Determine the direction of the kerf, as shown in this diagram, and then cut the corner.
Put it on the ceiling and check the geometry. If it is not even enough, it can be slightly corrected with a knife, and in the case of minor defects and wide gaps, you can use putty.
How to cut baseboards using decorative corners
With them, you can easily and quickly get the necessary corners in polystyrene or polyurethane skirting boards. Place them on the ceiling, and then glue the strips close to them. Trim them simply, using a box cutter.
- Make the necessary marks on the skirting boards.
- Use a ruler to connect the edge of the baseboard to the mark. If you just cut along the line, the parts in the corner will still not add up, because the inner part will be in the way. You can trim it later, making measurements on the ceiling.
- You can lay the piece to be trimmed on the table, the part that will be located on the ceiling, and cut at a 45 degree angle. Correction will be needed, but less.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second trim, making the outer corner.
So you can make a ceiling plinth without special tools, using improvised means.
Caulking the joints of ceiling plinths
No matter how neatly the work is done, the joints between the skirting boards will be visible. This defect can be eliminated as follows.
- Apply glue to the joints of the skirting boards.
- After joining the elements, remove excess glue with a clean rag. Do it after the glue dries completely.
- The gaps between the skirting board, the ceiling and the wall are sealed with a mixture of plaster filler and water emulsion paint using a rubber spatula.
This method is suitable for masking defects in the connection of wooden skirting boards, as well as skirting boards made of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam. In some cases, you can use a white sealant.
Using the tips outlined in this article and the necessary tools, you will be able to cut and dock the ceiling molding trim yourself.
How to trim the corners of a ceiling plinth
Proper trimming of the ceiling plinth. how to do it?
Ceiling plinth. a decorative border between the walls and ceiling. But it is often used to mask the joints of finishing material on the wall and ceiling, if it is not made accurately, or has a different structure.
Many people wonder how to properly trim a ceiling plinth, because without it the design of the room seems unfinished.
Glues this element is simple. on a special glue. But trimming ceiling plinth in the corners to make them look presentable and neat, some may put some at a standstill. There are rooms with a complex layout, in which it is necessary to arrange not only the inner corners, but also the outer.
Proper trimming of the ceiling plinth. how to do it?
Ceiling plinth. a decorative border between walls and ceiling. But it is often used to mask the joints of finishing material on the wall and ceiling, if it is not made accurately, or has a different structure.
Many people wonder how to properly trim a ceiling plinth, because without it the design of the room seems unfinished.
Glues this element simply. on a special glue. But the trimming of ceiling plinth in the corners to make them look presentable and neat, some may put in a dead-end situation. There are rooms with a complex layout, in which it is necessary to equip not only the inner corners, but also the outer.
What to cut a skirting board for the ceiling?
This question can be answered accurately, if you know what material is used to make this decorative element. There are four types of baseboards:
The cheapest option is foam baseboards. But this is a very delicate material, on it can appear creases and dents, even from the fingers of the hands, if you press it harder, so it is very difficult to cut the corner of the ceiling plinth from this material accurately.
In most cases an inexperienced person throws away a lot of material for this reason.
They are electrostatic, and attract a lot of dust. They can be cut with a regular office knife. You can also cut with a fine-toothed hacksaw, but there is a chance of getting an uneven edge.
Polyvinylchloride is one of the inexpensive materials, it is brittle and can break when cut. You can cut a skirting board made of this material with a sharp construction knife, or with a metal hacksaw. Care should be taken not to apply force when cutting, as pressing can splinter the skirting boards.
Polyurethane skirting board is more expensive than the first two options, it is much denser and harder, and difficult to cut.
But there is a plus. when pressed, it will not crumble. It is better to cut it with a metal hacksaw, but a sharp construction knife can also work. Baseboard corners made of this material are smooth and neat.
This version of the decor is currently the most expensive. It is durable, moisture-proof, elastic.
But there is a big disadvantage with fillets. the reaction to temperature changes. For example, in the kitchen above the stove, it can crack and warp, and it’s almost impossible to treat it, you’ll only have to replace it. But this is not a panacea, it will crack again.
A wooden skirting board is a natural solid and rather heavy material, which cannot be attached with glue. Cut it with a hacksaw with a fine blade, better on metal. That way the edge of the trimmed baseboard will look smoother.
The second method. without additional tools
For an inner corner, you can use the easiest way to perfect the joint. by marking on the ceiling. Another example of how to cut a corner nice and flat.
The result is an even 45° angle if you run a trimmer line from the intersection point to the edge of the piece. Note that the above method of marking works only with perfectly straight corners.
Other ways
With a good eye and hand accuracy, you can use a homemade template, which resembles an imitation of a jig saw. To do this, take a thin board or heavy plywood and draw a layout in the form of a horizontal rectangle. Using a protractor, mark 45 ° on the right and left sides of the rectangle. Draw lines connecting the opposite edges. Now it is possible to cut the ceiling plinth using this layout. The steps are simple and similar to the description above in the first option. Only the ceiling parts should not be inserted, and impose on the drawing and combine the hacksaw with the marking of the layout.
Special accessory elements for the junction
Installing the ceiling plinths, you can bypass the question of how to cut the corner of the side. In a situation where you do not want to cut anything, if you are a woman and you like beauty, but not carpentry work, you can go another way. We advise to pick up for your finishing skirting, to which you will find in the store matching the pattern of the part, closing the joint. This method will save time and effort.