June 06, 2008
It is possible to paint crown molding, but it’s best done before you hang it. For one thing it’s easier to do it at lower levels instead of above your head. For another, you’re not going to accidentally paint the ceiling of you do it before you hang it.
Painting will also give you the freedom to use manufactured wood molding (called MDF for short). MDF is a particle board that is much cheaper than cherry molding, straighter and easier to work with, too. Painting and staining molding that is up requires taping off and a lot of detail work. This is the last step in preparation, but make sure you have a proper working surface so that your hands are not up too high as you work. Painting the edges in unnecessary.
