An impactful symbol of enduring character and ornate beauty, plaster crown moldings have graced some of the world's most exquisite buildings throughout history.
Plaster crown molding instantly enhances any space, as immaculate details create immediate impressions. That said, plaster also represents a number of hurdles for DIYers who want to install crown moldings of their own. Plaster of Paris is one example that represents a better alternative than traditional plaster, but you should consider other alternatives before settling on a final decision.
What Is Plaster Crown Molding?
Plaster has existed for thousands of years, and examples of moldings appear as far back as the Bronze Age with the Minoans, in what is now modern-day Greece. Subsequent Greek and Roman societies built upon the technique, and they used it with stunning frequency on the interior of buildings.
Lime plaster was most common before 1800, but it eventually transitioned into the use of gypsum and cement. It has largely remained that way ever since. Plaster has some standout qualities, including:
- Moldability: Using a custom-designed mold, plaster will take the exact form down to the fine details. No other high-quality material can replicate such a varied degree of appearances.
- Environmentally resistant: Unlike wood and foam-based moldings, plaster maintains its form in the face of various environmental conditions. It will not warp or crack due to moisture, nor will it expand. It also resists excessive heat and cold.
Why Plaster Might Not Be a Good Fit
You can make the argument that plaster makes for the most beautiful crown moldings. However, that doesn't make it the best fit for many people, especially DIYers.
Plaster is typically made to order from specialty shops, which means you likely won't find it in any DIY section. It takes a long time, along with prior experience, to form and install perfect sections. It's easily the most costly per foot, and it's a heavy material that's not easy to handle.
Installing plaster is a multiperson job, and properly adhering all the pieces to the wall and ceiling can take days — a turnoff for those who might be looking for a weekend project. To complicate matters further, plaster can crack easily when mishandled. While cracks and imperfections in plaster are more fixable than other substrates, it will still derail your process and generate more frustration.
Plaster of Paris is a DIY solution that you can make at home, but you still need to create a mold, reinforce your walls, trim the plaster section, install the finished product and then cover it with an appropriate primer/paint. That's a lot of work for molding when you can find more cost-efficient, less-stressful options.
Focal Point Creates the Greatest Plaster Crown Molding Alternative
What if you could install a graceful embellishment that mirrors plaster while exerting a fraction of the effort and cost?
Create a gorgeous display in a single afternoon with Focal Point's crown molding kits, which use a durable polyurethane to achieve crisp, impeccable detail usually found only in plaster. Our system doesn't call for years of expertise or uncompromising focus.
After selecting your preferred style — we offer four choices — you'll use the Quick Clips™ and Molding Mates™ to get the job done. The sections come primed and ready for customization, and you can cut them to length once you know the dimensions of your room. The clips install easily with a single screw, as they align themselves flush to the wall and ceiling.
You can then snap on the molding lengths, which call for a few quick taps to secure them in place. For the gaps in between sections, you'll use Molding Mates™ to create a cohesive flow throughout the room.
Achieve a high-quality look with affordable materials and a simplified system that promotes independence. Contact us today to ask any questions or order your molding kit below.
