What Type of Nail Gun Do You Use For Crown Molding?

Installing crown molding using a nail gun is a pretty straightforward and effortless task, but it requires a certain type of nail gun.  Since many people don’t know the tricks, they ask what type of nail gun do you use for crown molding.

Following the guide, we will reveal which type of nail gun for crown molding is ideal. At that time, you will learn the right size of the nail needed for crown molding to prevent cracking and splitting.

Types of Nail Gun for Crown Molding

Installing crown molding is a pretty simple process while boosting the style and beauty of home décor. But installing the molding over the head requires the right nail gun and the right size nail. Though a traditional hammer can be an alternative, it is time-consuming and increases the risk of damaging the crown molding. Following the section, we will explain a different kind of nail gun suitable for crown molding based on project type.

Type of nail gun for crown molding

A proper nail gun is a must-have for securing crown molding to the ceiling and wall. Among a wide range of options, the 16G finish nailer is the best nail gun for crown molding. The nail gun has enough holding power to fix the molding in place. Even so, it will create a small hole that won’t catch them easily.

The 18GA brad nailer, on the other hand, will be better suited for lightweight and small molding. Likewise, you should use a 15GA finish nailer for extra-large and heavy trims. There are plenty of differences between 16GA and 15GA nailers, including nailhead, diameter, and the straight vs angled base. Overall, the 16GA finish nailer is specially designed for light-duty projects like crown molding. But you will find this tool handy for plenty of projects, including chair rails and decorative trim, baseboards and cabinets, and hardwood flooring.

Conversely, if you need to secure crown molding towards the edges, use a brad nailer. It can slip the trim if you use a larger diameter nail towards the corner. Thus, using a brad nailer at the corner will let you prevent cracking and splitting the crown molding.

To nail the outer corner, apply a smaller pin or brad nailer and glue. In case if you don’t have a brad nailer, use a power drill to create a hole, avoiding cracking. The same method is preferred for nailing through the scarf joints.

Benefits of finish nail gun for crown molding

The finishing nailer gun is beneficial for crown molding in plenty of ways over the framing nailer. You can easily get into tighter or smaller areas using a finish nail gun. More importantly, the nails it uses aren’t wide enough that can be noticed easily while long enough to secure the crown molding in place. Lastly, if you drive the nail too deep somehow, you can paint over the hole.

Nails for Crown Molding

Along with picking the right nail gun, inserting the proper size nail is also vital for securing crown molding. While the too short nail won’t secure the crown molding properly, using too large a nail can damage the crown molding. Even driving a too-long nail into the studs is a pretty tough job. Thus, picking the right size nail is crucial for crown molding in-ceiling or wall successfully without experiencing damage.

The right size nail for crown molding

Before molding the nail, install a piece of the backing strip over the working surface. Then mark the stud location to secure the base to the wall perfectly.

Use 2 inches long, 18-gauge brad nails for crown molding with a backing strip. Drive one nail up at a vertical angle to the backing material and fire the next horizontally above the stud. Following the procedure may result in extra nails, but it will ensure the most secure crown molding on both the wall and the backing strip.

Conversely, if you don’t use a backing strip, then you should enlarge the length and size of the nail. For crown molding, use 16-gauge nails that are 12 inches long. Maintaining ¾” molding on ½” sheetrock will ensure a nail diffusion of 1 ¼” into the studs.

Final words

Crown molding is a classic yet handy choice to give a decorative touch to the ceiling and upper wall. But you can only be the winner using a combination of the right nail guns and nails. So what types of nail guns do you need to use for crown molding? Hopefully, you have got enough knowledge to decide. Finally, learn how to use a nail gun properly before applying it to a working surface for a better experience.