On Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:45:18 -0800, Ike
wrote:

Q1: The crown molding we purchased has a very decorative pattern. It
is very similar to the third molding shown on this site:

http://www.invitinghome.com/Crown_Mo...lding_List.htm

While it is possible to match the pattern when making a scarf or butt
joint, it is not possible in the corners. What is the best way to
handle the inside and outside corners? Just make the cut and match the
best you can? Use some caulk to feather in the mismatched contours?
Show guests your new crown molding with the lights dimmed?


You can always match one corner, and pick that corner that is most
noticeable. Crown molding requires some fuss because in the end it is
easily on display for everyone to see your mistakes. Don't depend on
caulk to cover up bad mistakes.


Q2: We have bull-nosed outside corners. This means there will be a
small gap at the bottom where the molding meets in these corners.
Would it be best to cut small quarter round plugs out of 1" thick wood
that would slip up into these gaps? Or does it work just as well to
fill the gap with a little caulk, smooth it out, and let it go at
that?

Walls are not perfect and you can only bed molding so much to conform
so you will have gaps. Fill larger gaps by gluing in scraps of wood,
sand smooth, caulk, paint. For stained molding more skill is
required. Patience is a good thing.