How to fix cornices

If fixings fail or there’s movement in a room, gaps may appear where cornice meets ceiling. - by Better Homes and Gardens

You can do a quick cover-up, but it’s best to firmly set the cornice back in place.

Gather your supplies

• Cornice cement

• Plasterboard screws

You’ll also need

Paint scraper; bucket; drill; lint-free rag or sponge; fine sandpaper; painting equipment; sealer undercoat; acrylic paint to match ceiling colour

Here’s how...

Step 1

Use paint scraper to remove any loose paint or plaster along crack.

Step 2

Mix cornice cement in bucket to form a paste. Use scraper to fill gap between cornice and ceiling with cornice cement.

Step 3

Use drill to screw plasterboard screws up through cornice into ceiling so cement oozes out of crack. Remove excess cement with scraper and use to fill screw heads.

Step 4

Leave cornice cement for a few minutes to start setting, then wipe along crack with damp lint-free rag or sponge for a smooth finish.

Step 5

When cement has fully dried, sand lightly if required, then apply sealer undercoat. Let dry and follow with two top coats using acrylic paint to match ceiling colour.