Fixing a picture rail involves carefully attaching sections of the moulding to the wall at the desired height. While the overall process can include preparation, measuring, cutting, and securing subsequent sections, a key step is fixing the initial piece accurately.
Key Steps for Fixing the First Section
When installing a picture rail, particularly focusing on the method involving adhesive, fixing the first section accurately is paramount as it sets the line for the rest of the installation.
Here’s how to fix the first section to the wall using adhesive and ensuring it's level, based on common practices for this method:
Step-by-Step Guide for Adhesive Fixing
- Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall surface where the picture rail will be fixed is clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. A pencil guideline should ideally be marked on the wall at the correct height to help position the rail.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply a small amount of adhesive to the rear of the picture rail. This provides a strong bond between the rail and the wall surface.
- Position and Push: Carefully lift the section of picture rail into position on the wall. Gently push against the guideline with the help of your spirit level. The guideline helps ensure correct vertical placement along the wall.
- Ensure Level: Using your spirit level, ensure that the picture rail is perfectly level. This is crucial for a professional finish and for hanging pictures straight. You can check the horizontal bubble on the spirit level to confirm the rail is straight.
- Adjust as Needed: You can adjust it slightly whilst the adhesive has not yet set. This allows for minor corrections to achieve perfect alignment and level before the adhesive cures and the rail becomes fixed in place.
Using a spirit level throughout this process is essential to guarantee the picture rail is installed straight and level, providing a reliable base for hanging artwork and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room.
This method focuses on securing the first piece using adhesive and confirms its horizontal alignment using a spirit level, a critical part of the overall picture rail installation.