DIY

11.21.2023

Adding Molding to a Kitchen Island

Adding Molding to a Kitchen Island

When we remodeled our kitchen, we spent over two months of nights and weekends working on the space. By the time we got to the kitchen island, we were worn out and the result was functional but a little boring.

For years I have been wanting to paint the island and add some decorative molding, and it finally happened.

Here is a before photo of the kitchen island:

If you are painting your island a color, I would suggest painting samples and testing the light throughout the day. I had these colored circles in our kitchen for a couple of weeks as I debated the best possible color for the space.

Wanting a unique color that goes well with all the surrounding spaces, I ultimately decided on Cluster Fig by Dutch Boy Paint which is similar to Sherwin Williams Socialite.

How to Add Molding to a Kitchen Island:

I reached out to Woodgrain, and they gifted the molding for my project.

Make a Plan

I scoured the internet and Pinterest for kitchen island molding ideas, but never really found exactly what I was looking for.

By really noticing the shape of the kitchen island and wanting a pattern that made the notch on the sides of the island blend in, this was the result:

In complete transparency, this wasn’t an easy project thanks to the many cuts of my design. However, it IS doable if you are patient.

Having a well-thought-out plan is the key to success. I taped out the plan on my cabinet and was able to get measurements for my project.

Supplies Needed:

Woodgrain 11/16” X 1-3/4” – Primed Finger joint Pine Picture Mold
Miter Saw
Trim Nails for Nail Gun
Nail Gun
Caulk
Paint
Paintbrush

Find a Partner

Due to all the cuts on the miter saw, it is helpful to have a partner on this project. I enlisted my dad, and we began the project by cutting the entire shape.

Once we were fairly confident in our measurements (and the piece could be put together correctly), we used the first as a pattern to cut the additional molding pieces.

Beginning at the top, we found the center of both the molding piece and the island section. It is so important to make sure the first piece is level.

Installing the Molding

Start at the top and work your way down. The cuts have to be fairly close to perfect to make this design work in the end.

A nail gun with smaller finish nails will hold the molding in place.

Finish Work

Caulk will be your best friend in this project. It not only helps hide imperfections, but it also helps adhere the molding to the island.

Once the caulk is completely dry, you can paint it (make sure you buy paintable caulk).

Enjoy

The result is a kitchen island that is uniquely yours!

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Create Your Own Island Escape: Add Color to Your Kitchen Island

Island escapes are something we all dream about, but you can create your own island escape (and make your dreams come true) simply by adding color to your kitchen island.

This post is a sponsored post by FrogTape. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. While this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Each year, FrogTape and celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak team up to determine the top interior design trends to inspire DIYers looking for fresh decor ideas.

The 2024 FrogTape Design Trends are:

Island Escape – Liven up your island and make it a destination spot with a fun color that stands out.
Color Splash – Paint a door and/or trim in an unexpected color that will elevate your space.
Murality – Let out your inner artist and create a one-of-a-kind mural that is uniquely you.
Wainscot Just a Minute – Add some color to a space with a painted wainscot.

I was given the Island Escape trend, and I was excited to make my white island more special.

Supplies Needed:

FrogTape
Paint Brush
Small Paint Roller
Primer
Cabinet, Door, and Trim Paint
Screwdriver
Painter’s Paper Roll
Heavy Duty Cabinet Cleaner
Paint Deglosser
Fine Grit Sandpaper

*If you are adding molding, you will need molding, miter saw, nail gun, and caulking.

Step 1: Select a fun, bold color for your kitchen island.

*If you’re planning to add decorative molding, use FrogTape to create a design on the island.

The kitchen island is a place you can have fun with a brighter color. I would suggest painting a smaller board (or boards) with the paint color and test the color near the island throughout the day as the light changes.

When selecting a color, consider all the colors surrounding the island.

Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Using a screwdriver, remove the cabinet and drawer hardware and doors.

Step 3: Tape off the Kitchen Island using FrogTape

If you have wood floors, be sure to use the yellow FrogTape for delicate surfaces.

Step 4: Clean the Cabinets Doors and Island

I used a heavy duty TSP Subsitute cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves.

Step 5: Prep the Cabinets and Island for Painting

I used a paint deglosser to remove some of the finish before sanding with light-grit sandpaper.

Step 6: Use a primer on the Island and Cabinet Doors

Be sure to use a high quality primer, and you can have it tinted.

Step 7: Paint with a high quality Cabinet, Door, and Trim Paint in a Semi-Gloss or Gloss Finish.

As with high qulity primer, high quality paint is important and worth spending the extra money.

Step 8 (optional): Add decorative molding to the sides and back of the island and paint the molding.

This will require additional time. You will have to plan the design and cut the molding with a miter saw. Use a nail gun to install the molding on the kitchen island and caulk around the molding for additional adhesion and to hide any gaps. Paint the molding.

Step 9: Remove FrogTape, add hardware back, and install doors and drawers.

Using a screwdriver, put the hardware back on the doors and drawers and install the doors back on the island.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Enjoy your kitchen island as the best destination spot in your home!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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