When renovating a room, the first step is to remove the existing molding. If you are careful, you can take it off without damage for reuse later.

Here’s how:

  1. Start by using a sharp utility knife to cut through the layer of paint where the molding meets the wall.
  2. Next, Tap a thin pry bar between the molding and the wall.
  3. Once the molding has been loosened from the wall, remove the pry bar and drive in wood shims to widen the gap.
  4. Work your way along the molding using the pry bar and shims to loosen the molding.
  5. After the molding is loose, use a larger flat pry bar for more leverage and finish removing the molding from the wall.
  6. Remove the nails from the molding by pulling them out from the back of the wood with a pair of pliers. This causes less damage to the molding than hammering them out through the front.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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