How to Install Coving

Tools and Materials

Before You Start

• Remove any old coving and clean the wall and ceiling surfaces
• Mark the coving line on the wall and ceiling by holding a piece in position and drawing along both edges
• Score along the marked lines with a Stanley knife — this helps the adhesive grip
• Plan your starting point — begin at the wall opposite the door for the best visual impact
• Practice mitre cuts on offcuts before cutting the actual pieces

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Step 1 — Mark the guide lines. Hold a piece of coving in position in the corner and draw along the bottom edge (wall) and top edge (ceiling) with a pencil. Repeat at each corner to create continuous guide lines around the room.
2. Step 2 — Score the surfaces. Score the wall and ceiling between the guide lines with a Stanley knife or old screwdriver to create a key for the adhesive. Remove any loose paint or wallpaper within this area.
3. Step 3 — Cut the first corner pieces. Cut the internal corner mitres for the first corner using a mitre box. Remember: the coving sits upside down in the mitre box. Cut a left and right mitre and test-fit them in the corner before applying adhesive.
4. Step 4 — Apply adhesive. Apply a continuous bead of coving adhesive to both the ceiling edge and wall edge of the coving. Apply generously — excess can be wiped away.
5. Step 5 — Fix the first piece. Press the coving firmly into position, aligning with the guide lines. Slide it gently into the corner. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp sponge. For heavy cornice, drive a few panel pins through the coving to hold it while the adhesive sets.
6. Step 6 — Continue around the room. Work around the room, cutting mitres for each corner. For straight joins, cut both pieces at a slight angle (scarf joint) rather than butting square ends together. Apply adhesive to both the wall/ceiling edges and the joint faces.
7. Step 7 — External corners. For external corners (chimney breasts, box-outs), cut external mitres — the opposite direction to internal corners. Glue the mitre faces together for a strong joint.
8. Step 8 — Fill and finish. Once the adhesive has set (typically 4-6 hours), fill any gaps at joints and along the edges with fine filler or caulk. Sand smooth when dry. Apply paint to match the ceiling — coving is usually painted the same colour as the ceiling.

Common Mistakes

• Putting the coving the right way up in the mitre box — it must sit upside down with the ceiling edge on the base
• Not scoring the surfaces — adhesive does not grip well on smooth painted surfaces
• Skimping on adhesive — use plenty; it is much easier to wipe away excess than fill gaps later
• Not supporting heavy cornice with pins — it will slide down before the adhesive sets
• Rushing the corner joints — take time to test-fit dry before applying adhesive

Cost Estimate (2026)

Related Calculators

Use the Coving Calculator for lengths and adhesive quantities, or the Cornice & Coving Calculator for more detailed specifications.