Fit and attach
- Construction adhesive suitable for the form and wall materials
- Painter’s tape
- Pencil and level
- Floor protection
Designed and made in Alberta • Made-to-order arch kits
Doorway arch installation
Fit. Blend. Paint.
The forms create the curve. Careful fitting and finishing make it part of the wall.
Before you start
Gather your supplies.
Blend the seams
- Drywall joint tape
- Compatible joint compound — not spackle
- Small and wide putty knives
Finish the surface
- Sanding materials, typically 120 then 220 grit
- Suitable eye and dust protection
- Primer and matching wall paint
- Matching wall texture, if needed
For non-structural indoor openings only. Check product compatibility and follow all adhesive, tape, compound, primer and paint labels. Stop and ask for help if the forms do not fit correctly.
Work in order
Seven finishing steps.
Illustrations from your arch-kit guide. Allow each wet stage to dry or cure fully before continuing.
Step 01
Dry-fit and mark both pieces.
Hold both forms inside the opening without adhesive. Align the front edges flush with the finished wall, check level and symmetry, then mark the position. Nothing should need to be forced.
Check the fit before adding adhesive.
Step 02
Apply construction adhesive.
Apply adhesive to the rear contact surfaces, following its manufacturer’s directions. Keep the front edge clean so the form can sit flush inside the opening.
Do not use adhesive to bridge large unsupported gaps.
Step 03
Secure the forms and let them cure.
Press the forms into position on your marks. Use painter’s tape to hold them securely without sliding, twisting or leaving a raised edge.
Wait for the full cure time specified on your adhesive.
Step 04
Reinforce the seams.
Once the adhesive is cured, remove the painter’s tape. Apply drywall joint tape and compatible joint compound at the transitions, following the tape and compound instructions. Address both faces of the opening.
Tape should lie flat, without bubbles or folded edges.
Step 05
Blend with thin compound coats.
Use drywall joint compound, not spackle. Feather successive thin coats farther onto the wall and let each coat dry fully. Blend the seam rather than building a raised border.
One thick coat is harder to finish cleanly.
Step 06
Sand and check the surface.
Sand the dry compound to remove ridges, then refine the surface with finer grit. Use side lighting to spot uneven transitions. Match the existing wall texture if needed.
Wear suitable eye and dust protection; ventilate and control dust.
Step 07
Prime, then paint.
Prime the new compound before painting. Match both the wall colour and sheen. Follow the drying and recoat times on the products you use.
Paint will not hide a ridge — correct the surface first.
Ready to choose your shape?
Compare Soft Corner and Full Span, then check the measurements.