How To Trim Your Return Air Filter in a 8 Easy Steps.

Holly Prim
by Holly Prim
$30.00
2 Hours
Easy
Spring has sprung and I needed to clean the air return in the basement. So I decided to make it less of an eye sore with this quick project!
With only a few tools and materials this took a few hours from start to finish.
I love using this "chameleon-like" molding, I've used it for dozens of projects so with so many scraps laying around I'm using it again. I purchased my Drip Cap Molding from a local overstock warehouse for $2.00 per 8' stick. But it is more like $1.00 per linear ft in most big box stores.
Step 1 Measure and mark trim:
I marked the trim on each end where my outside angle cut will start, also adding a cheat mark as a reminder which way the angle will go.


Repeat for all for sides of return air filter.


Step 2: Cut trim using a miter saw.


~I laid flat on its "back" with the thicker part of the trim toward the back of the fence. Turn to a 45 degree angle and cut.
Turn the saw to the opposing 45 degree angle to cut other end of trim


Repeat for all four trim boards.
Step 3: Paint


I paint my trim before attaching to the wall to avoid getting bright white oil based paint on my water based painted blue wall.


You can add this step to the end of the project if you use water based paint for your trim.
Step 4: Clean and change filter


Might as well clean and change your air filter if you are going to the trouble to give a facelift! Using rubbing alcohol and a small dollar store scrub brush, I got all of the caked on sawdust off of this grate really fast.
Step 5: Attach trim to the wall


Using an 18 gauge pneumatic nail gun and 2" finishing nails, I attach all four pieces of trim to the wall.
Step 6: Fill nail holes with your favorite wood filler.


18 gauge finishing nails hardly leave a hole at all, so this step goes by very quick.
Step 7: Caulk


There were very few gaps between the trim and the wall but I caulk everything, possibly overkill...
Step 8: Touch up surrounding paint
Originally, this project was shared on my YouTube channel, I've added the link for convenience.
Holly Prim
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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