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How to remove cornice

A person removing cornice with a hammer and chisel

Overview

A lot of houses use plaster cornice to cover the join between the wall and ceiling.  It is an easy job to remove it with a few basic tricks. These techniques will help you protect your paint work and remove your old cornice with a minimum of fuss.

Steps

1Cut along where the cornice joins the wall and ceiling

Run a trimming knife along where the cornice joins the wall, the ceiling and any cornice you want to keep. Cut into the cavity behind the cornice, making sure you avoid cutting into the wall or ceiling. By cutting along these joints, you stop the paint on both surfaces from coming away when you remove the cornice.  
A person cutting along the edge of a cornice with a trimming knife

2Remove the cornice

Use a hammer to gently nudge a chisel in under the cornice. Then use the chisel to start prying the cornice off the wall. Once the cornice begins lifting off, wedge your wrecking bar into the cavity behind it. Then you can leverage the wrecking bar on the wall frame and push the cornice off. 
A person removing cornice with a hammer and chisel
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.