Peel-and-Stick Crown Molding Vs Polyurethane Crown Molding

Did you know that there was peel and stick crown molding? I didn’t. It seems like there is a peel-and-stick for everything interior design. Just like its peel and stick counterparts, this stick-on is an easy and cheap way to get crown molding.

Speaking of crown molding, it is one of the mesmerizing elements that spruces up a room and gives it that classic touch, transforming it from dull and wanting to complete and well-built, leaving a long-lasting impression.

Another lasting impression embedded in our mind is the experience of buying goods that are cheap and affordable but not high quality. I once bought accessories on sale purely on the basis of price in my zeal to cut costs.

It did not take long for buyer’s remorse to set in. Needless to say, the items did not last long and their quality deteriorated over a very short time. Peel and stick crown molding reminds me of that same excitement, that same thrill but a flood of worry washes it away.

Memories of art and craft can be sparked as tools like scissors and pencils are used. The original material for making crown molding is wood. As an informal rule, wood crown molding is considered the gauge for the quality of crown molding.

In this article, we will consider the variations between peel-and-stick crown molding and polyurethane crown molding.

1. The time taken for installation

In today’s fast-paced life, effective and efficient habits are the desired and ideal ways of making the most out of a day. From simple to complex tasks, the world is accustomed to promptness. Consequently, the appeal of peel and stick crown molding is understandable.
 
Polyurethane crown molding requires saws, a measuring tool, and caulk amongst other tools to install. However, this does not mean that it is a complicated task. Polyurethane crown molding is easy to install and it can be done fairly quickly once one has the hang of it.

As the name suggests, peel and stick crown molding needs one only to peel the back cover and stick the exposed adhesive on the required wall or room. Compared to polyurethane crown molding, stick crown molding is the easiest molding to install.

A keen eye and steady hands are needed to get the job done when installing crown molding. Since both trims can be installed by DIY, any lack of confidence in putting up the molding promptly can be mitigated by hiring a professional for polyurethane crown molding.

2. The installation process

Peel and stick crown molding is the easiest to install because of its simplicity. This property also makes it the quickest when compared to polyurethane crown molding. However, it bears the disadvantage of not sticking well on popcorn ceilings and not sticking on flat painted walls.

Also, it offers the annoying habit of bulking when being installed, unlike polyurethane crown molding. Polyurethane crown molding does not have these problems and it is great on all walls and uneven walls too.

Though peel and stick crown molding is the easiest and quickest in comparison, it takes a longer time to install than one expects-at least, three hours for a room. This is due to ensuring that the adhesive sticks on straight and that it is carefully utilized.

Due to its bulking nature, the use of caulk or buying extra adhesive sometimes comes in handy to fill the gaps. Attention to detail is necessary to catch any missed bulk post installing peel and stick crown molding.

Polyurethane crown molding is easy to install and its tools are readily available. With polyurethane crown molding, there are options present that aid quick, effective, and efficient ways to install the trim in a timely fashion.

Peel and stick crown molding is firmly installed in one way only. When it comes to polyurethane, one has the option of using nails or adhesive or nails and adhesive to firmly install the trim. Also, one has the option of buying pre-cut crown molding.

Peel and stick crown molding can come in long runs of straight molding with corner brackets while they also can be purchased with polyurethane crown molding to eliminate difficult 45 degrees miter cuts. They come in interior and exterior corner brackets.

3. The properties

Peel and stick crown moldings are made from lightweight plastics. This makes it easy to carry and easy to cut with scissors. Scissors are used to cut off the unwanted part after measuring the desired length. However, this type of trim easily snaps and breaks when bent.

Polyurethane crown molding is lightweight, strong, durable, dense, and pliant making it a great alternative. It can be placed in any room like bathrooms and in various areas like exterior doors because it is moisture resistant. Peel and stick crown molding does not enjoy the same benefit.

Moreover, peel and stick crown molding can be used on interior walls and some ceilings while polyurethane crown molding can be used on the interior and exterior of a home or a building. This is because polyurethane crown molding is insect repellent and temperature resistant.
The texture of peel and stick crown molding is responsible for its bulking during installation. Unlike polyurethane crown molding, peel and stick crown molding is not seamless. The visible seams take away the harmonious flow and balance of continuous crown molding.

Polyurethane crown molding looks like wood and behaves similarly to wood. However, it does not share the disadvantages of wood. Peel and stick crown molding will look like wood when painted.

Polyurethane crown molding can be painted and stained just like wood. This trim comes pre-primed and therefore one has to only paint after a little prep work is done. Peel and stick crown molding has to be primed to be painted.


Polyurethane crown molding and peel and stick crown molding are referred to as faux crown moldings. These tempting trims are easy to put up as their instructions to install are easy to understand and follow. However, polyurethane crown molding is a better option given its ease of installation, use, and its properties.