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Tips & Techniques

Conceal Cut Ends

Darkening the edge of a cut trim board keeps the unstained grain from showing at joints.

Issue 326 - October 2024

When a trim board butts straight into a wall or the side of a cabinet, sometimes, if the light catches it just right, some of the unstained grain on a cut end of the board can be visible—even on a nice, tight, flush-fit joint. This can be especially noticeable on larger trim components like crown molding that are finished in a dark color. Darkening the edge of the cut end of the trim board with a black Sharpie is a quick and clean way to make that lighter wood grain vanish.

—Adam McKee; Lincoln, Neb. Drawing by Martha Garstang Hill.

From Fine Homebuilding #326

Check out Adam’s video to go along with this tip here.

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