Tin ceilings, walls, and backsplashes have taken over the renovation world these past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Trendy tin panels look great and last a long time while only taking an hour or two to install.  

But don't get so caught up in the tin tiles themselves that you overlook the finishing touches. Tin trims, edges, and moldings can complete your project with finesse and transform it into a stunning installation that will be talked about in your circles for a long time to come.

Why You Should Choose Tin Trims & Moldings 

Tin trim and molding is a continuation of the bold patterns, elegant designs, and creative expressions of individuality you find with tin tile. It's the perfect way to finish your tin tile project.  

While the edges of your tin panels can be installed without any trim or molding, many opt to at least add an edge trim on more visible or exposed areas, like a backsplash. Tin tile installed on a wall or ceiling usually butts up against another surface and the edges are protected so there's no need for a trim unless it's for decorative purposes. 

Tin trims and moldings encompass a variety of styles. You'll find a suitable match no matter what your design: 

• Go vintage with crown molding in pattern C2
  
  
• Be unique with a flat molding in pattern M1
  
  
• Keep it clean and minimal with crown molding in pattern C7
  
  
• Put on a bold face with crown molding in pattern C1
   
• Add a graphic element with crown molding in pattern C10

 No matter what design you settle on, let tin molding be your secret weapon to a better-looking ceiling, wall, or backsplash.  

 Ready to get inspired for your project? Check out our inspiration gallery. 

Go to the Inspiration Gallery

Crown Molding vs Flat Molding vs Edge Trim

There are three main types of tin trim to choose from: crown molding, flat molding, and edge trim.

Crown molding is typically used for ceilings. It has a curve to it that allows it to elegantly negotiate the 90 degree angle where wall and ceiling meet.

Flat trim can be used for ceilings or walls and is often a favorite for creating the illusion of a tray ceiling. It is flat and can be used on a surface that doesn't require any angles.

Edge trim is used primarily for backsplash to cover exposed ends of tin panels. It attaches to the outer edge of the tin panel.

Installing Molding & Trim

After you've installed your tin panels, it’s time to place the molding or trim.

Crown Molding

1. Draw a guide line from the bottom of your tin tile (ceiling) down the wall the width of your crown molding. 
   
   
2. Install the first piece of molding in the corner, making sure that the bottom of the molding lines up with the guide line.
   
   
3. Secure the molding by applying fasteners every 6 inches on the top and bottom. Each piece should overlap by ¼ inch. 
   
   
4. Continue installing the molding until you reach the corner where you'll install a factory coped piece that fits snugly against the installed molding. You can also dry fit and cut the piece yourself.  

Check out our full instructional video for more details.

Flat Molding

To install flat molding, you'll follow a very similar process to crown molding. The most popular installations are around the edge of a tin panel that transitions to filler panels and at the bottom of a crown molding to add further drama to a design.

1. Prepare your flat molding by cutting the right lengths and 45-degree miter cuts on the edges. Be sure that you have cut right-side and left-side pieces.
   
   
2. Place the flat molding as desired and secure with brad nails every 6 inches.
   
   
3. If you require more than one piece of molding to complete a side, be sure to overlap the pieces by 1/4 inch.
   
   
4. Touchup paint over the brad nails as needed.

Edge Trim

For edge trim, place it over the exposed, cut edges of your tin tile on the outside edges of your backsplash.. This type of trim works best at the ends of your backsplash and at the top (if you’re not going up to the ceiling). A typical 6” x 6”, low-profile backsplash pattern will slide into the edge trim without issue.  

The only thing you might run into that would cause difficulty is applying an edge trim to a corner that points back into a wall, or an inside corner. Just get inside backsplash corner trim pieces. To install them: 

1.  First, install your tin tile on one wall.
   
   
2. Measure for the lengths of trim and cut as needed.
    
3. Place the flat part of the trim against the wall and slide the tin tile into the channel in the trim piece.
   
   

Tips for Cleaning Tin Tile Molding 

Clean tin tile, trims, and moldings by regularly dusting them with a soft cloth or feather duster to avoid damaging the finish. If deeper cleaning is needed, you can gently spot clean the tiles with a dampened soft cloth with dish soap in warm water.

Six inch pattern tin tiles for the backsplash have a hand-applied coating that allows you to do a little more in depth cleaning. You can clean them with mild soap and a soft cloth. 

*NOTE for backsplashes: only six-inch backsplash tin tile in Artisan colors arre treated with the clear coat finish. If you use 12 inch (or larger) tiles and any moldings and trims on your backsplash, they must be cleaned by gentle dusting.

We can add the clear coat to any tin product. Simply contact us directly, and we’ll clear coat the artisan finish for you.  

Want to add some character to your backsplash project? 

See Our Tin Crown Molding