T molding shrinking

gahamby · 07-21-2019, 11:30 AM

I've searched. Is there a process for stretching the T molding on the cabinet and counter edges and securing it so it stops gaping? Thanks GH

ShuttlePilot · 07-21-2019, 12:36 PM

Are you sure it's the T Molding that is shrinking or is your interior slowly growing?

gahamby · 07-21-2019, 07:11 PM

Quite sure.
Perhaps a recommendation on what adhesive to use.

arctictraveller · 07-21-2019, 11:53 PM

I kinda doubt you can stretch it, but you can replace it with a slightly longer piece.

86Scotty · 07-22-2019, 07:04 AM

^^Yep^^ I found it for a complete SMB interior redo a couple years ago but I don't remember where. I might've just bought a roll from SMB North. T-molding is easy to find but their specific, matching T-molding was a big tougher to locate IIRC. It's cheap though.

I don't think you'll stretch it as it hardens and shrinks over time. I have restuck it plenty of times by shooting Liquid Nails in the grove and then reattaching but that doesn't make it longer.

1der · 07-22-2019, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

^^Yep^^ I found it for a complete SMB interior redo a couple years ago but I don't remember where. I might've just bought a roll from SMB North. T-molding is easy to find but their specific, matching T-molding was a big tougher to locate IIRC. It's cheap though.

I don't think you'll stretch it as it hardens and shrinks over time. I have restuck it plenty of times by shooting Liquid Nails in the grove and then reattaching but that doesn't make it longer.

I have some brand new black T molding I might be willing to sell. I can check how many feet it is, if anyone is interested. Let me know, and I will dig it out.

Steve C · 07-22-2019, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1der

I have some brand new black T molding I might be willing to sell. I can check how many feet it is, if anyone is interested. Let me know, and I will dig it out.

Hey Ray, I've been looking around for some black T molding. I haven't found anything that has the same profile as that used by Fresno SMB on my 2001. It appears as though SMB used some T molding that has/had a lip on one side to go over the edge of the MDF and the other side just seems to extend beyond the MDF by a 1/32" to 1/16" or so... My plan is to replace all/most of my white T molding with black (minus my cabinet doors and drawer fronts) so would need a decent amount. If you're looking to get rid of your "extra" supply I'd be interested.

Cheers!

-steve-

1der · 07-22-2019, 02:14 PM

Hi Steve, just checked - what I have is 80 ft of Black 5/8" without the lip. I was going to use 1/2" Baltic for my doors plus a veneer and run a router around the inside face edge to trim flush with the door face.
https://www.t-molding.com/5-8in-black-t-molding.html

For the lip style - I think SMB used 3/4" MDF doors (or close to it) - will this work for you if you want the lip?
https://www.t-molding.com/13-16in-li...t-molding.html

Steve C · 07-22-2019, 02:50 PM

First, my apologies for hijacking your thread GH

, but as you can see others have similar needs.

Second, thanks for checking on the T molding Ray. That lipped molding comes real close to what I'm looking for (I may have to just order a little bit and see how it fits...), all I need is the outer edge to hook over the MDF and I'd trim off the back. I'm not sure if SMB ran out of the 5/8" or 3/4" MDF for my build, but all the doors, cabinet sides and drawer fronts I've looked at in my van are 1/2" MDF (counting the melamine surfaces). Maybe SMB ran out of the thicker stuff when they built my vehicle

1der · 07-22-2019, 03:55 PM

Yes! My apologies for the semi hijack, as well, gahamby!!

Re: SMB T molding - I seem to recall looking at the groove in the cabinet doors and making note that the groove was not centered? This would allow the lip to sit properly on the outside and then trim off the excess overlap to the inside.

gh - it might be possible to carefully utilize a heat gun to soften and stretch the overall length. The difficulty I have experienced is the radiused corners develop a pronounced “set” and the tab for the groove is usually cut out at the corners😳.

What worked better in a couple of cases of refurbishing an SMB, where I could, I cut out a bit larger section of the T molding and inserted a reclaimed section from elsewhere. SMB put T Molding everywhere, so taking a piece from an unseen/ under platform location can yield enough to fill in the shrinkage spots with the benefit of it being the same age (fade) and color lot so it is less noticeable.