How to Fit XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Coving - UK Guide

Fitting XPS (extruded polystyrene) coving is a genuine one-person DIY job: no plasterer, no drill, and an average room finished in an afternoon. This guide walks through the same steps as the printed instructions included in every Decovision package.

Before you start: check the package

  • Open the package from both ends.
  • Lengths are numbered - the numbers simply help you confirm the pack is complete, they are not an installation order.
  • The small foam pieces inside are protective packaging only; discard them.
  • Ready-made corners may be inside the main package or in a separate parcel if they did not fit.
  • If anything is missing or damaged, contact us before starting installation.

What you will need

  • Solvent-free coving adhesive (solvent-based products damage polystyrene)
  • Utility knife or fine-tooth saw
  • Acrylic sealant or joint filler and a caulking gun
  • Tape measure and pencil

Corners: two ways

Option 1 - cut your own. Corners can be cut at a 45-degree angle using a mitre box.

Option 2 - ready-made corners (recommended). Our pre-made internal and external corner sets consist of two pieces already cut at 45 degrees. Fit the corners first, then the straight lengths between them - faster, and the joints come out cleaner.

Fitting the coving

  1. Make sure the wall and ceiling surfaces are clean and dry.
  2. Apply adhesive to the contact surfaces of the coving.
  3. Press the length firmly into place.
  4. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth before it cures.

Finishing and painting

  1. Fill the joints with acrylic sealant.
  2. Once dry, sand lightly if needed.
  3. Paint with two coats of water-based paint. Do not use solvent-based paints.

Living with your coving

XPS (extruded polystyrene) coving is light, moisture-resistant and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. It is decorative trim - it does not bear loads, so never hang anything from it.

Not sure how much you need?

Send us your room measurements through the contact page and we will calculate exactly how many metres and which pack sizes to order. And if you have not chosen a profile yet, order a 20 cm sample first - it is the cheapest way to be certain.