Cast the Column Tops

• 1). Combine plaster of Paris with water in a 2:1 ratio. Mix well to remove any air bubbles. Pour plaster mixture into column molds, one for each column desired. Allow to dry until completely hard, typically 1 week.
  
  
• 2). Measure the walls and cut the boards to desired length of column, minus the length of column top, with the saw. Paint the boards and the column tops with an interior paint. Let dry completely.
  
  
• 3). Spread a light layer of joint compound onto the back of the column top. Place column top at top of wall against the ceiling. Press column top slightly onto wall and hold for a couple minutes. Place a few strips of masking tape across it to help hold it to the wall.
  
  
• 4). Hold a board vertically under column top against the wall. The board should go all the way to the floor. Hammer two nails into the top and two into the bottom to secure the board to the wall. Repeat these steps for each column desired.
  
  
• 5). Touch up column board with matching paint to hide nails.