[bergen16]

Hi

I'm painting and renovating my home and I'm having trouble finding a good product to fill in-between my wall (drywall) and the wood base board trim. I'm finding that after a while it cracks and I has to be redone and repaint.

I'm wondering what the pros use in order to avoid cracking?

Any help would be awesome!

 

[ZTMAN]

I use caulk. Key is to cut out the old before you re caulk. If the base board flexes when you push on it, find the studs in your wall, and put a few finish nails through the base into the studs.

 

[bergen16]

Thanks for the tip! Any one in particular to buy? Also is it sand-able to a smooth finish once it dries?

 

[joecaption]

Caulk does not get sanded.
Most first timers make the big mistake of using way to much.
You only need enough to full the gap, not have it all over the wall and trim.
I use Alex 230.
Only need a small hole in the tip.
When caulking I use a small pail with water and a stiff sponge.
I wipe the joint with my finger and clean off my finger in the water.
Then using a damp, not wet sponge wipe off any excess caulking on the wall and trim.
Should be able to do a whole small bedroom in about 15 min. once you get the hang of it.

 

[bergen16]

That's great, I'm going to do that!......Thanks for the info, very much appreciated.

 

[housepaintingny]

If you are talking about where the trim meets the wall then caulk is what you want to use. We like using sherwin Williams 850a caulk. You can use a damp sponge or damp rag to smooth the caulk out if needed.

 

[slantedview]

If you think the area might move or flex, try a paintable elastomeric caulk like Big Stretch. We've had a few caulked areas that I had to re-do. Hit them with some Big Stretch and they'll probably never come back.

 

[bergen16]

Thanks so much!