Caulk or not to caulk?


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Old 09-09-19, 08:03 AM
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Caulk or not to caulk?

I am building some mudroom lockers. I love how they are turning out, but now I am starting to paint. And the couple gaps in the trim are kind of bugging me. I always sand and fill seams between coats, but not sure what to do about the gaps between pieces. I attached a picture of what I mean. (This is after I just sanded first coat of primer.) But would you typically caulk that? I am nervous because most of the stuff I have caulked like this (Old door panels, my crown moulding, my trim around my windows) that was all painted white, ended up cracking anyways and almost looked worse the if I would have just left the gaps... They aren't huge by any means, but still would like them to look more flush. I have used DAP caulk that somewhat yellowed and cracked and also have used Big Stretch caulk... So do I just leave it any hope the paint helps fill it in? Or attempt to caulk? Or I am open to any suggestions from the pros.

Thanks!
 
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Old 09-09-19, 08:06 AM
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I always caulk them, normally after the primer and before the finish coat. Don't apply a bead bigger than you need and use a damp rag/sponge to remove any excess.
 
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Old 09-09-19, 08:19 AM
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Gee, those gaps seem so minor I would not do anything to them. By leaving them you won't have any yellowing with age or any cracking. And the next time you paint you don't need to worry about removing any caulking that might need replacing.
 
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Old 09-09-19, 09:41 AM
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I always caulk but I also glue my trim pieces together which may be why I dont see many splits in the caulk!
 
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Old 09-09-19, 02:11 PM
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Thanks, what brand do you guys use for caulk?
 
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Old 09-09-19, 02:15 PM
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I'm partial to the white lightning brand.
 
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Old 09-09-19, 02:27 PM
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I guess thats worth a try. Haven't tried that one yet. Thanks
 
 

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