Painting Your Trim

TaitINC

so i was finishing up some projects at home last night. I finally installed the last couple peices of base. as i was doing the prep work for paint (ie caulk & fill) i got to wondering. What does everyone here use to fill their nail holes when not hiring a painter? Also do you always caulk in all of your trim, or just where needed? I find that if you use any caulk you must do it all, otherwise you can see where it starts and stops. so how do all of you handle these things when painting your trimwork?

spencer

Robie

I prime and give the 1st coat of paint before installation and do any caulking and nail holes after installation and before the 2nd and final coat of paint.

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neolitic

I use Fast'N Final interior/exterior
super-light-weight spackling for
filling nails.
Doesn't shrink, in fact it swells
a tad, sands with one swipe
and stays tight forever.

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shanekw1

Fast 'n' Final here too...

I also caulk it all in, looks cleaner IMO but can be tricky if you're not painting the walls

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Mike Finley

Quick question -- what would be the difference from using a product like Dap's Fast-n-Final spackling compound for nail hole filling or just using drywall mud? Like 5 minute setting compound?

shanekw1

I've used both, mud tends to be a bit harder sanding

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Cole

I agree and that is about the only difference.

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neolitic

Don't have to mix F'NF,
like I said sands with
one or two swipes (literally),
and is non-shrink to the point
of actually expanding in the hole.
Way less mess and fuss.

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Mike Finley

Thanks guys, I just don't want to buy or carry another product if I don't have to.

We always have 5,20,45 minute mud with us and have been just using that, just wanted to make sure we weren't doing anything wrong.

TaitINC

robie - i take the same steps preinstall. if its going to be painted i usually buy preprimed materials, unless its a custom profile that doesn't come preprimed. painting it before install saves a lot of time when it comes to painting once its installed.

i also use fast-n-final. i fill, wipe with a wet rag, then give a quick sand when it’s dry. I prefer to caulk all in, because like shane said its makes for a nicer finish. i can't stand when someone caulks, but doesn't go back and tool it. i prefer to tool it with a damp sponge or rag. one other pet peeve of mine is when people fill the holes with caulk. it shrinks over time then every hole is visible.

spencer

We Fix Houses

Prime before caulking and filling. Reduces the shrinkage of both.

I prefer Durhams Rock Hard Wood Putty. Sets up in 15 min, light touch with some #80, done. Do before priming / painting. No dimples.

Quicker but sub standard for me, DAP Putty. I'm going to get some Crawfords putty at some point. They say its better.

JTKoury

I use Minwax Stainable Wood Fill. I just rub some on and use a sponge while the product is still wet for nailholes. If there's a gouge that needs a knife to shape it, that needs a sanding. Other than that, I've always had the trim painted before install, always tight on the caulking (painted only to the point where the caulk ends on the wall or ceiling for crown), then touch up the nailholes/imperfections afterwards.

lukenewmans4217

wow thats cool yer i am doing a school project and i have to go onto a trade forum.......... so here i am lol yer its a trade school in australian :P

Snobnd

I have been using panters putty and caulk with primed trim. Its best to caulk all to trim to the wall.

At least thats what I find. ( I hate to paint)

ScipioAfricanus

I love to paint, definitely prime before filling, never used Fast'n'Final I will have to try that.

I like to use an all-purpose two part epoxy, I have to mix a little at a time and fill quickly but it works great for me.

Andy.

TBFGhost

I use MH Ready Patch....

Aaron111

primer first

woodworkbykirk

caulking- inside corners, where wood meets drywall, white silicone where wood meets vinyl

spackle- nail holes, casing mitres ( make them tight as possible-no filling required, maybe a light touch sand

drydex- base and crown outside mitres, doorjambs where hardware had to be moved, if really bad a dutchman is installed and flush cut with a router

Aaron111

I aree thats another rule in that area.................I would recommend lol