Paneling and Trim - Is caulking around base trim and casing necessary?

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rgcchun
03-16-09, 07:18 PM
Just finished putting base molding and casing around windows in my basement. There are a few places where the walls are not plumb or completely square so I have to caulk. Is it necessary to caulk around the casing of every door and window as well as the base molding?

chandler
03-16-09, 07:21 PM
In order to get a first class job, yes. An easy way, and clean way is to apply the smallest bead of caulk possible at the joint and follow it with a moist sponge, cleaning the sponge after wiping. It will leave only what is needed in the crack without making a messy joint. I am assuming you will be painting, not staining.
rgcchun
03-16-09, 07:30 PM
Yes I will be painting the trim white. I still am in the process of filling the nail holes with carpenter's putty, sanding it and touching up those areas. After framing, drywalling, running wire, etc., I thought the finish work was going to go pretty quickly... but I think I've hit the wall!!

marksr
03-17-09, 04:21 AM
Caulking every joint will make for a more professional looking job especially when painting a light color.

Doing the finish work [I]right doesn't take that much longer and looks so much better!
chandler
03-17-09, 04:39 AM
You wouldn't believe how much better the paint guys make us trim carpenters look after they do their "thing".