Should I use wood filler or caulk? To sum up the difference between caulk and wood filler, caulk is to be used to fill in corners and gaps between two materials, whereas wood filler should be used to fill nail holes and other damage on flat wooden surfaces. Wood filler can be sanded and caulking can not.
Paintable caulk is used for gaps and cracks in woodwork where you want a seamless finish which you will paint. It should be used instead of wood filler because of its flexibility, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Silicone sealant is hopeless for filling holes in wood as over time it will shrink. It can also not be painted, so it's going to stick out like a sore thumb. Don't do it.
In order to fill a large gap, it is best to work in single, well-done layers one at a time. Instead of filling a gap from bottom to top all at once and in a vertical orientation, lay down one excellent line of caulk, then another above it and so on until the gap is one layer shallower.
For interior door, window and trim projects, acrylic latex caulk is usually a good bet. Use it for multiple projects, from installing wood paneling without nails to quickly filling in small drywall holes and cracks. Experts advise acrylic latex caulk is the best choice for baseboards.
As a rule of thumb, caulk is best for corners and joints while spackling compound is a filler for small holes, dents and cracks -- but it isn't unusual for painters to adapt these materials for special needs.
In general, caulk should be applied before painting, and it should be allowed to dry for at least an hour before any paint or stain is applied.
Certain places on the exterior of the home should not be caulked, since they'll cut off openings needed for air circulation or drainage. Elegant Painting says these spaces include the gap created when trim boards sit atop the siding, any wood to metal joints, weep holes on windows, and garage door panels.
Putty Works on Any Surface: This putty doesn't work to seal pipes or joints the way Teflon tape or PVC primer does. Putty is the Same as Caulk: The two mediums aren't interchangeable. Using putty for caulk won't protect seams in your bathroom the way caulk will. It could result in a mess.
The most commonly used type of caulk for general-purpose projects around the home is acrylic latex caulk because it's well suited for sealing joints and gaps in wood trim. It's recommended to use this product in dry areas of the home, instead of in high-moisture locations, like the kitchen or bathroom.
To allow the caulking to flow out when you use the caulk tube, you must puncture the inside seal. Take a long screwdriver or a wire and push it down the funnel. Push in the screwdriver completely until the handle is flush with the entrance of the hole or until you feel the seal pop.
Here is the answer: It depends upon how large the gap is. Gaps up to 1/4″ inch in size can be caulked in the usual manner, without any concerns. If the gap is larger than a 1/4″, you will want to install a foam backer rod into the joint, prior to caulking.
Yes, but not if the crack is a deep one.
You need to do something else first in this case. It's OK to use high-quality caulk on cracks up to about 1/8-inch wide and 1/2-inch deep, but caulk alone should never be used to fill larger gaps. Deep or wide crevices should be lined with foam backer rod first.
Applying a new layer of caulk to an old layer of caulk isn't recommended, but it is doable if the old caulk is still in relatively good condition. Damaged, cracked, and worn caulk won't provide a firm surface for the top layer of caulk, often leading to cracks and damage in new caulk.
Fill Shiplap Seams With Caulk
To create a seamless look, you'll want to make sure any gaps and edges are filled in with caulk, just like you would fill in nail holes with wood filler when affixing shiplap. Caulking the edges will create clean lines and a finished look.