caulk trim?

[woodall83]

I installed chair rail and wainscoting (picture moulding) in my great room. It is primed and painted pine (white) installed on a wall painted a shade of brown. My question is should I caulk all the seams? All are a very tight fit and the walls are fairly straight in most parts. I feel it looks cleaner without the caulk, but would maybe look more professional with it? Any opinions?

[CThomp]

It's a personal call. I usually caulk most of my seams but smooth them out so that they blend with the wall and then paint. If you do use caulk it shouldn't look like you used caulk.

[Cole]

Yes caulk them.

It's a personal call. I usually caulk most of my seams but smooth them out so that they blend with the wall and then paint. If you do use caulk it shouldn't look like you used caulk.

I agree, I see too many people actually leave a thick bead which looks like crap.

[CThomp]

Not only that but when people use caulking that dries white when there is caulking available that dries so clear you really can't even tells it there.

The best way to apply the caulking to those seams is with your finger. Using a gun will make more of a mess than necessary. Just put a little on your finger at a time and smooth it into the seams. Then wipe off the excess with a damp cloth or wipe it smooth on the wall. Once painted you won't even notice it.

Cole is right that a thick bead looks like crap. It makes people look lazy.

[David]

Just for clarity, you did install the picture molding over drywall, right? If so, and you have a great fit, why caulk it? If molding moves a little bit, clear caulk won't do anything. So then, what is the point of caulking it? Just curious.

[CThomp]

I only use clear caulking in bathrooms. White caulking doesn't look right to me.

drfrette: Your absolutely right about the fit though. If the fit is perfect then their is no need for cauking.

Very few things in my house are a perfect fit. I'm not sure if there is a single level, plum, or square surface in my house. It's an old house.

[woodall83]

At this point I don't think that I'm going to caulk it. At some point the few small gaps that do exist may start to get on my nerves and I'll end up caulking it, we'll see.

[Rosco]

I know a luxury builder in my area who caulks all of his trim work. Base, crown, door and window casings...ect.. it looks beautiful and professionally done! I would caulk!