Molding Gap Filler Question

[buckeye95]

All,

I have been in the process of replacing all of the base / casing molding in my house with painted (white) wood molding. Once I have completed a room, I go around to all of the gaps in the casing miter joints and base scarf / cope joints and fill in with "Elmer's Professional Wood Filler", then sand once dry and touch up with paint. The problem is that several weeks later the filler in these gaps is starting to crack. I asked at HD, and the guy there did not know of what else to try. I thought about caulk, but that tends to not end up flat on the joint and cannot be sanded. There must be some product or technique I am missing here. Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Pete
Buckeye95

[beetee3]

First of all apply a primer to the joints before filling, otherwise the filler is likely to dry out before curing and won't bond to the substrate. Plain old spackling compound should work fine as a filler.

When installing trim, I like to use an adhesive caulk (Polyseamseal "all-purpose adhesive caulk") to glue the trim into place in addition to using finish nails. " I think this helps to control the wood movement and it definitely helps fill the inevitable small gaps. Clean up any squeeze out immediately before it sets up.

[rg32]

It might depend on how big the gap your trying to fill, but as mentioned spackling compound should work fine. I've been using it for years - a spackling compound made by "Custom Buildings Products" it sets up fast, sands easy and has no shinkage.

[91FE]

I've used painters caulk on minor imperfections in the past. Works great. How big of a gap are we talking about.

[jhart]

Also found the spackle works well. Quick and easy to use. Very little sanding needed if you use your finger to fill the hole and smooth it out.

[Greg.B]

White caulk is what I use. I bought one of those $2.99 tools that make it super smooth. Looks great.