Wood Filler Or Caulk For Exterior Trim

Choosing the best wood filler for your project.

Wood filler or caulk for exterior trim.

In the old days the builder would install the trim bring the siding up to it and caulk the corner. When do you guys use caulk and when do you use wood filler or putty instead. Best for use with aluminum metal concrete mortar plastics rubber stone vinyl and exterior wood. Trim the tip of the tube of caulk with a utility knife or razor blade.

For small holes make the opening in the tube no more than 60 to 70 percent of the width of the hole in the wood. You can apply it with your finger or with a small putty knife if you prefer. Use top quality caulk outdoors where it needs to withstand extreme temperature changes and remain flexible for 30 to 50 years. The best exterior caulk for roofing construction and repairs since it can withstand extreme temperatures and creates a strong insulating and water tight seal.

So if caulking is part of a painting project it s best to prime before you caulk. When looking for a fine grain filler choose a water borne grain filler that cleans up easily works with all types of film finishes and dries clear. When it comes to wood or wood based materials like hardboard primer sticks better than caulk and provides a great adhesion surface for caulk. On most new homes the trim goes up after the siding is installed which creates a large gap that should not be caulked.

When should i use wood filler. Some wood filler needs to be mixed with water but most wood filler comes already mixed and ready to use. This is my first time installing trim work. Some are suitable for filling voids such as divots holes or gouges in.

Caulk is a substance designed to seal a joint between two surfaces and to fill small holes. The wood filler does a better job of smoothing flush because it is made to fill in flat gaps and joints on wood. Trim boards that sit on top the siding. Latex wood filler made from wood flour dust like wood particles can be thinned with water or a water based colorant to the ideal consistency or viscosity for filling grain.

Personally i really love wood filler. Work the primer into gaps but don t try to fill them with primer. I ll be painting the trim not staining. I have to fill my nail holes and a few nicks in the trim.

Wood filler typically comes in beige color similar to the color of unstained wood but you can also buy white wood filler. Use wood filler to patch flat cracks or gaps in molding. Wood fillers are typically formulated for one or more specific tasks. Good for gutters siding and concrete.