Do you use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim?

Here’s the quick guide for where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim in your home.

Hi guys! I don’t know about you, but I love crown moulding, wood paneling, wainscoting, basically any and all wood trim. It looks beautiful and adds so much charm and character to a room. I’m always adding more to my home. If you’re new to DIY wood trim, here’s the quick guide for where to use caulk or wood filler on wood trim in your home.

AND, if you need some wood trim design ideas. I have some tutorials you should check out. Like, this Simple DIY Coffered Ceiling Design, this DIY Plywood Plank Ceiling, this DIY Picture Frame Wainscoting, or this beautiful DIY Board and Batten Wainscoting. This DIY Wood Board Porch Ceiling Makeover is another one of my favorite updates. 🙂

Here's a quick guide and video for where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on any wood trim, baseboards, crown moulding, and wainscoting in your home. Includes answers to these questions: How do you fill gaps in wood trim? What is the best product to fill nail holes in trim? Is it better to use wood filler or caulk? — Don’t forget to save these tips on Pinterest.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for DIY project sneak peeks and quick how-to videos. Now, let’s get to that guide for where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim.

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Here’s What I like to use on Wood Trim

Watch this short video to see a detailed explanation of where to put caulk, wood filler, or spackling using my recent Simple DIY Coffered Ceiling Design as an example.

Is it better to use wood filler or caulk?

Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim? Actually, you need to use both. Caulk and wood filler, or spackling, have different jobs when it comes to getting a professional finish on wood trim. Luckily, almost anyone can get that professional finish. You just need to know which goes where AND have a good eye for details. Caulking and filling holes on wood trim takes time. So, don’t try to rush it. Let’s talk about wood filler first.

What is the best product to fill nail holes in trim?

For wood trim, wood Filler or spackling should be used to patch nail holes, dents, damage, or cracks on a single board or piece of moulding. I prefer spackling over wood filler because it sands smooth quickly and with less effort than wood filler. But, both work.

I highly recommend using your wood filler, or spackling, before caulk. Apply the filler everywhere you need it and let it dry completely. Then come back and sand it smooth. I like to use sanding sponges or this little gator zip sander to sand flat areas smooth. When everything is sanded, wipe away the dust before moving onto caulk.

How do you fill gaps in wood trim?

For wood trim, caulk should be used anywhere 2 surfaces meet – like, where 2 boards meet, where boards and a wall or ceiling meet, or where boards and moulding meets. Caulk can start drying pretty fast, so work in small sections. And, always be sure to wipe away excess caulk before it dries. Caulk cannot be sanded or easily removed, once dry.

Now that you know where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim. Apply a thin bead of caulk along any gaps, so you have less excess to wipe away. Wipe that bead of caulk into the gap. Apply more where needed to fill the gap. Like I mention in the video, there are a few ways to wipe away excess caulk.

The caulk I use recommends a damp sponge, but on textured surfaces sponges can leave little bits of sponge in your caulk. That’s no good. I get a better result using a damp rag. Other people like to use dry paper towels. None of these are wrong. Pick the technique that you feel most comfortable with to get the best looking finish.

Well, that’s it for this guide for where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim. If you love home improvement projects as much as I do, check out these DIY Home Improvement videos here, on my YouTube channel. 🙂

You might also like this Simple DIY Coffered Ceiling Design makeover.

Or this beautiful DIY Board and Batten Wall tutorial.

That’s it for where to use Caulk or Wood Filler on Wood Trim. Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.