Symptoms
- Visible gap or crack between trim and wall
- Old caulk looks yellowed, brittle, or is pulling away
- Draft or dust coming through gaps near windows or baseboards
Likely causes
- CommonCaulk aging and losing flexibilityAll caulk eventually dries out and cracks as the home shifts seasonally.
- CommonOriginal caulk applied too thinA thin bead has less flexibility to handle movement over time.
- PossibleWood trim shrinking or expanding with humiditySeasonal wood movement can pull thin or old caulk apart.
What to do
- Score along the old caulk line with a utility knife.
- Pull out the old, cracked caulk with a caulk removal tool or putty knife.
- Wipe the area clean of dust and any residue.
- Apply painter's tape along both edges of the joint for a clean line.
- Apply a new, even bead of paintable caulk into the gap.
- Smooth the bead with a wet finger or caulk tool before it skins over.
- Remove the tape while the caulk is still slightly wet, then let cure fully before painting.
Tools and parts
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Painter's tape
Paintable caulkSearch: “paintable acrylic latex caulk”
When to call a pro
Call a painter or trim carpenter if trim is separating from the wall structurally, not just at the caulk line.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.