CAULKING AND SPACKLING TIPS. DIY How to paint trim. Tips painting trim work.

How to prepare new trim to be painted. Caulking and spackling tips to paint millwork in a new construction home. The simple process caulking seams and spackling nail heads. Home improvement painting hack painting new millwork. DIY painting instructions.
More masking and prepping tips right here: goo.gl/p4xWH6
Caulking and tools I use to caulk with:
Paint Life Store: paintlifesupply.com
Ratchet caulking gun: t.ly/02Al3
Big Stretch Caulking: t.ly/oeXg
House painting tutorials and instructions for everyone!
The Idaho Painter on KZbin offers all the interior and exterior home painting, sheetrock repairs, and carpentry tutorials you will ever need. Let us teach you the secrets that professional painters, drywallers, and finish carpenters don't want you to know. We have all the home improvement painting instructions and hacks you could ever want. My DIY painting channel offers simple to follow tips on home painting, paint sprayer operations, texturing, wall repairs, home improvements, product evaluations and more.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter (or Chris Berry), I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The Idaho Painter assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The Idaho Painter recommends safe practices when working on any structure and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from use or improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not The Idaho Painter.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

Love your tips. I did a job at a guys house and he wanted me to drill chuck holes in his wainscoting to run low voltage transformers to each outlet a and run wires to each window for powers shades. It was a million dollar house and had that factory paint job on the trim. I convinced the homeowner to hire a specialist to run low voltage wiring to each window and have everything powered at one source alleviating the need to drill holes all over the wainscoting. As much as I wanted the job I wanted the best for the customer. Some handyman services don't care.

[@JulieRainyPDX]

Your video answered my questions and demonstrated perfectly: HOW to caulk interior wood trim and WHERE to caulk trim. Thank you!

[@ghmfc194]

just spent 6 weeks redecorating.i wish i'd found this 20 years ago!!! have been watching quite a few of your tutorials. really helpful. thanks :-)

[@ttm387]

This is really helpful. Carpenter is installing battens (that I already primed and spray painted) in my bathroom. I will be doing the caulking and painting. On a previous video, I mentioned that my must have as a DIY painter are diaper wipes. I wrap it around my finger to remove excess caulk, use it to wipe my hands, wipe drips, etc.

[@dennisf1020]

love your videos mate. It's good to see a professionally trained and experienced painter give such tips. My house is looking amazing. Thank you

[@esuhcs]

Thank you for the video. DIY'd three exterior doors, frame and trim. Your spackle and caulk w/ sponge methods were exactly what I needed to do it well.

[@mdpatton2]

Thank you so much. I'm building a new house and I'm doing the painting myself. This is so helpful.

[@Dragracer612]

Great tips. I always enjoy watching someone that is very good at what they do, and takes pride in their work.

[@mikezimmerman2786]

Enjoy your videos. Worked with a sign painter in Baltimore I was15 years old in 1963. I only paint new work that I do. Learning new tips from you.

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you for watching & supporting!

[@Congadrummingcom]

Thanks so much great video !!!! Am paining the interior of my house (it's old) and loving these tips :-) Have an airless prayer am a newbie but wow am loving it.

[@jimmysullivan6118]

Just found your channel yesterday I just recently bought a graco sprayer.l have lerned a lot from your videos. Never new what the spray tip numbers stood for till I watched your video on the different tips.no doubt you are very professional. Love your videos. Love to see your work up close. You are really impressive but live in north Carolina but keep the videos coming. Thank you!

[@swill1020]

Your tips are awesome. Most I know but it’s good to hear another pro’s methods. I always learn something new... thanks

[@darylg.4270]

Great tips here. Always wondered how to rid of noticeable nails after painting. Never thought a second putty was used! Thanks

[@Dinoxt12]

He sure is a pro at what he does...great work !

[@MrBryancreeger]

I like the idea of leaving the corners filled when caulking on cabinets and door frames. I usually try to use a putty knife and it makes things go longer. Will try this on my current project. Right at that stage.

[@petebarber9287]

Thanks brother , you taught me to enjoy the work instead of just bustin ass to complete all the projects ... Thanks again bro ...

[@steves3688]

I have to tell you...your frog tape and clear caulk method for no bleed lines is GREAT!!!! TYVM!

[@DrewSorensenMusic]

I needed this help for my new home fixer upper. Thanks.

[@archangelmichael5221]

I started my own paint in business because of you guys help. Thank u

[@Idahopainter]

Good luck with your business, and thank you for watching & supporting!

[@davidnetherton9456]

Thank for making this video and the other ones as well they have helped me alot on how to paint like a pro in my new house 👍🏼🤘🏼

[@dungle-wh9td]

She brought you caulk and sanding block - so cute :)! Thank you Sir.

[@jimfrench4062]

I love your videos. They are good because you are the one doing them. You are very good at teaching.

[@TheTimeDetective42]

Thanks, Bruce Willis!

[@rolmarz9604]

Thank you for the time you took to make this video it really helped me a lot God bless you brother

[@SpeedyWinds]

Good job and content as always. Thumbs up to your channel! Cheers from Puerto Rico.

[@renzo4296]

Thank you so much Chris, I've been painting for 22 years now and I use the same process, I carry my spring loaded nail set also or just a punch and a hammer, I prefer to add a small amount of tint to spackling paste if I use it so you can see every nail hole, especially if you've got several people helping, I use Elmer's wood filler myself, it is a tan color and dries tan and is in-between Bondo and spackle hardness. I usually take my putty knife and go over the nail hole to knock down the volcano from the nail gun creating this volcano, I swipe left and right with my filler so my nail holes are over filled, when I sand I either use a finish Sander with#220 or I'll use a rubber sanding block, that way the nail holes will be completely flat, if it's high end I'll use lacquer putty for a second coat filler on my nail holes, never use lacquer putty for filling deep holes, it'll crack and shrink, it's for fine details only. I feel every nail hole as I go to be certain every one cannot be felt, always remember, you feel it you'll see it. Thank you so much for your professional tips and techniques.sincerely Lorenzo gig harbor WA.

[@Idahopainter]

thanks for your support

[@wrxified]

Wish I’d seen this video before I started my home renovation. Using the sponge is a huge help. I actually took it a step further. Started using a wet rag to wipe the caulk on, then used the sponge to smooth out the caulk line and remove the excess caulk. The sponge is soft and conforms just enough to pull away the excess without taking out too much caulk.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

My dad and I did it your way back in the late 1970s. Works very good.

[@aleksandraolejniczak4212]

What kind of sponge did you use? I've always got better results using finger then wet rag. I've made such huge messes trying to use sponges

[@clausgiloi6036]

I'm amazed by how fast you can lay down those caulking lines!

[@doctorpete1]

Awesome job! He's the Man!

[@ashleygravenell2560]

we in the uk call spackle filler. our primer will cover the filler without seeing it once the gloss is applied. we dont get enough time to do really nice jobs. we always brush our woodwork because our gloss is still oil based and flattens out really well.

[@billyduke8082]

Thanks Chris. Appreciate your videos. Love my new Door Stackers too.

[@Idahopainter]

Glad you like them!

[@pauljames9542]

Great tutorial. Thanks Dude. I'm a cabinet maker but suck at painting

[@tomd4731]

Just letting you know I appreciate your vids! You've helped me make my home look great!

[@Idahopainter]

Glad to help, thanks for the support Tom!

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Excellent! Thanks for great tutorial.

[@Idahopainter]

You are welcome, thank you for watching!

[@macgyver03ga]

I like the wet sponge idea. I have always used a wet terry towel to keep my finger wet and clean which is basically the same premise. I'll give the sponge a try next time. Maybe it will be cleaner.

[@thepaintingexpert3585]

Chris another great video! Friendly tip. Did you know, caulking when dry will shrink a certain percentage.On new trim I always double caulk. The reason why is the first bead of caulk will shrink. The second pass does the trick! Also if you paint over caulk that is not completely dry you will end up what we call beading fish eye! The paint will separate from the bead. Cheers! The gooseneck guy! Don

[@Idahopainter]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@jeremyparker1415]

Do you prime or caulk first new construction

[@he7is7at7hand]

Nice job. Thank you, that is exactly what I was wondering.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rckstrroma5]

You’re my favorite painter

[@Treykwon]

I find all your videos so helpful and the explanations couldn't be more clear 😇

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you

[@bradcrabtree9276]

A few comments: All of that MDF and finger jointed pine should be primed with a sandable, non-grain raising primer first. The reason is, that as soon as you hit that filled substrate with a product that will swell it (or the wrong filler), you just made a little bump at every hole filled. In addition, priming first allows you to see every crack to caulk and hole to fill with greater vision and clarity because everything is white. After priming, then you fill and allow filler to dry. Then you go back and sand everything with 3M contour sponges. After dusting and vacuuming every surface sanded, then you go back a caulk with a clean wet cotton cloth rag and a Nitrile gloved hand (saves you from becoming a member of the bloody fingertip club and going home with funky hands if your are using any caulking worth it's salt). This process will give you a far superior end result on all your mil work.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for sharing Brad!

[@johncrespo9902]

Lol bloody fingertip club

[@treystills]

Great insight, thank you! Couple of noob questions if you dont mind...if the ceiling and walls have finish coat on them but door frames are still unprimed wood would you spray frames still or roll with a foam roller/brush/other roller? What spackle and caulking do you recommend? Thanks

[@bradcrabtree9276]

@@treystills I suppose it depends on the finished look desired. I would likely mask off the wall with some 2" Frog tape and brush out the trim work(BIN primer with a natural bristle followed by a semi-gloss latex with good flow and leveling properties) if you can live with a non-sprayed finished look. Going back to spray trim after walls & ceiling are done is completely backward from my preferred process. Caulking brand is subjective. Try a few brands and see what you like working with. They vary greatly in viscosity, tack and shrink. Polycell Polyfilla has some of my favorite fillers. I have to order them from the UK however. sorry for late reply

[@dalestarkweather972]

I cut the tip off the index finger of my latex gloves and roll it back. It keeps my hands clean while getting a precision caulk line. It's easier to clean one or two fingers than both hands.

[@robertparaday9122]

What the reason for caulking?

[@reauxnbears]

Excellent video. Very informative for a DIY beginner like me.

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you!!

[@OrionConstellationHome]

Perfectionist!

[@alwaysrockn2009]

You rock! Thanks for the great tips!

[@Avital4414]

the key to painting well is the prep, particularly sanding. yet there is virtually nothing about sanding here in most of the painting videos on youtube. we need more of that.

[@SeemsFutileNow]

Sand with paper then take a kinda worn out sanding sponge to "buff" out the sand teeth marks in the dry spackiling. Prime the spackiling area with a latex primer. Note every nail hole has a rim or lip. Knock it off with a 5in1 or scraper. I don't caulk and sand drywall mud or spackiling the same day. I want the dust gone before it sticks to wet or uncured caulk

[@orangetoes223]

Sand 80 to 120 to 150 for poor surfaces, and 120 to 150 for average surfaces. For clear coats sand through the grits up to 600 to achieve visual near perfection, and for physical sensation you can go to 6,000. Do not go beyond 150 on raw lumber to avoid penetration flaws (Particularly important with stain) 120 is a practical stopping point. Go no more than 2 grit variations per coat, and after 220 go in increments of about 100. As stated earlier, 600 is the point of non return visually.

[@robertparaday9122]

@@SeemsFutileNow what's the reason for caulking?

[@78835]

So caulk 1st then spackle holes & divoits, finally sand Prime & paint. Thanks Chris I have my state paint & decor exam next week

[@williamgordon]

78835 I’d recommend filling holes prior to caulking. If you have caulked and wind up needing to set a nail it will squish out your caulk bead. Additionally the process of filling the nail holes might have you inadvertently marring your caulk job with debris or fat fingering

[@hdsmack7203]

I usually try to get the spackling and sanding out of the way first and then caulk. That way you can sand all the area without worrying about ripping the caulking. Also when you apply the caulking is sliding into a lovely smooooooth surface baby!!

[@6825mitchell]

Thanks for the tips

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Great lesson... I thought MDF was a horrible material because it wasnt doing what I wanted... Turns out I was using it wrong lol. David Marks (Master Craftsman) spoke so highly of MDF and I had to learn the right way to use it. Now I love MDF cause i use it right. I have hated spackle for so long as a cabinet maker because it doesnt finish perfectly.... I love glazing putty but hate how much it shrinks. Turns out spackle is good for a base coat super quick of nail holes and then the glazing putty comes afterward best of both worlds.... Genius lol.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@jacobalvarezdelcastillo7295]

Thanks for sharing!!! 👍🏼

[@chevyman95]

Your channel is great. Thank you for putting these videos together.

[@Idahopainter]

You are welcome, thank you for watching!

[@apolloxxi493]

Chris, you've turned me into a better painter, thanks for that. I'm a weekend warrior working on my own home and I'm looking to buy a paint sprayer to spray trim, shelves, wood bannister and spindles and that sort of thing. I've been all over the internet and local shops looking at different paint sprayers. What kind of sprayer would you recommend, budgeting between $500 and $1000? I would like to have pretty good control of the output so was considering a 2 quart pressure pot with a Graco gun, but would be open to whatever you suggest.

[@jerelmercurio4754]

Woke up the other night aftrr dreamin of you showin your swee trailer off. There were vents all around and a UPS like ceiking for light. We were talking about making it more like a tiny house; expanding sides and roof when set up at the job. Now I can't see similiar trailors and not think of The Potato Painter. :) Your vids are key. Keep up the great tutorials. Hoping to see how not to use a straight edge and not get paint behind it.

[@HeatherClarkafterdark]

THANK YOU!

[@karynm3365]

Thanks so much regarding the Bondo tip! I imagine this would work with any type of spackle repair?

[@rrogan2002]

Awesome Videos. Love the humor too!

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for watching Rick!

[@aaronbright6521]

Awesome, thank you! I'm gonna spackle/caulk the heck outta this pocket door trim I just put back together. Appreciate the teaching.

[@sandifaith4156]

LOVE!! Thank you for posting! I rewatch every time I have to caulk!

[@Idahopainter]

Glad it helps, thanks for watching!

[@jeremiwilkerson958]

I like to use wood filler on nail holes in trim and wipe it clean with a damp rag. I always recheck it after it dries to make sure it didn't recess & cause a indention. 9 times out 10 I don't need to sand over the nail holes. The caulking with a sponge is a great method I use as well.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for sharing Jeremi!

[@mrtv777]

Chris, awesome videos! I agree a spray finish gives the best appearance on trim. Do you have any videos or advice on brushing and type of paint when spraying is not applicable? Thanks again!

[@DIYDr.]

Dude. Incredible instruction

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks

[@mingthemerciless6855]

Chris, Great tips. Wow, I've never seen spread caulk that fast. Can you show how to handle dry wall nail pops? I have an old house that has reoccurring nail pops. I hit the nail pop in and then put a dry wall screw in but, sometimes they return. Any suggestions?

[@idaho2085]

Thanks man, you've really helped me a lot. Local Kuna guy here!

[@Idahopainter]

Awesome thank you for sharing!🤙

[@christyj24]

Thank you for the awesome tips!

[@Idahopainter]

You're so welcome!

[@g8rdozer]

The best videos and tips!!

[@Idahopainter]

Glad you think so!

[@paulrhodes482]

Thanks Chris another amazing video! So do you use the bindi product in place of the spackle? Thanks again have a blessed weekend. -P

[@1eustaquiod]

Very well done thank you for the information it was very helpful just hope i can done just 1/4 of what you do would make me happy.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for watching!

[@69grizl764]

wet mutton /cheese cloth is awesome for gapping Chris I gap everything lol prep prep prep I find undercoat or pigmented sealer first shows up all gaps that's just me though love ur videos

[@gzaonas]

Super helpful, thanks

[@adameglen3593]

She got you good at the end😁😁😁

[@mayata2915]

Thank you so much. This was helpful!

[@Idahopainter]

Your welcome!🤙

[@guruwazeer2926]

What a pleasant surprise at the end of the video.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks

[@jtown4847]

Love your videos....I have a couple questions. I have some bare wood that I’ve put on the wall for a board and batten entry way. I spackled all my nail holes. Should I spray on the primer first and then Caulk? Or caulk first then prime? I have an airless sprayer. Also, do I fill the seams where the boards meet with caulk or spackle? Where the boards meet the wall most of the seams appear to be really tight, do I still need to caulk all of them even if they appear to be tight? thanks

[@scottthecanadian]

I carry around a five gal pail with some water in the bottom to clean my hands the sponge and to rest my caulking gun on the inside so it dosnt drip, it works great .

[@mikimiki195]

Great video 👍🏻 thanks

[@swere1240]

also in between filling holes and caulking we blow out the trim with a compressor then vaccum everything super clean then caulk it and paint after. never seen the bondo before ive used that on steel door jams for dents but never somthing like this great idea

[@Idahopainter]

Great tip!

[@swere1240]

@@Idahopainter yeah cant be havin dust in the paint when you spray lol. also i hate getting dust in the caulk it turns into little balls when your trying to lay it down with your finger its annoying lol. love your videos though man ive learned alot from them over the years.

[@johnthompson3179]

Great technique ! Doesn't everybody wish they had watched Chris and Paint Life TV's videos BEFORE they struggled with their projects...? Haha ! Thanks for the great tips !

[@trevorclifton]

Hello, i enjoy your videos, i started my own painting company inspired by your videos, could you do a review on the titan spray guide?

[@seewise6383]

do you ever mix paint into the caulk,for a final touch when there is no baseboard trim?

[@waynegamble4752]

Nice work

[@JaredDHeaps]

What is your favorite primer to use on bare wood prior to painting?

[@MarkWhippy]

2:30 mind blown, this whole time I've been using a hammer and nail punch.

[@jocapri2067]

lol right

[@mrjosephmendez]

Dope work thank you

[@Idahopainter]

Appreciate that

[@teisip35]

Thank you 🙏

[@stevemathie1779]

You guys are awesome. Have you moved fully to Acrylic enamels for your interior trim or still using oil based? Also you mention priming, is this oil based also? With all the environmental focus I'm interested to know whether the big teams have moved to this although in my opinion oil is so nice and more durable.

[@harryhood83]

Hey thanks for Great videos. Im curious do you sand in between coats of topcoat?

[@toddstewart1962]

Thanks for posting.. I am currently sanding and caulking now. 😀

[@Wicked_R]

yes but are you spackling? haha

[@toddstewart1962]

@@Wicked_R ....Yes, I am...When I apply it is pink and dries white.. 😀

[@Wicked_R]

@toddstewart1962 haha that's shocking pal.

[@jamiedorsey4167]

I'm a long time painter who works by myself and does mainly repaints. However, I just had a family member build a home and they hired me to do all the painting. It took me like 2 weeks to prep all the trim the way you did here and 4 hours total (2 per coat) to spray everything. I knew most of the work was in prep, but the scale of the job took me a bit by surprise. I got lots of compliments on how it turned out. If I'm being honest though there were a few "sandy" spots. I should have been more careful with the dust cleanup afterwards. Just saying it too is an important step that seems to be glossed over, not just in this video but others I've watched too.

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks for sharing Jamie

[@ahaua1]

great video!!!!!

[@BoltActionBob]

Such a legend, thank you sir!

[@Idahopainter]

You're welcome!

[@superdeleon]

Question on a suggestion. I have guys doing a refresh remodel at my house. What is your suggestion,at the moment I don't have them and crown and base yet, I'm stalling tile as well. What should process be as of in order?? Texture paint,trim then tile work? What order would you go in?? Thanks in advance

[@jazz901]

Chris, you've taught this DIY lady so much. I'd hire you if you lived in Northern Idaho. Darn. So I am painting my primed and pre installed baseboards. I'm using M-1 so I don't have brush strokes. Unfortunately, I still have brush strokes. Before applying a second coat, should I sand with 220 or sand with steel wool or not sand at all? I'm not happy with the first coat showing brush strokes. These are 16 ft baseboards, prior to installer cutting. I just want to finish these up and be satisfied with my job. Help pls. Thx.

[@kylepaxton431]

Great vid 👍

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you🤙

[@Here-2-Learn]

A 2 gallon bucket with water in it with a couple of rags near by is also helpful change the rag as it gets loaded up especially for baseboards n stuff, might want to use something to put your spackle on so it doesn't dry out with the lid off all the time you are spackling A good painter always primes his own stuff after prep

[@Idahopainter]

Good tip Lance, thanks for watching!

[@mvppainters911]

I always appreciate your video tips. Do you have a favorite spackle or patch for exterior wood siding?

[@YeahOkkaY]

When applying white caulking, can you leave it as it when applying it to white trim or do you recommend always painting over the caulking?

[@marwanm8942]

nice tip.. I have this issue.. I sand and door trim, then used wood filler, let it dry, then re-sand again and make it so smooth. I then paint the trim and after paint is drayed. I can see the wood filler shadow..not sure why is that or what I did wrong. any idea?

[@Trox118]

Hi Chris, quick question. GC here... How would you prep and prime a cut end piece of mdf where the "grain" was exposed? What is your favorite mdf primer coat for a latex top coat?

[@carlos-uj3qg]

Hello Chris, Nice video, you applied the spackle first then let it dry, then the bondo glazing? Or the bondo glazing can be applied right over the wet spackle ?

[@poucedeleon]

What type of Chaulk to use when chaulking PVC base trim on drywall?

[@liljoker8803]

THNKS FOR UR KNOWLEDGE IT HELPS US DUMMIES DO THIS THE RITE WAY