Learn a lot from your videos. Thanks. Not a professional, just a retired homeowner, who does a lot of the fix ups on our property. Your presentations are always professional quality.
Chris/John, We follow you from Calgary Canada 🇨🇦 and we always caulk the exterior of the cabinet doors, the inside most times stays the same. Thanks for your videos!
Enjoyed this video. I do cabinets in Florida and I do caulk my doors. My method is pretty similar to John's with the rag, but one big difference. Instead of caulking the entire panel at once and spending time trying to flatten it out, I caulk one side of the panel at a time, starting and ending about a quarter inch from the corners. As I spread one side clockwise toward the corner, I have enough caulk built up that it goes a quarter inch into the next gap. Then I go to the side in front of where I started, do the same thing, and the excess in that corner ties into where I started. By the time I get all the way around the door it's already crisp and level. Don't know why I'm watching videos of things I do on a daily basis but I guess we're all a little obsessed right?
What about if the panels have shaken? I recently finished a big job and the paint cracked on the doors. I did not caulk them for that reason. So now I am considering caulking with elastomeric base to Fix. I have heard of silicone the back to stop the shaking in general if they are. And in my case they are.
I painted mine 4 years. Ago. Some of my gaps are quite large and the floating panel isn’t very sturdy. Any tips on getting these to be tighter? Caulk big gaps or glue? A builder put some small pin nails in a couple of the bad areas but it didn’t seem to help them much from moving Thanks
What's up guys! I paint here in Virginia and one of specialties is Cabinets. I have caulked all species of cabinet doors and the only ones I've had issues with are Pine and Oak. Not all of the projects, just a few and it's always the "Top" doors. I prime and then caulk using an elastomeric caulking. I then prime over the caulk to prevent "Flashing". I've always caulked both sides but I'm thinking caulking the backs is not so important. Cleaning, I wash em with a degreaser and scotch brite and for the nooks and crannies I use a stiff toothbrush or a soft wire brush. I mostly use "Cover Stain" for bonding but I have used stix. Whatever the case I think the cleaning process is the most important part for bonding.
If I am caulking and doing Aqua Coat grain filler on old Oak cabinets; would I clean, sand, caulk, grain filler, prime, and paint in that order? Is caulking okay for Indiana?
I've haven't done much cabinet repaints let and so I can't say what way I do it. I caulk everything that needs to be caulked and I use my bare finger and a wag. I've been in business since 2013 but been painting since 2003 after going through a union pre-apprentice program but I'm not a union shop.
I have some seems and a couple of small gaps between cabinets. They are white, should I caulk the seems to make them less noticeable? They are already painted
Thank very informative. Doing a whole house repaint. 1st I did 4500 square feet of smooth wall over heavy knock down texture, 70 gal of mud...lol New base. Question for ya, would you shoot the jambs and base 1st and bag? Best tape to use on fresh trim? Frog? Also doing 700 sq ' shiplap on large vaulted ceiling. The primer on the mdf is almost a finish look, semi-gloss, would you scuff it? Red pad? It getting satin paint. I'm doing the kitchen cabinets to. Oh yeah 19 alder wood doors in the house too. I lived in Boise 15 years 97-2011, then Vegas now in Montana near glaicer Park. Have a blessed day 🙏
This is exactly what I was looking for, I calked 2 edges of my first cabinet and it went way wrong. After watching this they looked like one of the panels you two did in the video.
In my experience never had one crack either. However all my customers ask for it to be done. I’m in the south. Things do move here. I don’t agree about putting a hot solvent laquer over old cabinets you never know what’s on the surfaces. I have had issues with adhesion issues. Laquer for new is my choice. I work in a cabinet shop. I enjoy your videos.
There is a Lacquer base vinyl sealer and it is designed to prime any surface, that you do not know what the base is I always use it with no concerns works great note is is different than a lacquer primer but sprays on just the same, and sands out nice
I'm a cabinetmaker in Montana. I have tried many methods to eliminate cracking and try to save time. I'm currently dealing with a previous project that cracked on me. Went with a tight-fit panel with a pinned back/no caulk, not my best decision! I've heard that gazing putty could be a better option than caulk if you want a tighter inside corner to the panel. Any thoughts? Thank you for the video!
I just had my cabinets painted. Unfortunately the painter never mentioned caulking them. Am I still able to caulk them and then just repaint the caulked areas or am I stuck with seeing the separations?
Hey Chris can you do a video on what causes fish eye when you're painting? I've been having fish eye problems when I'm spraying wall ceilings and cabinets on occasion
I have spent much of my life caulking counters, cabinets and tub enclosures. I was expecting to find things to disagree with in your video and was pleasantly surprised. You guys obviously have experience and are very thoughtful about your work. Nice work and nice video. I would suggest that probably the most problematic situation you could run into with caulking free floating doors would be here where I live in Washington state. Humidity levels are often high and if you combine that with wood heat I think you might have cracking problems. Wood heat is just brutal for all kinds of wood working.
Quick question (really like your channel), what is the best way to repair hairline cracks in drywall interior from settling? Big stretch caulking there as well? Can you just force in hairline, or should you make slightly larger to have space for caulk to adhere? Thanks for all your help
I'm refinishing my cabinets using Benjamin Moore Advance cabinet paint. I'm trying to decide to caulk or not to caulk. I'm in Atlanta with high humidity in the summers. Any advice such as type of caulk to use and method would be appreciated!
Hey, thank you for being here with us! Due to the overwhelming amount of messages we get each day, we have created an amazing community through a Facebook group called Paint Life Members. This is a great place to ask questions, get/give feedback, and share your latest projects. This is a well monitored group of painters who are dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering each other. Here is the link to request to join. Please answer the questions and we will approve your request as soon as possible. We hope to see you there! facebook.com/groups/2305219262837596/
I wouldn’t be able to caulk them. I’m in the southern part of Georgia, only 35 miles from Tallahassee Fl. We have a lot of moisture here and then suddenly the wind will shift and it dries up. The caulking would crack within a years time here. Did you spray these doors with a HVLP gun?
Janet Jenkins I’m not sure if the moisture and drying is as bad in Atlanta as it here near Florida. We’re only about 65 miles from the coastline. That’s why the moisture is so high here, but as I said, it can dry up within a weeks time. That being said, the past 4 months has been the wettest 4 months I have ever seen. There’s only been one week in the past 4 months that we didn’t have at least one day of rain. We got two inches of rain just last night. It’s gotten so bad that me and my friends have a joke saying “I’m sure glad that it rained today, my mud had almost dehydrated”. 😂
We patched some holes in damaged cabinet fronts with bondo and spot putty and then sprayed lacquer and had some bubbles from the bondo drying/degassing. In your experience how long does it take for the bondo to finish its drying/degassing?
No sir! But you will want to sand your primer coat before caulking. Helps to make sure you don't mess up the caulking while sanding and ensures you can thoroughly sand 😁
@@CowboyGirl007 I believe the 'Bolt Quick Dry' mentioned in the video is a Dap product. I have used it alot and it is a good product for this use and for baseboards etc. Menards no longer carries this product, so you may be able to get it online.
I'm just a home owner and I was just getting ready to paint my cabinets and was wondering about this. I've been using DAP Alex Plus for trim but I see the White Lightning is cheaper at Lowes. Any thoughts on DAP vs White Lightning? BTW, I'm in Boise as well.
I am more concerned by the use of a power tool to install the hinge screws. Too easy to strip the screws causing a loose screw later. Power tools are great for screw removal and partial installation, but I always do the final turn or so the tight using a screwdriver and human hand. Much better that way. Yes, takes a few more seconds per screw...
if your dyi then screwdriver is fine but if you are on the job there is no time for that , the drill is better and most have torque adjustments and when you have been doing it for a long time you get used to a stopping point so that you dont over tighten
Yes, I hear that a lot and I also see a lot of screws stripped out by contractors using power tools. Clutches and torque sticks simply aren’t that accurate and if you don’t hold firm pressure the bit will jump out and booger the screw head even if the threads don’t strip. As an engineer, I have see a lot of torque stick tests and the results simply aren’t that consistent. Impact tools will never have the feel of an experienced human hand.
I find it hard to believe that, regardless of climate, a painter could not find a way to caulk a floating panel without it cracking. Am I to believe there are entire portions of the country that are without good looking cabinets? Not likely. What I have found in 25 years of painting, blow and go to extremely high end, is that just about every painter thinks they know best, but very few actually do. Good job guys, like your channel. Don't listen to the people scolding you on this. I am sure you would figure out a solution in their climate, as would I. There is ALWAYS a solution.
I’ve been caulking painted cabinets,light colors, since the 80s. Never a call back. And actually FLOATING PANELis a new term for lose panel. Caulking panel’s isn’t fun ,so guys came up with this must let them float to avoid cracking doors. LOL!!
You know it Chris !!! A Big NO NO !!! But I see your point, if I did it in PA on a true floating panel it would split, caulk is meant to be spread thin so it can remain flexible, you guys are probably spreading a nice thin coat, not enough to glue the panel down...
Do I go with advice from the professional painter or the comment section? hmmmm..... I think a high quality prep and paint job makes a difference on the caulking being effective.
if your a custom home painter or anywhere near you must caulk those doors it is un profesional not too and does not give the cabinets a custom look you also need to caulk the edges of the frames.....only suggestion is that you guys use alot less caulking then being shown here the thinner the better
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." God bless y'all!
I love the way you don’t put others down but explain that there is more than one way to do anything. Great Job!
Thanks for the support Charles!
Learn a lot from your videos. Thanks. Not a professional, just a retired homeowner, who does a lot of the fix ups on our property. Your presentations are always professional quality.
I'm from Dallas TEXAS home of the first painters in the U.S Of .A.. and down here we Caulk our Cabinets . Great vid keep them comeing!!!
Thanks for watching Cesar!
The cabinets look great. I bought that 5 in 1 tool a few weeks back. It is amazing. Love it
Thanks for watching Anthony!
I totally agree been doing them for 20 years the exact same way and never had a problem and it just looks so much better
Chris/John,
We follow you from Calgary Canada 🇨🇦 and we always caulk the exterior of the cabinet doors, the inside most times stays the same.
Thanks for your videos!
Good way to do it, thanks for watching Victor!
I’ll sign up for the cabinet course in January 25th. See you soon amigos!
Enjoyed this video. I do cabinets in Florida and I do caulk my doors. My method is pretty similar to John's with the rag, but one big difference. Instead of caulking the entire panel at once and spending time trying to flatten it out, I caulk one side of the panel at a time, starting and ending about a quarter inch from the corners. As I spread one side clockwise toward the corner, I have enough caulk built up that it goes a quarter inch into the next gap. Then I go to the side in front of where I started, do the same thing, and the excess in that corner ties into where I started. By the time I get all the way around the door it's already crisp and level. Don't know why I'm watching videos of things I do on a daily basis but I guess we're all a little obsessed right?
lol, it is addicting
Your videos have been a HUGE help. Please keep up the great work and the informative videos.
What about if the panels have shaken? I recently finished a big job and the paint cracked on the doors. I did not caulk them for that reason. So now I am considering caulking with elastomeric base to Fix.
I have heard of silicone the back to stop the shaking in general if they are. And in my case they are.
Use Tower Tech 2
I painted mine 4 years. Ago. Some of my gaps are quite large and the floating panel isn’t very sturdy. Any tips on getting these to be tighter? Caulk big gaps or glue? A builder put some small pin nails in a couple of the bad areas but it didn’t seem to help them much from moving Thanks
Caulk with AU-1
What's up guys! I paint here in Virginia and one of specialties is Cabinets. I have caulked all species of cabinet doors and the only ones I've had issues with are Pine and Oak. Not all of the projects, just a few and it's always the "Top" doors. I prime and then caulk using an elastomeric caulking. I then prime over the caulk to prevent "Flashing". I've always caulked both sides but I'm thinking caulking the backs is not so important. Cleaning, I wash em with a degreaser and scotch brite and for the nooks and crannies I use a stiff toothbrush or a soft wire brush. I mostly use "Cover Stain" for bonding but I have used stix. Whatever the case I think the cleaning process is the most important part for bonding.
If I am caulking and doing Aqua Coat grain filler on old Oak cabinets; would I clean, sand, caulk, grain filler, prime, and paint in that order? Is caulking okay for Indiana?
I've haven't done much cabinet repaints let and so I can't say what way I do it. I caulk everything that needs to be caulked and I use my bare finger and a wag. I've been in business since 2013 but been painting since 2003 after going through a union pre-apprentice program but I'm not a union shop.
Sounds like a good way to do it! Thanks for sharing!
How's that "wag" coming along? Excited wag or vicious wag?
I have some seems and a couple of small gaps between cabinets. They are white, should I caulk the seems to make them less noticeable? They are already painted
Also newer panel doors are laminated or mdf panels instead of the traditional solid wood pieces edge glued and won't move significantly anyway.
Yes, thanks for sharing Rob!
Thank very informative. Doing a whole house repaint. 1st I did 4500 square feet of smooth wall over heavy knock down texture, 70 gal of mud...lol
New base. Question for ya, would you shoot the jambs and base 1st and bag? Best tape to use on fresh trim? Frog?
Also doing 700 sq ' shiplap on large vaulted ceiling. The primer on the mdf is almost a finish look, semi-gloss, would you scuff it? Red pad? It getting satin paint.
I'm doing the kitchen cabinets to. Oh yeah 19 alder wood doors in the house too.
I lived in Boise 15 years 97-2011, then Vegas now in Montana near glaicer Park.
Have a blessed day 🙏
If I’m gonna put a glaze line in the seams after I paint. Will the caulk interfere or prevent the glaze from adhering
hi great workmanship and work ethic any recommendation for someone in orange county ca.?
The cabinets look awesome!
Thank you Karyn!
I'm in Texas and it's not finished until it's done right! Caulk those panels, don't look like a noob! Great video and 100% spot-on. Keep Jammin!
Thank you for the great explanation, I am in the northeast and I couldn’t do that here it wouldn’t last long with changing climate.
Do you recommend caulking when restraining wood shaker cabinets? I would like to go from a spice maple to a whitewash stain.
This is exactly what I was looking for, I calked 2 edges of my first cabinet and it went way wrong.
After watching this they looked like one of the panels you two did in the video.
Glad to help
In my experience never had one crack either. However all my customers ask for it to be done. I’m in the south. Things do move here. I don’t agree about putting a hot solvent laquer over old cabinets you never know what’s on the surfaces. I have had issues with adhesion issues. Laquer for new is my choice. I work in a cabinet shop. I enjoy your videos.
Thanks for the input Ronald!
There is a Lacquer base vinyl sealer and it is designed to prime any surface, that you do not know what the base is I always use it with no concerns works great note is is different than a lacquer primer but sprays on just the same, and sands out nice
Great videos really a great help and holy crap that forearm is jacked.
LOL
I'm a cabinetmaker in Montana. I have tried many methods to eliminate cracking and try to save time. I'm currently dealing with a previous project that cracked on me. Went with a tight-fit panel with a pinned back/no caulk, not my best decision! I've heard that gazing putty could be a better option than caulk if you want a tighter inside corner to the panel. Any thoughts? Thank you for the video!
Tower Accelerator
Thanks for the great video. A question I have is if you are grain filling, do you caulk after the grain fill or before. Thanks
Before
I just had my cabinets painted. Unfortunately the painter never mentioned caulking them. Am I still able to caulk them and then just repaint the caulked areas or am I stuck with seeing the separations?
Using a caulking that allows for flexibility should reduce any chance of cracking I recommend Top gun 400 or Tower Tech 2 acrylic urethane.
Yes, thanks for sharing Christopher!
Hey Chris can you do a video on what causes fish eye when you're painting? I've been having fish eye problems when I'm spraying wall ceilings and cabinets on occasion
Some sort of contamination that isn't paintable. Grease or silicone most likely.
Yep he is correct clean the surface first
Do you caulk after grain filler? Before priming?
After priming and sanding so you can sand thoroughly and not mess up the caulking while sanding. Hope this helps!
I have spent much of my life caulking counters, cabinets and tub enclosures. I was expecting to find things to disagree with in your video and was pleasantly surprised. You guys obviously have experience and are very thoughtful about your work. Nice work and nice video.
I would suggest that probably the most problematic situation you could run into with caulking free floating doors would be here where I live in Washington state. Humidity levels are often high and if you combine that with wood heat I think you might have cracking problems. Wood heat is just brutal for all kinds of wood working.
Yes, your location is always something you have to take into consideration! Thanks for watching Kirk!
I live in a high humidity area. Hot summers and decently cold winters. Would this be idea? Should i see if the doors move around before caulking?
I would not caulk there
Paint Life TV thank you
Quick question (really like your channel), what is the best way to repair hairline cracks in drywall interior from settling? Big stretch caulking there as well? Can you just force in hairline, or should you make slightly larger to have space for caulk to adhere? Thanks for all your help
We use caulking
Barry, what did you decide about your hairline cracks? I was considering spackle paste?
Hey guys, the caulk linked here is different than in your vid--do you rec the linked one, too? Thanks so much for an awesome video and time spent!
Thanks again for all of the detailed info. Just wanted to you be sure, the Caulking is applied before Applying the wood filler?
Great tips as always. Thx!
Thanks for watching!
Could you spray cabinets with an airless? Or is it better to save up for a hvlp system?
Do I caulk before priming or do I do it after?
Before
I'm refinishing my cabinets using Benjamin Moore Advance cabinet paint. I'm trying to decide to caulk or not to caulk. I'm in Atlanta with high humidity in the summers. Any advice such as type of caulk to use and method would be appreciated!
Hey, thank you for being here with us! Due to the overwhelming amount of messages we get each day, we have created an amazing community through a Facebook group called Paint Life Members. This is a great place to ask questions, get/give feedback, and share your latest projects. This is a well monitored group of painters who are dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering each other. Here is the link to request to join. Please answer the questions and we will approve your request as soon as possible. We hope to see you there! facebook.com/groups/2305219262837596/
I wouldn’t be able to caulk them. I’m in the southern part of Georgia, only 35 miles from Tallahassee Fl. We have a lot of moisture here and then suddenly the wind will shift and it dries up. The caulking would crack within a years time here. Did you spray these doors with a HVLP gun?
I'm wondering if I should attempt caulking in Atlanta, I have a ton of cabinets to paint.
Janet Jenkins I’m not sure if the moisture and drying is as bad in Atlanta as it here near Florida. We’re only about 65 miles from the coastline. That’s why the moisture is so high here, but as I said, it can dry up within a weeks time. That being said, the past 4 months has been the wettest 4 months I have ever seen. There’s only been one week in the past 4 months that we didn’t have at least one day of rain. We got two inches of rain just last night. It’s gotten so bad that me and my friends have a joke saying “I’m sure glad that it rained today, my mud had almost dehydrated”. 😂
That's weird cause I'm actually in Tallahassee and I caulk mine.
We patched some holes in damaged cabinet fronts with bondo and spot putty and then sprayed lacquer and had some bubbles from the bondo drying/degassing. In your experience how long does it take for the bondo to finish its drying/degassing?
It’s out gasing. Prime with shellac primer
does the caulk absorb the paint well?
Yep
Do you caulk before you use the grain filler?
The 3 ts as always tried tested and true
It works!
Here in tn we call those raised panels there pressed glued and the panel has a rubber ball every 6 inches
Yes
Good video thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Chad!
How would you guys go about painting laminated cabinets that are not solid wood doors?
Probably the same proces, but I couldn’t advise unless I saw them
Do you need to re-prime after caulking?
No sir! But you will want to sand your primer coat before caulking. Helps to make sure you don't mess up the caulking while sanding and ensures you can thoroughly sand 😁
I forgot to add that I live in Calgary alberta, so we have lots of snow in the winter so that means alot of expanding and contracting. Thanks
Oh wow!
What type of caulk do you use? Name brand please.
SW 950a
@@Idahopainter ok. So not brand mentioned in the video? SW 950a better results?
@@CowboyGirl007 I believe the 'Bolt Quick Dry' mentioned in the video is a Dap product. I have used it alot and it is a good product for this use and for baseboards etc. Menards no longer carries this product, so you may be able to get it online.
I do it the same way journeyman John does it, no offense Chris 🤣
lol, good way to do it!
I've done cabinets with and without caulking. Caulking by far gives a much better and more professional result.
Much agreed!
Do you still caulk the doors?
I'm just a home owner and I was just getting ready to paint my cabinets and was wondering about this. I've been using DAP Alex Plus for trim but I see the White Lightning is cheaper at Lowes. Any thoughts on DAP vs White Lightning? BTW, I'm in Boise as well.
I am more concerned by the use of a power tool to install the hinge screws. Too easy to strip the screws causing a loose screw later. Power tools are great for screw removal and partial installation, but I always do the final turn or so the tight using a screwdriver and human hand. Much better that way. Yes, takes a few more seconds per screw...
if your dyi then screwdriver is fine but if you are on the job there is no time for that , the drill is better and most have torque adjustments and when you have been doing it for a long time you get used to a stopping point so that you dont over tighten
Yes, I hear that a lot and I also see a lot of screws stripped out by contractors using power tools. Clutches and torque sticks simply aren’t that accurate and if you don’t hold firm pressure the bit will jump out and booger the screw head even if the threads don’t strip. As an engineer, I have see a lot of torque stick tests and the results simply aren’t that consistent. Impact tools will never have the feel of an experienced human hand.
...an understanding of torque settings and an experienced hand (trigger finger) can eliminate nearly all of those concerns...
Has worked well for us, but thanks for the feedback!
Great vid other than puttin that finished door on that paper rather than a soft backer
Oh yeah, thanks for watching!
The link for the caulk is not for the same caulk which was talked about in the video!!!!
I thin bead of caulk is not bad. Extreme temperatures will cause you problems. Heat is a bad thing with caulk.
I find it hard to believe that, regardless of climate, a painter could not find a way to caulk a floating panel without it cracking. Am I to believe there are entire portions of the country that are without good looking cabinets? Not likely. What I have found in 25 years of painting, blow and go to extremely high end, is that just about every painter thinks they know best, but very few actually do.
Good job guys, like your channel. Don't listen to the people scolding you on this. I am sure you would figure out a solution in their climate, as would I. There is ALWAYS a solution.
True, true, it is what works for us! Thanks for supporting & watching!
I’ve been caulking painted cabinets,light colors, since the 80s. Never a call back.
And actually FLOATING PANELis a new term for lose panel.
Caulking panel’s isn’t fun ,so guys came up with this must let them float to avoid cracking doors. LOL!!
Thanks for sharing
I don't add caulking that way it looks like if they bought them already painted
What's up with the guy with the screw gun???
You know it Chris !!! A Big NO NO !!! But I see your point, if I did it in PA on a true floating panel it would split, caulk is meant to be spread thin so it can remain flexible, you guys are probably spreading a nice thin coat, not enough to glue the panel down...
True true, thanks for watching Daniel!
Do I go with advice from the professional painter or the comment section? hmmmm.....
I think a high quality prep and paint job makes a difference on the caulking being effective.
we caulk........dark shadows show otherwise . just a tip,you can never get in trouble for caulking. you can however get called out for not doing it...
Agreed, thanks for sharing!
Put it on the dash of the work vans
lol, good idea
Caulking gives the cabinets a craftsmanship component that when not done makes the cabinets look chintzy.
True
We caulk them in Florida
if your a custom home painter or anywhere near you must caulk those doors it is un profesional not too and does not give the cabinets a custom look you also need to caulk the edges of the frames.....only suggestion is that you guys use alot less caulking then being shown here the thinner the better
Thanks for the feedback!
I like it better too…
1 John 3:2
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
God bless y'all!
ZACK! QUIET!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, TRYING TO SHOOT A VIDEO!!!
Oh Zach
Thank you for saying caulking the proper way. Without the L. Except for journeyman john. He's wrong lol
lol, dang John
mack daddy jon
lol
Oarange
Orange?
Shirts
Just caulk it
Do it