Best Filler for Skirting Mitre

[TheScullster]

I have an external skirting corner mitre that's moved to create a 2mm gap. Is there a "best of breed" filler to neaten this eyesore.

TIA

Phil

[Dave Plowman]

If it's to be painted, you can't beat car body filler - it's a two part material which sets quickly in any thickness, and is easy to work - you can simply file it when set, then sand smooth. Apply it slightly proud as it shrinks slightly while drying. Halfords or any car accessory shop. Isopon is a common brand.

[Dave Gibson]

I always use the 'decorators filler' mastic which comes in cartridges. Its a bit like silicon but can be overpainted and - importantly - remains flexible for years so any further small movements do not result in cracks showing. As well as skirting joints and the gap between the skirting and wall you sometimes get, I have also used it successfully on door architraves, door stops and also coving corner joints.

HTH

Dave

[Jerry Built]

In many Motor Factors, you can buy a great *big* tin for L.10-15, which is much, much better value than the small sizes.

J.B.

[TheScullster]

Dave

Have you found this to crack away from the skirting due to lack of filler flexibility?

Phil

[stuart noble]

No filler that is hard enough to sand will put up with much movement but, once the skirting has adjusted to ambient conditions, it should be fine. Internally, movement in wood is usually a one-way, one-off thing. I disagree with what Dave says about shrinkage in 2 part filler. The major benefit with styrene based fillers is that the "solvent" doesn't evaporate, but cures along with the resin. What can happen externally is that the surrounding woodwork shrinks away from the filler because it's being allowed to dry out, often for the first time.

[Dave Plowman]

Absolutely if you think you'll use it within a reasonable time. But it does 'go off' with storage, same as most things.

[Dave Plowman]

In article , stuart noble evaporate, but cures along with the resin. What can happen externally is

Yes - although what I really meant was don't try to get a perfect finish as you might do with putty etc - make it proud then file to shape.

[Jerry Built]

It will keep for a year or three, BUT you must make sure when you are using it that you don't contaminate it with catalyst, either by scooping it out with a contaminated tool, or allowing dust from sanding hardened filler to get into the tin - this will cause the lot to go solid comaratively quickly! You can get 5Kg boxes which contain separate bags of filler to overcome this issueto a degree.

J.B.

[The Natural Philosopher]

If you want a fairly flexible non structural filler then decorators caulk is superb.

I have ended up using it as a general purpose filler anywhere that wood abuts more wood, or something rigid.

[Rick Hughes]

why not use decorators caulk ... it is very flexible, and will therefore cope in your boards are still shrinking. It takes paint perfectly.

Rick