I just installed a new exterior door. I put the original, painted interior-side casing back on, but to make it line up properly I put some new, unpainted 1/4" trim strips (not sure what they're called exactly) between the door frame and the casing.
I need to repaint it all, but how do I prepare it? There are seams between the strips that I'd like to hide, and some small (less than 1/4") gaps in places between the casing and the door frame.
Do I caulk the gaps? Spackle them? What about the seams where two pieces meet?
Best Answer
The strips you made and installed are called extension jambs. We use them all the time to fit new windows and doors. I usually sand and prime them before I install them, but if you have already installed the jambs and old trim, here are a couple of ways to finish them off.
There are painter's caulk that will "fast dry" in an hour, that you may consider. If you are unhappy with the final leveling of the caulk, you can also use a super thin layer of lightweight spackle (not standard vinyl spackle) applied with a putty knife over the caulk. This product dries in about 20 mins and can be lightly sanded or shaped with a damp cloth.