Stair Edge / Skirting - Cracking - Decorators Caulk

Stormy

Hi,

I redecorated the stair case wall and wooden skirting about 4 months
ago, we actually replaced the beading at the top of the skirting as it
was in bad shape (having looked like it had been filled and re-filled
over the years). We used decorators caulk and then repainted the walls
and skirting. Trouble is after all the use the stairs have been given I
have noticed the corner and some of the edge has started to crack. I
assume it's the paint on top of the caulk, which has cracked due to
movement.

What's the best way to deal with this? My first plan was to sand the
joint back down and re-apply some new caulk. I assume that over time I
will be back to square one again with cracking. Is it a case of doing
the caulk seal and NOT painting over it? Not sure how that will look,
the skirting is gloss white but the wall is darker (toasted almond).

Also thought about trying to caulk as it is now to fill the cracks then touching up the paint, not convinced either is going to be good.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

Mike