Caulking on MDF panelling and windows - at what stage?

ashe

We've done some MDF panelling and painted walls - we've got windows and skirting to prime and gloss, and priming the MDF panels tomorrow. I've caulked the inner side of the MDF panels, but left the outside part where it butts up against the wall/skirting as presume that its easier to caulk it once those are done & may hide any untidiness, or should this be the other way round?

ashe

Quick bump as hoping to paint it today! For clarity this is what I mean;

Wall to the left is remaining white, mdf and wall to right is being painted in F&B studio green which is a really dark colour. 

Is it best to caulk now, and paint the part of the caulk that is on the mdf, or best to caulk after priming/painting the wall & mdf?

Same question for windows really - I presume best to do those after they have been glossed?

rob7475

Are you planning on painting the white wall to the left? If caulking, you ideally want to paint over it as many caulks will yellow over time so I'd caulk before priming.

Use a good quality caulk as some of the cheap ones will shrink and crack in a joint that size.

A zoomed out photo would give a better idea of what you are trying to achieve but I'd rather avoid having to caulk a gap like that and use a trim piece of wood that would fit tight to the wall.

ashe

rob7475 said:

Are you planning on painting the white wall to the left? If caulking, you ideally want to paint over it as many caulks will yellow over time so I'd caulk before priming.

Use a good quality caulk as some of the cheap ones will shrink and crack in a joint that size.

A zoomed out photo would give a better idea of what you are trying to achieve but I'd rather avoid having to caulk a gap like that and use a trim piece of wood that would fit tight to the wall.

No, the wall to the left is remaining white. The gap is quite small but that is quite a close-up

ashe

This is a more zoomed out view. Joins have been filled and sanded. 

Mr.Generous

Caulk before paint.

ashe

Mr.Generous said:

Caulk before paint.

Thanks - is that the same for windows with glossing?

my line of thinking was I seem to see people caulking skirting etc at the end so presumed that was the process but must have had it wrong. 

We've given the walls 3 coats of white, the mdf is ready for priming and the woodwork is ready for glossing. 

Based on this advice I've caulked the wall next to the mdf - should I be caulking the window cool/window edges and skirting now before we apply water based gloss?

and then if it yellows, would it be a good idea to cut in a line of the white along the skirting /the wall and gently mini roller over it in the white?