Asked on Jul 14, 2019

How can I fix cracked paint on window molding?

Matt
by Matt

Had most of apt painted over a year ago. The paint on window molding was cracked. Painters painted over, but now the paint is cracking again. I’m assuming I need to sand down and do some patch work with calk or another kind of product and then paint?

  6 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jul 14, 2019

    I'd suggest just giving it a light scrape or sanding then using latex painters caulk to fill in the gap. It will flex with weather and humidity changes and you shouldn't get that cracking in the future.

  • William William on Jul 14, 2019

    Yep, paintable caulk should solve it.

  • Lisa Lisa on Jul 15, 2019

    Use wood filler to fill in uneven spots, after you sand all the paint of then sand it smooth after wood filler dries an paint it

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jul 15, 2019

    I agree! Looks like the moulding is associated with an expansion joint. Latex or even silicone caulk should do the trick!

  • Em Em on Jul 15, 2019

    There is no reason for caulking. What has split is the paint. Scrape and sand the old paint off, use a wood primer on the bare wood and repaint. You can see what is showing thru is the old stain. Paint doesn't stick to glossy stain without sanding.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jul 15, 2019

    When you scrape off the loose paint, check to see if the wood is damp underneath. You could have a small leak that has caused this. In this case, repair the leak (could be merely an air link that allows different temp air inside, causing the cracking). If you've seen condensation on that winter during the cold months, you do have an air leak.


    Once you're certain there is no air or water leaking, scrape all the loose paint off, including chipping away along the crack. Sand well, seal anything requiring it, prime and paint.

    • See 1 previous
    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jul 18, 2019

      Take a butane lighter (the long bbq type ones) and adjust the flame to high. Hold it near the window frame on the inside and watch the flame. If it "pulls" to the window or "blows" away from the window, there's an air leak at that location.


      Once you find all areas with air infiltration, caulk well and check again with the lighter. When finished, it will be totally sealed. 👍