Expert: Jamie Yocono - 11/6/2006

Question
I am repainting a wooden etagere that was purchased about 3 years ago.  Cracking has occurred at seams in the door, also where the crown mouldings at the top of the piece meets the box, (more of a gap here).  I had thought about using a latex caulk in the gaps.  Where the piece is separating at the seams, I have no idea what to use as the separation goes through the thickness of the wood, 3/4" or so.  What would you recommend?  I would like to use something that won't shrink and allow the same cracking to occur again.
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Tim,

It sounds like those cracks are occurring because the wood is shrinking somewhat. That happens when the humidity drops, and wood starts to acclimate to the air around it. Since wood is organic, it will shrink or swell slightly, taking on the moisture of it's surroundings. And since the humidity is lower in winter, or cooler months, cracking usually appears at this time of year.

You're correct to want to use a caulk that will be somewhat flexible, and move with the wood, because it's probably going to happen from time to time, as the seasons change again. What you should look for in a caulk is something that will remain flexible, and something that can be painted. I don't paint any furniture that I build, but I have used caulk around the house, and I'm sure I've used something that is both flexible and paintable.

So when you go to the hardware store, you should ask for something like that. Don't let them talk you into a wood putty or a wood filler. Those products tend to harden, and will pull away (and possibly fall out) if the wood shrinks any more. And, if the wood starts to swell up a bit, as it takes on moisture, it could pop that putty right out of the seam. I've seen that happen, and it can cause some big problems.

Once, I saw a mitered door completely pop apart at the corners, due to the swelling of the panel inside the framework. What a hassle! So stay with something flexible and paintable, and you should be fine.

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this.  And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com