Filling big architrave gap

[simps100]

Hey

I’ve recently had some architrave replaced in the bathroom around a cupboard. Unfortunately the wall was well out so this means there’s a big gap between the tiles and architrave at the bottom where as at the top it’s flush against the tiles.

To be fair to the carpenter he pointed out this issue to me when installing.

My question is what’s the best way to fix this and make it look good?

I was thinking some backing rod in the larger gap at the bottom and then wood filler in the gap making it as neat / flush as possible before painting?

Would finish off with silicone matching the tile grouting around when finished.

Is this the best idea or is there a better way to make this look good?

Thank you for any advice!

 

[opps]

When presented with those kind of gaps, I run masking tape on the tiles and then squirt in expanding foam. Any excess foam, I cut back and then face fill with a light weight filler such as Red Devil OneTime. If done properly, you will not need to use silicone.

 

[avonmouth]

Decorators caulk or one strike filler...both can be painted when dry.

 

[simps100]

When presented with those kind of gaps, I run masking tape on the tiles and then squirt in expanding foam. Any excess foam, I cut back and then face fill with a light weight filler such as Red Devil OneTime. If done properly, you will not need to use silicone.

Didn’t think of that thank you but does sound much easier!

Any particular expanding foam you recommend? I guess any should do the job in this case seeing as it’s not too big of a gap and it’s all fairly solid so none of them should push this out even further.

 

[johnny2007]

I wouldn't use expanding foam as the gap is not big enough to justify it.
I would use a flexible paintable sealant like Soudal fixall, then paint with the architrave and door.
For best results, leave it for a couple of days.
P.S.: how good are you with silicone/caulk?

 

[simps100]

Probably not the best with caulk but not too bad when have a smoothing tool - does create a bit more wastage but not a huge issue for just this!

 

[johnny2007]

Yes to the smoothing tool.
Also, if you very lightly spray water on the silicone before smoothing it, you'll get better results.

 

[GhostIntMachine]

Another alternative is to pack the gaps with the closed cell polythene (?) foam cord they sell for this exact purpose, e.g. Fossa Caulk Saver (equivalents available from some decorator centres), then caulk on top. It certainly avoids having a "foam accident" All too easy to have happen if you are using one of those DIY cans as opposed to a (much more) controllable foam gun and gun grade foam. I detest those non-gun cans and only ever use them under extreme duress because they can be so awkward to control and they are very wasteful

 

[opps]

Decorators caulk or one strike filler...both can be painted when dry.

Decorator's caulk will shrink back massively.

One Strike filler is very similar to Red Devil OneTime. I don't like it very much as it doesn't seem to sand as smooth. If you don't use a fillet or something like expanding foam, the filler will take days to dry.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Your chippy could have reduced the gap considerably by planning back the architrave to suit the wall deviations and then some light filling would have concealed the rest. Obviously, he/she couldn't be bothered to give a decent finish.

 

[opps]

Didn’t think of that thank you but does sound much easier!

Any particular expanding foam you recommend? I guess any should do the job in this case seeing as it’s not too big of a gap and it’s all fairly solid so none of them should push this out even further.

Expanding foam will expand past the edge of the architrave (hence the tape recommendation). It should not deform the architrave in anyway.

My go to would be a foam gun (you can adjust the flow rate), but in your case, you can pick up a small can from your local Pound Shop. The last time I checked they were £3. It will come supplied with a "straw". You can squeeze the end to fit in to the gap. With expanding foam- less is more. There are minimal expanding foams but they will probably still expand more than you expect (again- use masking tape- you can cut through the tape after).

When using foam, mist the area with water. It helps to aid adhesion and speeds up the curing time.

An additional advantage is that it will help lock the architrave in place and reduces "bounce". That will mitigate the risk of the filler cracking.

 

[foxhole]

Uvpc trim in white.

 

[johnny2007]

Your chippy could have reduced the gap considerably by planning back the architrave to suit the wall deviations and then some light filling would have concealed the rest. Obviously, he/she couldn't be bothered to give a decent finish.

Those days have saied a long time ago.
People want cheap and quick, so we only do such things to our own properties or customers who don't mind paying for a top notch finish.