Caulking before paint isn't cheating, it's just smart prep
Had a client in Boise ask why I was filling every little seam on their trim with paintable caulk before the brush even came out, and I told them it hides the gaps that show up once the wood moves a bit. I've seen way too many jobs where guys skip it and then the paint line looks like a wavy mess after two seasons of the house settling. What's your go-to brand or trick for keeping that caulk line clean without overdoing it?