How do I fill the gap between paneling and coving?

Question

I've put up some coving before I did some paneling on one wall.

The paneling is level as I used a laser level however the coving was stuck to the wall & ceiling without a level.

The gap between the coving and horizontal panel increases and decreases throughout the length and goes in and out.

My question is what do I do with it - do I fill it and how?

If I fill it what do I do when the coving that dips in? I'd have to fill it in closer the the curve to maintain/blend that curve right.

^{Click to embiggen}

Answer 1

Carpentry lesson in hindsight: Level isn't always the right move, and flush (or nearly flush) joints are problematic. Ideally the cove would've been brought out a bit for a more consistent bottom reveal (or installed over the paneling), and the paneling should've been set tight (as was possible).

FreeMan is probably right given the state of progress. However, I'd seriously consider removing the coving, placing spacers the thickness of the paneling frames behind it, and reinstalling. A heavier bottom reveal would really be classier. You could then easily caulk the bottom joint just to fill any slight gaps, tooling off any excess.

Answer 2

You'll need to fill the gaps with wood filler, drywall mud, plaster, or other filler material that's compatible with the materials you've already used. Carefully apply the material to make it as smooth as possible on application, then sand gently to get it to the final shape.

You're at the "trim carpentry" stage, so this is the part that's visible under the paint (assuming this will be painted), so any and everything you do here will telegraph through the paint and probably be amplified by the paint, as well. Make sure you take your time, be patient, and get it right so you're happy with the paint job later.