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Caulking baseboard trim is necessary
if you plan to paint the baseboard trim. Due to imperfections in the wall, small
gaps between the top edge of the baseboard trim and the wall are common. These
small gaps can make an otherwise beautiful wall seem unfinished or unsightly. By
caulking the baseboard trim you can ensure a professionally finished baseboard
trim project.
When caulking baseboard trim I like
to use an acrylic latex caulk with silicone.
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This type of caulk is durable and
flexible as well as easy to clean. You can find it at any home improvement
store. Caulk is also available in a variety of colors, so pick a color that is
most similar to your baseboard trim paint color.
I also highly recommend priming or
painting the baseboard trim with one coat of paint prior to installing it on the
wall. The caulk adheres better to the painted baseboard trim, as well as makes
the baseboard trim painting effort go much faster.
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To caulk baseboard trim, I
typically apply a thin bead of caulk along about a 4 to 6 foot length of the
baseboard trim, using a caulking gun. You can control the width of the caulk
bead by the size hole you cut in the tip of the caulk tube. Using a utility
knife, I typically cut off just enough of the tip to enable about a 1/8th
inch thick bead. When removing the tip, I like to cut it at a 30-45o
angle to aid in the process of applying the caulk to the baseboard trim. |
After caulking a 4-6 foot length of
baseboard trim, I immediately use my finger to slide along the length of the
caulk bead. I then wipe the caulk bead down with a rung out damp paper towel or
sponge to remove any excess caulk from the wall or baseboard trim.
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I continue in this process around
the entire room caulking the baseboard trim.
When caulking baseboard trim,
make sure you hold the caulk gun at an angle so that the tip of the caulk
tube is flush with the top edge of the baseboard trim. Try to caulk in one
fluid movement by applying a constant pressure to the caulk gun trigger.
Make sure you don’t move the caulk gun too slowly or quickly, otherwise you
will end up with excess caulk or voids in the baseboard trim. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
After applying the caulk to the
baseboard trim, I like to let it fully dry before applying paint to the
baseboard trim. If you apply the paint while it is still wet, the paint bush
will remove the caulk from the gap.
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