• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home Remodeling » Woodworking

    Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Nov 22, 2022 by Rachel

    How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    58683 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Tutorial Print Tutorial

    Repairing baseboards isn’t hard but those unsightly cracks and chips can build up over time as a house settles. Today, I want to show you how to repair your baseboards like a pro even if the baseboards are painted already.

    Before and after collage of repairing baseboards. Title reads the easiest way to get beautiful baseboards and trim.

    Table of Contents

    • Supplies
    • Pro Tip: Buy a Better Caulk Gun
    • How To Repair Baseboard Trim Step-by-Step
    • How To Caulk Baseboards After Painting
    • More Simple Ways to Improve Your Home
    • FAQs
    • How To: How To Caulk and Repair Baseboards

    If there is one fact I know about older homes, it’s that the poor baseboards and trim take far more of a beating than they should. All those pretty wall pictures on Pinterest with the stunning crown molding and crisp baseboards? I have yet to move into a house like that.

    But gaps and cracks in baseboards and trim aren’t only unsightly, they can create inefficiencies in heating and air as well as pathways for pests.

    From repairing windowsills to building a custom closet or adding picture frame wainscoting, beautiful trim and baseboards really can make a wall stunning. It’s those little details that make a difference.

    Now, we can fix it!

    Damaged and cracked baseboard on bottom of white wall in carpeted stairwell.

    Both sets of stairs were badly cracked, but the baseboards themselves seemed to be in decent condition. Replacing them seemed like an extra step we didn’t need.

    Supplies

    • silicone caulk –This caulk is my favorite. *Make sure it is paintable caulk made for trim*
    • a quality caulk gun tool 
    • a caulk scraper and a plastic putty knife
    • scissors or utility knife
    • sandpaper
    • painting supplies (paint brush/roller/Tape)

    Pro Tip: Buy a Better Caulk Gun

    It’s only a few dollars for a slightly nicer caulk gun and the benefits are so, so worth it. This is one of the caulk guns that I use and love because:

    • With cheap caulk guns, the caulk often drips long after you have released the trigger, wasting caulk and a bunch of paper towels every time you set it down. I only use dripless caulk guns! No wasted caulk.
    • It comes with a handy pin attached that easily pierces the foil barrier inside the tube.
    • The trigger spring allows for more even caulk distribution.

    *If you use viscous materials (such as sanded caulk or adhesives), have a BIG job, have poor hand strength, arthritis, or would just like something that doesn’t require you to squeeze as much, get a high thrust caulk gun. This is the one that I use as well for bigger jobs.

    How To Repair Baseboard Trim Step-by-Step

    Step 1 – Begin by scraping off the old caulk.

    If the caulk is still attached in places, cut it with a razor knife to loosen from the wall. I love this caulk scraper because it won’t gouge the wall or tile. Scrape or sand any excess texture off to create a smooth surface.

    Orange caulk remover tool used to scrape away old, damaged caulk on baseboard.

    Step 2- (Optional) Tape off the wall.

    I like to tape the front of the baseboard over the edge. It makes it easier to wipe off. If I want a really crisp line, I will tape the wall as well. This helps give me a guide for painting later.

    Pro Tip: Make sure to burnish the edges. This means running your finger along the edges just before you caulk to make sure that caulk won’t push under it.

    caulking gun with caulking tip cut at a 30-45 degree angle for easier application.

    Step 3- Prepare the caulk.

    One trick to caulking is to cut the tip of the caulking gun at an angle. I use bone cutting scissors that have a notch out of them to cut the tube. Some guns come with a handy hole that cuts the tip.

    Step 4 – Lay a Bead.

    As you are caulking, hold the gun so that the tip is completely flush with the baseboard. I usually caulk an entire side end to end.

    Caulking gun applying caulk to baseboard between strips of green frog tape.
    I was holding the camera so this is the worst caulk laying ever, but we will smooth it out!

    Step 5 – Smooth out the Caulk.

    My personal favorite tool is my fingertip to smooth out the caulk. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples). Use your index finger at an angle with light, but consistent pressure.

    However, I generally recommend this wedge tool if you do not feel confident with just your hands.

    I make about two passes – I wipe the most of excess off of several feet to make sure I covered well. The second pass is end to end with a little more pressure to make sure the final look is good.

    Removing painter's tape from caulked area on baseboard.

    Step 6 – Pull the tape.

    Before pulling the tape, make sure you can see the edges of the tape well. Otherwise, the tape will not have a nice edge.

    Oh, I love a good reveal! Don’t you?

    Carpeted stairwell with white baseboard and clean caulking lines

    This is the mirroring staircase, and it was in exactly the same condition before we repaired it. See what I mean? Those clean lines really look professional!

    Who knew baseboards could be this exciting?!

    How To Caulk Baseboards After Painting

    The steps are essentially the same. Make sure to remove any grease or dirt well. I would make sure to remove any previous caulk and perhaps sand the surface where the new caulk will go for the best bond, but this is optional. Do be sure to use crack resistant caulk to keep it from pulling away from the paint to last longer.

    More Simple Ways to Improve Your Home

    • Repair and Replace Windowsills
    • Upgrade Cabinets by Installing Trim
    • Build a Custom Closet
    • How to Paint Old Kitchen Cabinets
    • Kitchen Backsplash with Peel and Stick Glass Tile

    FAQs

    Should you paint baseboards or walls first?

    I always paint my baseboards first because they are lighter in color. If you were using a darker color on the baseboards than on the wall, you may consider painting the wall first.

    How do you caulk large gaps in trim and baseboards?

    Cracks larger than ¼ of an inch may take more passes. The process is essentially the same as smaller gaps. However, make sure you fill deeper in the gap (not just flush with the surface). Allow the deeper caulk to dry completely before adding a surface bead.

    What is the best caulk for trim and baseboards?

    There are many good brands for trim caulk. Pay attention to whether the caulk you are using is intended for interior or exterior as well as whether it is paintable. Crack and shrink resistant caulk is a very good idea.

    What is the best way to caulk perfectly?

    My personal favorite tool is my fingertip to smooth out the caulk. It is soft enough to go over ridges and keep a consistent pressure. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples). Use your index finger at an angle with light, but consistent pressure.
    However, I generally recommend this wedge tool if you do not feel confident with just your hands.

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More DIY Home Projects

    Updated white counter top with square style sink and modern farmhouse style hardware. Light neutral wall color and a potted succulent.
    Replace a Vanity Top
    Freshly added caulk to a bathtub surround.
    How To Caulk A Bathtub
    White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
    Save Time Painting Cabinets
    Top down view of a pet damaged wood window sill before repair.
    Replacing Window Trim

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

    A caulk scraper removing the caulk on a baseboard.

    How To Caulk and Repair Baseboards

    All the tips and tricks to caulk baseboards perfectly with this step-by-step guide.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Project Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $20

    Tools

    • High Quality Caulk Gun
    • Caulk Remover Tool
    • Utility Knife
    • Putty Knife

    Supplies

    • Silicone Caulk Make sure it is paintable caulk made for trim
    • Sandpaper or Sanding Blocks
    • Painter's Tape
    • Well fitting Latex or Nitrile Gloves I get these from Harbor Freight
    • Paper Towels
    • Wedge Tool Optional
    • Paint Supplies

    Instructions

    • Remove the old caulk. I love this a caulk scraper because it won't gouge the wall or tile. Scrape or sand any excess texture off to create a smooth surface.
      A caulk scraper removing the caulk on a baseboard.
    • (Optional) Tape off the wall. I like to tape the front of the baseboard to the edge It makes it easier to wipe off. If I want a really crisp line, I will tape the wall as well. This helps give me a guide for painting later.
      Caulk being spread with a caulking gun into a crevice with both sides taped.
    • Prepare the caulk and gun. Cut the tip of the caulking gun at an angle. Pierce the inside seal with a skewer or some caulk guns come with a piercer tool.
      The tip of a caulk gun cut at a 45 degree angle.
    • Hold the gun so that the tip is completely flush with the baseboard. Caulk an entire side end to end. Make sure to fill all gaps.
      Caulk being spread with a caulking gun into a crevice with both sides taped.
    • Smooth out the Caulk. With a bit of practice, smoothing caulk with your index finger is a breeze. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples). Use your index finger at an angle with light, but consistent pressure. If you aren't confident using your hands, a wedge tool helps. Make two passes – Wipe most of excess off of several feet to make sure it is covered well. The second pass is end to end with a little more pressure to make sure the final look is smooth. Use paper towels to wipe the glove between passes.
      A caulk smoother tool being used to smooth out caulk on a bathtub.
    • Pull the tape. Before pulling the tape, make sure you can see the edges of the tape well. Otherwise, the tape will not have a nice edge.
      Painter's tape being carefully pulled up to reveal a clean edge of caulk.

    Notes

    Best Types of Caulk for Trim and Baseboards:
    There are many good brands for trim caulk. Pay attention to whether the caulk you are using is intended for interior or exterior as well as whether it is paintable. Crack and shrink resistant caulk is a very good idea.
    If your gap is larger than ¼ inch:
    Cracks larger than ¼ of an inch may take more passes. The process is essentially the same as smaller gaps. However, make sure you fill deeper in the gap (not flush with the surface). Allow the deeper caulk to dry completely before caulking a surface bead.
     
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « How To Caulk A Bathtub or Shower Surround
    Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lea says

      March 09, 2023 at 12:55 am

      i would like to replace my baseboards , but the previous owner had ceramic tile laid and they didn’t remove baseboards. So is there a way to update my baseboards without removing the current baseboards?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 13, 2023 at 7:30 am

        That is a pickle because baseboards should go over flooring. There are a few options for larger baseboards that are meant to cover existing baseboards such as this product from Home Depot. It’s a great solution for your situation, although if there are gaps, it may not be as sturdy as having one-piece baseboards.

        Reply
        • Lea says

          March 14, 2023 at 10:04 am

          Thank you, I’m definitely going to look into those .

    2. Alison says

      January 22, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      This article is great! It’s helping me redo the cracks between the baseboards and mounding on my stairs. As I’m removing the cracked caulk, there’s cracks that are 3/8s to a half inch. Do you recommend just putting a lot of caulk or filling it with something else before caulking?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        January 22, 2022 at 10:35 pm

        Theoretically, yes, filling 1/2 inch gap shouldn’t be an issue as long as you fill the void pretty well and not just gloss over the top. I have filled larger voids such as exterior window casing on a wood shingle house. There must be no movement in the two substrates (the wall and the baseboard). However, I am slightly concerned as to why there are such large gaps if these are standard baseboards. If the baseboard is moved out from the wall and wiggles or bends, it would probably be best to reattach it.

        Reply
    3. Maureen says

      September 29, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      HI!, Looks great! How did you get the skirt board to look smooth? Sanding or a product? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        September 30, 2021 at 1:23 pm

        They look smoother because the lighting changed between the before and after photos. However, there are smoother skirt boards than the oak ones that I have in this house. If you have heavy grain, I would recommend sanding them with 120 sandpaper on a random orbital sander. It won’t be easy to get in the corners unless you have a mouse sander or square sander. I definitely wouldn’t hand sand – take too long. You can also fill the grain. I give several tips for filling wood grain in this post.

        Reply
    4. Lauren says

      May 05, 2021 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      Love this idea and I will absolutely be giving this a try. Your post mentions paintable caulk and paint. My baseboards are already white so do I need to repaint or can I just add the caulk? Did you paint in this project since yours were already white or is that only for if you are painting baseboards another color?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        May 05, 2021 at 12:01 pm

        I would repaint because paint is much easier to clean and wipe dirt away.We are currently working on a client home renovation, and I fixed all their baseboards and cracked door trim after the walls were prepped, but before painting both the baseboards and walls. However, if you only have some small areas, you wouldn’t have to paint the entire baseboards again, just touchups.

        Reply
    5. Barbara says

      February 02, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      The carpet is very pretty. What color is that?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        February 04, 2021 at 12:20 pm

        Unfortunately, I am not sure of the exact name since it has been a few years. I know that it was a light Stainmaster carpet that we purchased through Lowes.

        Reply
    6. Alicia Hursley says

      September 30, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Just had my hardwood floors refinished and the baseboards are next on my list to get updated! Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
    7. Sara Ann says

      July 09, 2020 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! You did a great job on those baseboards and kudos to you for DIY-ing it! My baseboards looked so bad from years of having pets and I just recently had a local wood refinishing company come and fix them up. I want to follow your advice next time they need some work and see if I can tackle it myself!

      Reply
    8. Barbara says

      June 11, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Hi there,
      I have recently bought a (new to me) condo. I was in the kitchen the other day and realized that when they built these condos, one of the things they did was cover the cabinets with some type of sticky paper (done by manufacturer). I don’t know who the manufacturer is to contact them. I am afraid to peel it off as I don’t know what is underneath. Could be something icky. I am wondering, if I can paint over these or will I just have to replace them. If I have to replace them, I will have to wait quite a while, as there is no money left in the budget right now. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        June 21, 2020 at 12:37 am

        This would be something I would have to see in order to give you the right advice. Many cabinets are manufactured with an outer covering over particle board. If you peel it off, there isn’t solid wood underneath. Those are not very easy to paint although it can be done. There are also Thermofoil cabinets which are basically wrapped in vinyl. Again, hard to paint usually as the paint doesn’t bond well. You could try priming them with a extreme bond primer – like those used for ceramic tile and such. If this is the inside of the cabinets, often times I recommend to clients to cover them in contact paper if the shelves have worn out. There are tons of good quality contact paper that can be solid or patterned to suit your needs. If you want further advice or to send me photos, email me at Rachel @ cravingsomecreativity.com

        Reply
    9. Faye says

      July 13, 2019 at 11:21 pm

      5 stars
      I love the advice you give. I have a 35 year old house that I had built. All of my baseboards are a dark walnut color and I I am really tired of the look. Want to do white because I think it would look more refreshed and clean. Can I just paint over them or do I have to sand all of them first.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        July 15, 2019 at 8:33 am

        Oh, that sounds beautiful! So, you have a few options. You can hand sand just to rough them up a bit which helps the paint bond better, prime them, and paint them. I have a post about painting a staircase that I think has some applicable tips her this. Changing from dark walnut to bright white is going to be the bigger challenge. For baseboards, I don’t think you need a top of the line paint like Advance. I would recommend a good quality stain sealer like Kilz premium (my personal fave and hasn’t failed me yet) and a trim paint with good hiding coverage. Sanding is the most durable option in my opinion, and works well if your baseboards are glossy (coated in polyurethane). If they aren’t glossy, you can probably skip sanding. Also, if you want to skip the sanding process with a glossy surface, it is possible to paint them if you prime first with a high-binding primer like Kilz Adhesion or similar. Good luck with your project!

        Reply
    10. Santanna says

      May 01, 2019 at 7:31 am

      5 stars
      Really enjoy your article! Recently moved into a fixer upper and have my work cut out for me. Your directions are easy to follow and I am currently buying all the supplies you mentioned to get started! I’m excited! Do you have any recommendations for trim and base boards that have been painted black? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        May 01, 2019 at 10:42 am

        Thank you! I promise the work is worth it though. I hope you find some inspiration there. If you intend to change the color of the baseboards, I would definitely use a primer/stainblocker like KILZ (I generally go with KILZ Premium for most of my projects). It will make for a lot less coats. Black baseboards can be a cool look though depending on the style of the house. If you want to keep them black, I might consider using a clear or black caulk if you have dark walls just so you aren’t painting black over white which, again, might require a few coats.

        Reply
      • Nea says

        February 29, 2020 at 1:19 am

        5 stars
        Awesome tips! We have corners where our dog chewed it up. Any advice on how to remedy this? Thank you!

        Reply
        • Rachel says

          March 14, 2020 at 8:39 pm

          I had the exact same problem with my window sills! We adopted a sweet puppy with a serious anxiety issue. While it depends on the severity of the damage, I shared some tips on how I fixed the dog chewing marks and replaced the sill here.replaced the sill here.replaced the sill here. I hope that gives you some good tips!

    11. Suzanne says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      You did an amazing job, looks fantastic! We’re working through a total redo of our “new” 1950 ranch. I’ve tried to caulk, and I have ALOT more to do. My problem is getting the tape straight! Try as I might, it’s always off. Since yours looks perfect, do you have any pointers for me? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you and again, well done!!!!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 15, 2019 at 12:09 am

        Good question and I completely get what you are saying. With baseboards or something like that, it’s not as big a deal to be super straight since it will be painted over anyhow. For me, I find that it works better if I pull about 18 inches or 2 feet of tape off the roll (but don’t cut it). I hope this makes sense. With one hand, I hold down the free end where it should be. Then I line up the other end attached to the roll, pull it tight, and get it about where I want it before pressing that end down. Then press and smooth out the 18 inches between them. Pull out another 18 inches and repeat. I usually do a whole wall with one piece of tape if I can. Working in larger sections I have always found to work better. Here is a video very similar to the technique I use. I also personally find it easier to make a straighter line by taping the bottom baseboards first, then following the line with the top tape. Same with painting. I usually paint my baseboards first and then tape off the baseboards for the wall. Hope that helps! I have a video on caulking bathtub surrounds coming next week with video, so there might be more tips and tricks there to check out.

        Reply
        • Suzanne says

          March 15, 2019 at 8:43 am

          Rachel! Thank you for your fast response. It was so helpful and the video is great, what an eye opener on my incorrect technique 🙃 I really appreciate your help. Looking forward to the bathtub info. Thanks again!

    12. Jennifer says

      January 20, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is REALLY helpful. Thank you!!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity