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A caulk scraper removing the caulk on a baseboard.
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5 from 15 votes

How To Caulk and Repair Baseboards

All the tips and tricks to caulk baseboards perfectly with this step-by-step guide.
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Yield: 1 room
Author: Rachel
Cost: $20

Equipment

Materials

  • 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.