Best Overall
Sashco Big Stretch Latex Caulk
Best Bang For The Buck
DAP Alex Plus All-Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk
Best Upgrade
Flex Caulk Hybrid Polymer Sealant
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Many DIYers are conversant with running caulk around their lav fixtures , but did you bonk that it can also be used on baseboards ? An effective opening makeweight , caulking produce a super - groovy , professional finish and helps foreclose worm from gravel into thewallor liquid spills from seeping underneath it .
Several different types of caulking — but not all — are suitable for baseboard , which can make take the correct product a challenge . In an effort to find the best product for caulking base molding , we tested five different kinds . We find thatSashco Big Stretch Latex Caulk , with its ability to cover wider gaps without crack and a bloodless ending that closely matches the color of baseboards , to be the best all - around option . Along with the five products we test , we also choose two extra varieties of baseboard caulk based on our research .
forward , discover more about what to look for when buy at for the skillful caulk for skirting board and find out more about the products we tested .
Caulk for Baseboards Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
It ’s time to look at some of the best caulking for baseboards currently on the mart . The follow recommendations allow for an in - profundity reference for the best caulking for baseboards in their respective class .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Homes former and young settle over prison term , causing gap to form around mopboard , bathymetry fixtures and other area in a abode . Thanks to its excellent crack - filling power , Sashco ’s Big Stretch acrylic latex caulking becomes invaluable in these situation as it can stretch up to 500 pct of its original sizing without splitting or cracking . We put this claim to the test , and Big Stretch mostly live up to it .
Big Stretch is light to apply with a formula that ’s more or less thicker than other caulk types . Once to the full cure , we put Big Stretch ’s claims to the test by pull the baseboard part off from our surgical incision of run wall by 1/2 column inch . As advertised , Big Stretch spread out to insure the crack without peeling off or snap .
Along with its stretchability , we were also impressed with its versatile finish . While Big Stretch is paintable , you may not require to paint it at all . The caulk dries to a semi - gloss finish that closely match the semi - gloss chromaticity used on most skirting board , and it comes in 13 colors .
Unlike other formulas , Big Stretch is not waterproof and has minimal resistor to mold or mildew , so it should not be used forcaulking the bathroomor kitchen . In fact , any humidness impacts its drying time , which can be as fast as 4 to 5 days but can take up to two weeks in humid conditions .
What our examiner says:“Sashco Big Stretch checks the two most significant box when it comes to a caulk for baseboards : It dries to a semi - gloss bloodless finish that matches most shipshape , and it ’s whippy enough not to snap or gap when your house inevitably settles . ” — Tony Carrick , Product Reviews examiner and author
Get the Sashco caulk for baseboards atLowe’sorAce Hardware .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Durability3/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
DAP brand ’s Alex Plus acrylic latex paint let in silicone polymer for superscript tractability and sealing . It has excellent adherence and , unlike 100 percentage silicone caulking , it ’s suitable for highly porous open such as masonry , concrete , or brick , in addition to alloy , glass , and wood . Plus , this acrylic caulking is also mold- and mold - insubordinate .
DAP has a thicker consistence than other expression , which allows it to cover slightly larger cracks . The thicker grain also makes it easier to control the bead size of it during software .
What really set DAP asunder and makes it an ideal caulk for baseboards is its finish . Unlike other formulas , which dry to a glossy finish , DAP dry out to a flat white coating that easily accepts paint .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
While we like its rouge - friendly finis , DAP is less flexible than the other caulk we tested and , hence , less durable . When we slightly pull a while of mopboard from our test wall base to feign the rude expansion and contraction of wood baseboards and the subsiding of a home , small cracks forge in the caulking seam .
Get the DAP caulk for baseboards atLowe’s , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Lowes
Flex Caulk combines an light - to - employment design with tremendous stretch capableness , stool it an splendid sealer for skirting board for those willing to pay its steep price tag . It is the only caulk we test that does n’t require a caulk shooter ; instead , a built - in gun trigger free the caulk .
We make out the public presentation of this caulking . It was the easiest caulking to apply because there ’s no need for a caulk artillery or to cut the crest of the subway . Flex caulking appropriate users to adjust its production by turn over the nozzle , so determine the period of the caulking is easy . We only care it had the option to align the nozzle opening , as we found that the bead amount out a little thicker than we ’d prefer .
Flex Caulk ’s easy - to - purpose design is enhance by its colour . It dry to a semi - gloss white-hot cultivation , so there ’s no demand to paint over it when caulking semi - gloss blank baseboards and trim .
Photo: Lowes
Flex Caulk claims to be able-bodied to stretch up to five time the bead width to keep cracking , and it lived up to those claim . It did n’t collapse or deplumate off from the Sir Henry Wood surface , even when we make a 1/2 - in gap between our baseboard and our test wall . Flex Caulk ’s only real downside is its terms .
What our tester says : “ Yes , Flex Caulk is twice as much as other caulk , but its design , quality of finish , and durability make it worth take a hop for . ” — Tony Carrick , intersection Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Flex Caulk atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
Best Easy To Apply
GE Advanced Silicone Caulk
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
GE ’s Advanced Silicone caulk was exceptionally easy to use , thanks to its immediate ironical time , high flexibility , and smooth body .
Since it ’s thinner than most formula we examine , GE Advanced Silicone caulk does n’t require voiceless induction squeezes to fight it out of the tin . That makes it promiscuous to practice ordered pressure to the induction , creating a consistent bead of caulk over foresightful test . The caulk formed a waterproof skin on our test opus in about 30 minute .
Photo: Amazon
GE Advanced Silicone ’s telling flexibleness claim harbor up during examination . The caulking held to the trim and infrastructure even when we pull them a full quarter inch apart , a in force indication that it would resist cracks and gaps as baseboards and move with variety in humidity and home settling .
Visually , the high - glossary appearance seems besotted when dry and see slightly translucent even after in full curing . While these qualities make it idealistic for caulking around shiny porcelain john fixtures , it may not match existing skirting board trim , and it ’s unpaintable — so there ’s no way to alter its appearance .
Get GE Advanced silicone caulk atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Best Waterproof
Gorilla Waterproof Silicone Caulk & Seal
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
Gorilla ’s 100 pct silicone caulk and seal is a great option forcaulking showers and bathtubs , as well as other environs that experience high humidness and piss exposure , and works well on baseboards in areas that are exposed to water or dampness .
Gorilla caulk was easy to apply . The silicone formula fare out smoothly without need a decease handle on thecaulk gun ’s initiation , which made it easier on our hands and allow us to defend an even bead of caulking during longer running .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
After laying a beadwork , Gorilla caulking smooths easily with a fingerbreadth . Once wry , it adheres and flex well . It did n’t pull forth from our trim or board , nor did it break up when we overstretch the two pieces slightly asunder .
The caulking is solid white , nearly equal the standard coloration for skirting board and trim . However , it does dry to a high - gloss finish . While this finishing perfectly matches white porcelain , it contrasts with the semi - gloss finish of our baseboards . you may opt for a caulking with a flatter or paintable finish , but it likely wo n’t have the higher-ranking waterproof characteristics of Gorilla caulking .
Get the Gorilla caulk for skirting board atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
More Great Options
The following two option are also idealistic for sealing skirting board . We made both selections after research more than two dozen different sort .
Best Versatile
GE Supreme Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom
GE Supreme ’s kitchen and bathroom caulk ’s versatility lay down it an idealistic waterproof caulk to utilize on a kind of caulk projects around the home — far beyond baseboards alone . It has excellentadhesive quality , so it put to work well on most cloth , including aluminium , tile , brick , stone , cementum board , drywall , woodwind instrument , and Freemasonry . It ’s also 100 percent waterproof , so it varnish around tubs and sink . Plus , it dry out in just 30 minutes . Along with its piss opposition , GE Supreme has high adhesion and flexibility qualities , so it ’s less likely to work crack and gap over prison term .
Get GE Supreme silicone polymer caulking atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best For Large Gaps
DAP Extreme Stretch White Acrylic Urethane Sealant
DAP ’s Extreme stretchiness sealant ’s tremendous flexibility is what get it our best-loved makeweight for baseboard spread . With its ability to elongate over 600 percent of its original bead width , it ’s less potential to snap or spread out up gaps between the baseboard and rampart over time . The sealer will adhere to just about any surface . And since it ’s paintable , coating it with whatever color check the passementerie create a perfect mate . It does have a longer dry time than other trade name at about 2 hours . It also works with metallic element , plastic , and porous materials and is totally waterproof , so it ’s safe to use around door and windows and in bathrooms and kitchens .
Get the DAP Extreme Stretch sealant atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Caulk for Baseboards
We used hands - on testing and research to choose the good caulk for mopboard . To valuate our options side - by - side , we attached a 10 - groundwork section of baseboard to a slice of 2×6 lumber to simulate a wall . We then caulked the seam between the baseboard and the “ rampart ” with each caulk in 2 - foundation sections .
During testing , we assess each caulk based on several factor . We assessed the app , noting how easy it was to wield an even beading of caulk and smooth it out with a digit . We also study dry clip and appearing , evaluating how well each caulk matched the people of colour and finish of the skirting board .
After each caulk was fully cure , we conducted a stretch test to simulate the born movement of baseboards due to change in humidness and house settling . We pulled each skirting board about 1/2 in away from the attached board , noting whether or when the caulking cracked or pulled away .
For the two merchandise we did not screen , we researched their spec and evaluated user review before making our survival of the fittest .
What to Consider When Choosing a Caulk for Baseboards
There is no such matter as a “ general purpose ” caulk . While the best exterior caulk also might be suitable for use on inner baseboards , it ’s important to understand the property of the selected tube . The espouse section explains the key features of different types of caulking so that you could confidently prefer the right formula for each positioning .
Types of Caulk
Many types of caulk are on the market , but not all are suitable for skirting board . Masonry caulking , for example , has a polyurethane base and often hold guts to bestow texture . stubborn caulking is heat resistant and oft used around fireplaces . Butyl rubber caulk is extremely elastic and works well to varnish gutter . However , none of these combine the ease of app and smooth finish required forcaulking mopboard .
The good caulk for baseboards precipitate into three categories : latex ( also call polymer acrylic paint or acrylic latex ) , sodding silicone polymer , and latex with silicone polymer , which seeks to blend the best of both worlds . Though caulking is fairly cheap , silicone generally costs a scrap more .
Many caulk are also referred to as “ elastomeric . ” This is not a type , but rather an indication of the caulking ’s snap . caulk must rest flexible so it does n’t get brittle or snap when juiceless . Pure silicone polymer is naturally elastomeric , and although rubber-base paint may be , it ’s not always .
Quality and Durability
calk baseboards to floors and wall is not the type of caper that must be redone regularly . Although a chance always occurs that accidental damage could call for mend , if a caliber formula is applied correctly , regular maintenance should n’t be necessary .
Cheap types of caulk from unknown brands are frequently available in deduction stores . Since its quality can not be confide , it ’s best to avoid it . calk from a reputable manufacturer should last a minimum of 25 years . While 40 years or more is not rare , some — often the pure silicone products — amount with a life-time guarantee . Whether it actually live on that long depends on how well it ’s apply , the type of baseboard material , and any movement of the wall . However , this type of guarantee demonstrates the manufacturer ’s confidence in its merchandise .
Pro Tip : If using bloodless caulk on skirting board that wo n’t be paint , always check whether it ’s resistant to yellowing . This is particularly important for pure silicone polymer caulking , whichcannotbe painted .
Curing Time and Paintability
The length of time that caulk takes to dry out varies considerably among the dissimilar type . Latex dries quickest ; some marque cure in as little as 30 minutes . tight drying time can be particularly useful if a few significant gap expect a second program or if the baseboard and caulk will be paint . If the area take to be used as promptly as possible , latex caulk is the optimal choice .
Pure silicone generally takes longer to cure . While some caulking is describe as water - resistive after curing for a relatively little time , a full remedy frequently takes 24 hr . visual aspect can be deceptive , as caulking can seem dry to the touch evenhandedly quickly because a skin take shape on the outside . virginal silicone caulk typically takes longer to dry out all the means through .
Latex caulk is often called “ painter ’s caulk , ” which refers to the ease with which it can be colored . virtuous silicone polymer is not paintable , so any silicon - based production that is marketed as such is likely a combination of silicone polymer and rubber-base paint .
Gap Size and Adhesion
New walls should be straight and matted , so caulking the mopboard is the final finishing soupcon . However , in many old residences , the wall are almost never completely square or flat , and even the flooring may be slenderly scratchy . That ’s why we always consider the gap - fulfill properties of a exceptional caulk and whether an area need one or two applications . This is when the caulk ’s elastomeric power becomes important . Some caulk can fill gaps up to two inches encompassing but remain durable .
Baseboards can be made of natural Sir Henry Wood , woods composite , PVC , or other manufactured substance , so also check over how well a particular caulk adheres to the chosen fabric . Pure silicone polymer and rubber-base paint silicone products unremarkably tender the most versatility .
Mold and Mildew Resistance
If the baseboards are in potentially damp or humid environments , such as bathrooms , kitchen , conservatory , and so on , control that the caulk is also waterproofed . If it is n’t , the changing humidity status can cause the caulk to stop down speedily . virgin silicone is 100 percent rainproof , and many latex paint - silicone loan-blend are as well . Latex product vary , so more care is call for when checking their properties .
Mold and mildew resistance is also authoritative when choosing a baseboard caulking for a humid environment . Although pure silicone is likely to give the greatest protection , do n’t take it for granted .
Tips on How to Caulk Baseboards
The following baksheesh for caulking trim and baseboards render honorable general counseling . However , the type of caulk chosen may also impact the program , so always follow the instructions on the caulking tube . These instructions may dissent slightly from those provided here .
The Advantages of Caulking Baseboards
Learning to caulk skirting board is not difficult , but the process does take fourth dimension and forbearance . Most DIYers who make the effort reap big benefits .
FAQs
The entropy supply here should provide a thorough account of how different types of caulk work and how to apply them effectively . We ’ve also play up some of the best caulk currently uncommitted for mopboard . In researching the topic , a few questions crop up regularly , so we ’ve provided answers below .
No . Each character of caulk is specifically formulate for the place described and factory - shuffle for optimal carrying out . Attempting to mix products will not only be mussy and make them difficult to apply , but it will also in all probability shorten effectiveness , not ameliorate it .
The operation of caulk roofing tile is the same as that for other base , as described above in “ Tips on How to calk Baseboards . ” If the roofing tile is in a damp area , a rainproof silicone polymer or acrylic - and - silicone caulk with mold and mildew underground should be used .
Yes , it ’s a quick and effective agency to conceal unsightly crack and prevent insects from infiltrating under baseboards and into the wall .
When caulking baseboard trim , use white-hot caulk , as it will considerably mate the skirting board ’s color than clear caulk , which is more seeable . If your baseboard are n’t white , check that to use a paintable caulk . If you ask help take the rightpaint brush for trim , we ’ve got that covered , too .
Whether or not you shouldpaint baseboardsfirst depend on the character of caulk you use . If you ’re using a paintable caulk , then utilize the caulking before paint your trim . If you ’re using a white , non - paintable caulk that fit the coloring of the baseboards , hold off on caulk until after you paint .
You do n’t have to caulk the baseboards , but there are several just reasons to do so . caulk your baseboard create a cachet in the spread between the wall and baseboard , preventing drafts and keeping pest out . Caulking also creates a neat , professional - looking finish .
When installing the baseboard , they rest on top of the story to get rid of any spread between the storey and the skirting board .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance author particularize in home improvement , landscape gardening , engineering , home surety , and design . His article have been sport on such land site as Popular Mechanics , Futurism , SFGate , Pro Tools Review , and more . Tony has take tight product testing on everything from magnate tool to home security systems to backyard grillroom . With each review article , his goal is to help readers limit whether a mathematical product meets their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its terms tag .
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