How To Caulk Skirting Boards

Posted by Lee Watkinson on 21st Nov 2024

Caulking gaps around skirting boards is the final touch for a smooth, professional finish. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions for DIY caulking success.

Tools & Materials

If you already have your skirting board, you only need two tools to start caulking:

Caulking cartridge or tube - we recommend acrylic sealant for flexibility and water resistance. Look for a brand that's paintable and crack-resistant.
Caulking gun - also called sealant or silicone gun. This applies the caulk smoothly and evenly.

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Demsun A30 Adhesive 310ml

The A30 Nail Free Adhesive by Demsun is perfect to use when fitting our skirting and architraves. Features: Over-paintable Suitable for use in all weather conditions 310ml tube White in colour Super strong adhesion Technical...

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£4.16 (Ex. VAT)

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RTRMAX Silicone Gun Aluminium trigger

This Silicone Gun by RTRMAX is the perfect tool for use with our range of Demsun products (up to 400ml tubes). Features: Robust, yet lightweight Heavy duty metal carriage Compatible with our Demsun products in max. 400ml tubes Aluminium...

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£4.16 (Ex. VAT)

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Step 1 - Prepare the Area

Before applying any caulk to your skirting, you're going to need to clean the area where the skirting board meets the wall with a damp cloth. Remove any dirt or dust so the caulk can adhere properly.
Note: be sure to check out our accessories where you'll find our caulk options.
Ensure the area is completely dry before caulking. Wet surfaces prevent proper bonding.

Step 2 - Apply Caulk

Load the caulk cartridge into the caulking gun. Clip off the nozzle tip.
Run a steady 45° angle bead of caulk along the gap between the skirting and wall.
Don't apply too much! You can always add more if needed after it cures.

Step 3 - Smooth the Bead

Once applied, run a wet finger or damp sponge along the caulk bead.
Apply light pressure to push the caulk into the gap and smooth the surface. Eliminate any bumps or ridges.
Wipe excess caulk away with a dry cloth for a clean finish.

Step 4 - Allow Proper Curing Time

Let the caulk fully cure before painting or adding more. This prevents shrinkage or cracks.
Most caulks need 24 hours. Verify the curing time for your specific product.

Step 5 - Add More Caulk if Needed

Inspect once fully cured. If there are any thin spots or voids, apply additional caulk.
Smooth and wipe away excess once more. Allow to fully cure again.

Step 6 - Paint the Caulked Surface

Once cured, paint the caulked areas with trim paint or wall paint to blend seamlessly.
If gaps are very small, painting the same colour as your skirting boards hides them well.
For larger gaps, match the wall colour instead to fully conceal.

Best Caulk For Skirting Boards

As a manufacturer and supplier, it goes without saying that we have the ideal caulk for skirting boards.

Really, most caulks will do the job - you don't have to look for anything too specific.

Ideally, you'd choose something that remains elastic after curing. This means it is less likely to crack over time.

Most are also waterproof once cured (yay for cleaning!) and you can paint over them too.

Have a browse through our accessories page to see our tried-and-tested caulks and caulk guns, we trust these brands and products and recommend them for those caulking skirting boards and interior mouldings.

Caulk vs Silicone
Advantages of Caulk Adhesive: Easy to apply: Caulk is easy to apply and can be used in a variety of different applications, making it a good option for DIY projects. Dries quickly: Caulk dries quickly, which can be helpful if you're working on a tight schedule or need to finish a project quickly. Affordable: Caulk is generally more affordable than silicone, which can make it a more accessible option for those on a budget. Disadvantages of Caulk Adhesive: Can crack or shrink: Caulk can sometimes crack or shrink over time, which can lead to gaps and other issues with your skirting boards. May not be water-resistant: Not all types of caulk are water-resistant, so it may not be suitable for all applications, especially if you plan to use it in areas that are prone to moisture. May not be as durable: Caulk may not be as durable as silicone and may need to be replaced more frequently, which could be an issue if you want your skirting boards to last for a long time.	Advantages of Silicone Adhesive: Flexibility: Silicone is a flexible material that can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, making it ideal for use in areas that experience a lot of movement, such as skirting boards. Water-resistant: Silicone is water-resistant, which means it can be used in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Long-lasting: Silicone is known for its durability and can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Disadvantages of Silicone Adhesive: Difficult to remove: Once silicone has been applied, it can be difficult to remove without damaging the surface it has been applied to, which could be a problem if you need to replace your skirting boards. Takes longer to dry: Silicone takes longer to dry than other materials such as caulk, which means it can be more time-consuming to work with. More expensive: Silicone is generally more expensive than caulk.

Caulk vs Silicone

Caulk Adhesive

Silicone Adhesive

Advantages of Caulk Adhesive:

Easy to apply: Caulk is easy to apply and can be used in a variety of different applications, making it a good option for DIY projects.
Dries quickly: Caulk dries quickly, which can be helpful if you're working on a tight schedule or need to finish a project quickly.
Affordable: Caulk is generally more affordable than silicone, which can make it a more accessible option for those on a budget.

Disadvantages of Caulk Adhesive:

Can crack or shrink: Caulk can sometimes crack or shrink over time, which can lead to gaps and other issues with your skirting boards.
May not be water-resistant: Not all types of caulk are water-resistant, so it may not be suitable for all applications, especially if you plan to use it in areas that are prone to moisture.
May not be as durable: Caulk may not be as durable as silicone and may need to be replaced more frequently, which could be an issue if you want your skirting boards to last for a long time.

Advantages of Silicone Adhesive:

Flexibility: Silicone is a flexible material that can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, making it ideal for use in areas that experience a lot of movement, such as skirting boards.
Water-resistant: Silicone is water-resistant, which means it can be used in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Long-lasting: Silicone is known for its durability and can last for many years without needing to be replaced.

Disadvantages of Silicone Adhesive:

Difficult to remove: Once silicone has been applied, it can be difficult to remove without damaging the surface it has been applied to, which could be a problem if you need to replace your skirting boards.
Takes longer to dry: Silicone takes longer to dry than other materials such as caulk, which means it can be more time-consuming to work with.
More expensive: Silicone is generally more expensive than caulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Caulk For Skirting Boards?

Acrylic caulk is the best option for skirting boards, it's less prone to cracks, fills up well and provides a neat and clean seal. The Demsun M19 Decorators Caulk permanently stays elastic and is waterproof after it has cured, it's easy to apply and clean, and is paintable and odour-free.

Silicone Or Caulk Around Skirting Boards?

Both silicone and caulk can be used for skirting boards. Silicone is more flexible and water-resistant, making it ideal for areas that experience a lot of movement and moisture. However, it is more expensive and time-consuming to work with. Caulk is easier to apply, and more affordable, but may not be as durable and water-resistant. Choose based on your specific needs and preferences.

Lee Watkinson

Digital Marketing Director at Skirting World with 10 years of experience in Home Interiors & Manufacturing.

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