HOW TO CAULK TRIM - EASY METHOD, NO MESS, LEARN TO CAULK LIKE A PRO, CAULK BASEBOARDS - TIMS TIP #12

How to caulk like a pro with this easy no mess method for caulking trim such as baseboards, door molding, crown molding, and more. Learn this no mess method for caulking trim like a pro. One of guys will demonstrate this method at our project in south beach. This is Tims Tip #12, be sure to check out all our Tims Tips which are a series of short videos showing tips that we utilize on our jobs.
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Here are some links to THE LAMINATE CUTTER and other products I use and like (they are affiliate links so if you use them I will earn a small commission which helps keep this channel going.)
Tile Sponge (shown in video) amzn.to/32zjd3z
Sound Rated Underlayment (QUIET WALK) amzn.to/39K7BdM
MY LAMINATE / VINYL CUTTER amzn.to/2LHBaEk
or less expensive option by the same company
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MY quarter round CUTTERS amzn.to/2Q20Orj
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Oscillating tool would probably work fine! BUT NOT if you are gonna use it daily as an installer!! It WILL probably fall apart with HEAVY use! lol
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Hot Glue Gun amzn.to/2JJXAmh
MOISTURE METER amzn.to/32zdBEm
Solid Oak Stair Treads amzn.to/3dsmx3s
MY quarter round CUTTERS amzn.to/2Q20Orj
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Good Luck and please send me any questions you might have. Please "Like" this video as that helps get our videos suggested to more people!
Let me know below in the comments WHICH products or installation techniques you'd like to see in future videos!

[@katelynlambert3808]

I have been avoiding this caulking project for 3 days because I did not want to mess up these new laminate floors. This video made it look easy and not so intimidating, like I've had it built up in my head. Thank you for sharing! I'll be going to get a sponge & bucket tomorrow.

[@user-cz8wq9xn5g]

This is the easiest way to show someone, unlike those that go into a hr long explanation. This simple and to the point

[@brianharper4021]

I think I was doing it a lot like you were, using a wet rag. I’m running down to the store and getting a sponge tomorrow. Thanks for the tip. You are quickly becoming my flooring hero, LOL!

[@JonesKnows]

Thank you! Glad I could help!

[@olivermugridge]

Thank you for showing me the secret caulking. I'm going to use my caulk so much more now.

[@alexvelasco2358]

I have hated caulking for 20 years. I was so messy and just bad. My results are like the video. Clean, smooth, small lines and it's so easy. Very forgiving method if you mess up, just wipe it and start over. I used 20-minute ALEX brand latex caulk on white satin trim/pink eggshell walls with a random soft sponge from the garage. Thanks for this video!!

[@jessicamizzell2854]

im so glad i found this. I had given up on even caulking because I have hand tremors and it would come out terrible. just did this on my baseboard i just installed over my new laminate and omg it looks perfect and i dont have dried caulk all over the place. Thank you guys so much for teaching us amateurs

[@kennethguidry805]

I used this technique and I look like a PRO!!!

[@paulh2990]

Bro I needed this just bought a house and need to caulk all the trims!!! Great stuff!

[@mariedenning1282]

The best method I've ever tried! I was facing this daunting task so of course turned to KZbin. This was the third video I watched and gave it a try. A pretty perfect caulk job, if I do say so myself! Thank you for this video!❤

[@deejaytori]

Man, if only I'd watched this five hours ago before I started caulking between the baseboard and wood floor, using painter's tape, which just lifted the caulk up when I took it off, leaving ragged edges. Maybe I'll just do the whole job over, using this method.

[@ReggieTime]

Awwww nuts‼️🥺

[@OG20001]

Shucks

[@jewel8285]

This is the BEST WAY to do calk. Been doing this for years.

[@KrazyVideoChick]

This is EXACTLY what I needed to see

[@boricuababyhuey7576]

I did this method in my living room and it worked out nicely thing I did not have was a wet bucket so I made many trips to the sink LOL.

[@JonesKnows]

Lol!

[@LeslieJayBoschPhoto]

A wet bucket wasn't going to help you. It's the water in the bucket you need. :-)

[@Pam-oq9xd]

Thank you for this!! I was just taping my floor and looking for tips to make that easier, nervous it would look bad. What great methods here instead!!

[@jeffr6717]

Don't caulk the floor. It will always separate

[@brianburch8062]

Hell ya! This 4:03 has transformed me from intimidated to confident. Thanks for the lesson!

[@dmp9021]

That is the exact method I use. The trick is sometimes when using the sponge you end up taking it all up. So I use my finger and then lightly do the sponge. The only caulking I just can't master is the clear silicone. The white silicone..no problem...crazy, huh? LOL!

[@JonesKnows]

Yup, I think that’s the trick to use your finger first then the sponge lightly so you don’t remove all of it.

[@gerrybardales5024]

Luis needs his own channel though. 🤔

[@gacpac]

i checked a lot of stupid videos and reviews and this is just on point!

[@funtality]

This is great. I was using paper towels the first time and going through so many thinking is this the only way ?!

[@danyettajohnson8181]

Thank you for tutorial I did my whole trailer

[@JTP1967]

I like: "painters told me never to touch a caulking gun again" LMFAO!!!! That's too funny. 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@bchuggs]

Luis is the smartest man alive!

[@johnnyhatesjazz7434]

Thank you for the sponge tip .

[@KeleighAsbury]

Thanks for the great video! I don't understand why the installers didn't caulk the bottom of my baseboards.

[@geekie1]

Awesome. Thanks for the tip. Knew there had to be a better way than using rags!

[@MrDb406466]

Does that siliconized caulk remain sticky and attract dust and dirt? What caulk do you recommend to seal the lower baseboards to textured tile flooring?

[@pidgepagonis]

Same question

[@warrenmooney9422]

Never use silicone caulk on anything that can be painted down the road. Paint does not stick to silicone caulking. Silicone caulk should only be used on things such as sinks to counter tops, or shower surrounds to the tub, etc.

[@dude202020rd]

​@warrenmooney9422 what type would you recommend for this same application

[@steverazo7610]

The sponge , thank you

[@lovehusky02]

So skilled!!! You said it’s siliconized caulk, is it water-based? Is it going to be water proof? Can you please let us know what caulk it is? Can it be used on bathtubs? Brand and type? Thanks.

[@lonthrall5613]

Keeping in mind this comment is 3 Y.O., I'd like to point out there are some great videos that go over various types of caulking and their uses.

[@dr.timothyr.morris5389]

Nice technique! I've seen other Builders doing something similar but using a caulk color that matches the floor so the floor doesn't look kinda painted. Also, some Builders say not to use caulk on a floating floor. What do you all think?

[@MM-sq5pf]

It's amazing how any people watch these vids AFTER f'kg their stuff up lmao. I always thought it was the other way around so you get it right the first time. But, you know

[@LeslieJayBoschPhoto]

Luckily you are here to tell all the inferior earthlings how to do things right

[@Zeen22222]

This looks great, good job and thanks for the advice!

[@koolblue2]

Yep this is my preferred method!

[@fredygonzalez962]

Best tip ever .. thanks a lot

[@mdsloads]

Nice job

[@user-oh1de4to7v]

How wet is your sponge? I tried it and left a lot of white water all over the floor from the sponge thank you

[@henryyu2085]

Nice way to do it nicely

[@Hutchy45445]

I figured this out years ago by accident… Just keep in mind that you can’t get the substrate behind it wet or it won’t adhere. Also, some caulking products don’t respond to soapy water and require an alcohol based product for cleanup; i use isopropyl/rubbing alcohol in those situations. I absolutely hate DAP though, I find it shrinks and discolours overtime…

[@kodineville1999]

As a roofer I'd always just spit a Lil and dab my finger in it wipes great

[@stanleyclo]

I'm gonna give it a try! Thanks!

[@EtreTocsin]

looks great..nice work!

[@deadbrother5355]

Does it not leave white stuff from the caulk water on the floor?

[@matthoffman6962]

Should you actually caulk the floors to the baseboard? What about expand and contraction?

[@jaredmoss8170]

That’s why he is using SherwinWilliams powerhouse caulk. A grade higher in elasticity than 950-A. 950-A should still work well, though.

[@caridepp27]

perfect! my exact concern on what to do before starting :)

[@Petalsandpups122]

Awesome video!! Thanks so much for this

[@williamtaylor874]

wow ! skill

[@warrenmooney9422]

It looks just fine but my issues with this video is you are caulking baseboard to the flooring and you are using silicone caulking. Never use silicone caulking for surfaces that might be painted down the road such as baseboard to walls.

[@punxnotdead3873]

Are you suposed to paint the caulk? Or it will get dirty

[@sorinankitt]

What about 3/8 inch gaps because the flooring crew did not level the basement concrete floor. They just glued down into the dips.

[@kennethguidry8354]

Wonderful video!! How do you store the leftover caulking?

[@alexandrastratanphotographer]

so cool ty!

[@wayneroadarmel235]

yes grout sponge no other way to do it

[@jackiemaloya]

Hi. How do I keep the caulk clean? Mine is turning yellow

[@SunshineStars]

Thx for simple and easy to follow video! 1) What type of caulk were you using? 2) Will 100% silicone and Acrylic Latex caulk both cleanup like that? 3) Also, I have grout next to baseboard that is cracking everywhere and I’m thinking it would be best to remove as much grout as possible and add 100% silicone next to the baseboard. Your thoughts on that?

[@Akadimix]

Make sure you get a kind of caulk that is paintable. People say DAP is good.

[@Semaj.18272]

I’ve used the acrylic latex caulk when it dries it sort of feels like Sicilian but not as hard the Benefit is you can paint it and sand it ! 100 silicon I think hood for kitchen bathroom wet areas but in saying I have tiles in my place so I will be using silicon betwen skirting boards and floor tiles and I’ll be using acrylic latex betwen wall and skirting board hope that made seance

[@elizabethmarielle2231]

@@Semaj.18272 What Sicilian does it feel like? Stallone? Pesci?

[@rickynorris91]

Hi, Looks great. Can I ask, is this instead of edging stripe? (Quarter round), what about the expansion gap?

[@xavierprieto884]

Adding a quarter round gives an undesirable look for flat baseboard. Many painters do have issues with expansion between floors and the base bottoms, especially on wood floors, although they are not likely around to see it occur. Tight gaps and high quality caulking give good results and leave everything looking flush. Experience also helps. On production job sites the atmosphere is "work seemingly looks nice, get it done, get paid, no warranty implied, thanks."

[@robira1313]

It's easy when your caulking the floor area ALONG the tiles, but what about when you're caulking ACROSS the grout lines. I find too much caulk getting onto the grout. How do I avoid this? A sponge won't get the caulk off the grout that easily.

[@JTP1967]

Best way to do that is use painters paint. But leave about 1/16" gap between the edge of the tape and the baseboard. It's still sucks, but it does work.

[@y.s.miller4109]

I looked high and low and don't see any link to the caulk that was used.

[@chapothakid5080]

I do it like that but u use alot more caulk that way

[@-.TS.-]

What happens when the floor contracts and expands? Also, what if the gap is a little larger.

[@jeffr6717]

Exactly ypu never caulk the floor

[@debbie4503]

Are there different colors of caulking?

[@afprincess7622]

Is there a video on how to remove the old caulking? Even if The baseboard is still attached to the wall?

[@keangkong]

You can try a utility knife. But if that doesn't work, try an oscillating multi-tool.

[@saja7366]

Why didn't you use a caulk to match the floor?

[@ritadraille5488]

Should I Pravin before I caulk!

[@Ana-fm4op]

I tried this but then realized the thing coming out of the product was rubbery and sticky and now I made a mess and I hate myself

[@Yukon85226]

Can this method be applied to bathtub/shower sealant? Thanks.

[@8181k]

The builders of my condo did a terrible job with the floors. They left 1/4" to 1/2" gaps between the hardwood floors and the baseboards. Will this caulking do the job to seal it or do I need to use something that will expand to fill the gaps like a foam?

[@sergio6469]

The caulk should work fine just make sure too use enough

[@8181k]

@@sergio6469 I ended up using a spray foam to fill the cavity and then used the caulk to cover it up. Came out really well.

[@yasniely]

Thank you for this video!

[@Semaj.18272]

What type of caulk you using ? 100 silicon or decorate no gap no more gap I think it’s called thy has some latex in there for flexibility

[@RD-zw5yd]

What kind of caulk? There is no link

[@wschmidt22]

if I use way too much caulk and let it dry, what's the best way to clean it up? sandpaper?

[@armz2o]

Razor blade and a paint scraper don’t use sandpaper

[@r.c.850]

what caulk is that?... I applied caulk to the floor and baseboard and few months later it turned yellow..... any one knows why?

[@bonnievasquez711]

I want a LVP flooring that is similar to those floors! Any recommendations??

[@christians4599]

No

[@Shirodx]

Do you put some dishwashing liquid in the bucket with the water? Should you? Don't need? Hurt or help? Thanks.

[@JonesKnows]

Nope just plain water

[@shecontractor3787]

I like to add a drop of dish detergent

[@dannyaguado]

@@shecontractor3787 Why add a drop of dish washing soap?

[@ibedoindat]

@@dannyaguado personal preference. I like to add a ginger-flavored cough drop. Gives a nice scent 👍🏼

[@susansperry4218]

Great tip! What flooring is that?

[@JonesKnows]

that is a super high end European White Oak from Italy that my cliet ordered from a store in NY Ill probably put that name in a future view I cant think of it right now its an italian name lol its not any mainsteam brand

[@SOPEACEBESTILL]

WHAT KIND OF CAULK DID YOU USE?

[@wags6055]

I am curious. Is the caulking you are applying for your jobs does it dry white or clear?

[@darpy01]

it will dry white and over time it will turn yellow, so you need to paint over it

[@wags6055]

@@darpy01 Thank you!

[@cliffdariff74]

You didn’t mention type of caulking... a Home Depot employee told me NOT to caulk under baseboards if finished floor is wood on concrete, due to expansion and contraction. It will ripple the floor, I’ve got about 1/4” gap all around my house, built on slab.

[@ae86Pride]

Hes using Sherwin Williams Power House caulking- White . How do I know? If you pause the video and have a bigger screen computer you can see the brand of the caulking

[@edgarvasquez8660]

Yes Guy @ Home depot is right, you don't want to apply any sealants between base and floor. Never seen a professional painter do this before. I seen this from guys who like to believe they are professional. Just because something looks good doesn't mean it's right to do. Floor not even? Better of using narrow flexible shoe molding.

[@arabelle567]

@@edgarvasquez8660 ok since caulk can’t be used how can someone address the gap between floor and quarter round. Surly it’s not “add more molding onto your molding”. Also, does it warp all flooring or just certain types of flooring cause it looks like we have laminate wood flooring not real wood.

[@kerrywilson956]

@@ae86Pride Thank you!!

[@Discovery123.]

@Cliff DaRiff. That’s not true. I understand wood expansion and contract in the wide and length but never heard wood expansion and contract in the vertical. Would you leave a expansion gap between the floor and base board? The caulk they are using is very flexible, they use in the bathroom where the floor and base board meet, I see no problem with that.

[@williammolchan3883]

You should never ever caulk the bottom of the baseboard to the floor especially on floating floors it should move freely under the baseboard and not have any caulking holding it back . I've been a flooring installer for over 25 years and I see this from time to time and it's totally ridiculous .

[@normalaurent4960]

I have terrazzo floors. After they installed the new baseboards I’m seeing a space between the floor and the baseboard. What harm is there in caulking that space?

[@pidgepagonis]

@@normalaurent4960 I’m wondering the same thing?

[@slip0n0fall]

Agreed, waste of time. Customer should know upfront, based on the amount of prep they're paying for, if there will be gaps. Inevitable on dark floors and tall trim, unless they pay for the underlayment prep. Otherwise they get qrt/shoe mould

[@williammolchan3883]

@@normalaurent4960 it interrupts expansion and contraction of the floor .

[@williammolchan3883]

@@pidgepagonis it interrupts expansion and contraction of the floor

[@DatGrlTah13]

I don't think it said what type of caulk he used.

[@frifri28]

I’m trying to fill in the gap bwteeen my carpet and the bottom of the baseboard is that possible what could I use for that ? bugs hid in there and I m trying to fill in that space .

[@36thstreethero]

Usually the bottom of the baseboard is hidden by the height of the carpet. Perhaps you need a taller rug, because the alternative is to “drop” the baseboard

[@SV28888]

Hi dumb question...but I just moved into a condo and I noticed spiders which I think are coming out of the base. Will the caulking help to prevent this or it just for astheics?

[@jasonakinaka4382]

Caulking helps prevent water damage and insect issues, but if you've got spiders coming out of the gaps in your base, they are in your walls. That's an infestation that needs to be taken care of.

[@SV28888]

@@jasonakinaka4382 Thank you!

[@deejaytori]

Update: I did it over using this method, but the wet sponge lifted paint off my baseboards. :( I went back to the painter's tape method, just being careful to smooth down the caulk very thin and to remove the tape as soon as possible, which worked more or less.

[@bethcrandell4152]

Hey, an avid painter/remodeler here! Having a wet sponge to wipe the caulk should not rip paint off your baseboards. I have used this same method for most of my career (over 10 years now). I would check to make sure your paint is cured, but I would also be wary of what is underneath. Did you go from oil to latex paint? You have to do several steps to switch from oil to latex. Though, there is a company that sells a primer that helps with the switch. If it can wipe off with a sponge, it is something you will eventually, unfortunately sooner rather than later, have to address to fix.

[@deejaytori]

@@bethcrandell4152 Hi, thanks very much for this information! The remodelers painted the baseboards in our condo just before we moved in, and didn't say anything about paint types and what was there before they painted it with the latex paint I chose. It's possible they did paint over oil with latex (they weren't the most experienced, and left a number of small issues I had to fix or clean up). I will keep this info in mind, and look for that primer when the baseboards need to be repainted.

[@rollingcalfmusic]

That only works if the call is the same color as the baseboard, if the base was red the white would not match

[@randyv5678]

What caulk was Luis using? You never linked it. TIA.

[@ae86Pride]

Sherwin Williams Power House caulking- White

[@randyv5678]

@@ae86Pride Thank you!! :)

[@afterburner3999]

this is not silicone

[@josegarcia-hg6ot]

esto ests mal solo cinta en el piso evitas mojar la madera y perder tiempo

[@jasonakinaka4382]

No es madera, es laminate o lvt, creo. O sea, impermeable.

[@saja7366]

Silicone isn't paintable...

[@boongrieboongrie619]

Huffing and puffing behind the facemask, hope everyone is triple vaccinated

[@dondachamp]

This guy tripping both them not kool man not kool that's how you do not get paid

[@jf8050]

Don't be so caulky!

[@davidkirkham6497]

That bead on top is ugly! Way too much caulk!

[@jasonakinaka4382]

Paintable caulk blends in with the base when painted.

[@erickrodriguez9934]

Caulking on floor looks horrible! Shoe molding looks better.

[@edgarvasquez8660]

So wrong, try to avoid this at all cost. Please do your homework before you do this to your beautiful floor, there is a lot info out there that will explain why you don't want to apply any sealants between base and floor. It may or not apply to you but as a rule leave it free so it can move.

[@thetroothhurtz]

Is that true? That's what I keep hearing!

[@jasonakinaka4382]

Lots of caulking is flexible.

[@deadbrother5355]

Please elaborate.

[@jasonakinaka4382]

@@deadbrother5355 He's basically saying that a sealant between floor and base will crack as the house moves/settles. Not usually true as most caulking is flexible. And you definitely want to seal areas where water or termites can get in. The problem I have with this video is that unless you're really good with a tile sponge, you are going to pull out too much caulking. It might look perfect when you're done, but give it time and the caulking will shrink and you'll see a divot. I suggest the wet finger method so you can do a 45 degree angle, which will shrink and not look so obvious.

[@atg1338]

What a joke...when u caulk the floor it needs to be painted or its gonna look dirty....come on

[@donnayoung9215]

You lost me with the stupid mask

[@djb6496]

You were lost before it, don't lie.

[@kawphetyme4222]

Absolutely ridiculous to caulk the trim to the floor. It looks horrible. That is what shoe is for.