Caulking Hearth Stones

Examine the coloring of the hearth material to determine the proper color caulk to use. Choose caulk that closely matches the coloring of the tile or grout in the hearth. You may also want to choose a sanded caulk, which looks like grout once it dries.

Protect the surrounding floor area by spreading a plastic tarp over it and securing it to the floor using painter’s tape.

Insert the chosen caulk tube into a caulk gun, squeezing the handle of the gun until the tube is snug. Slice 1/8 inch off the end of the tube at an angle using a utility knife. Insert a long, thin rod or wire clothes hanger into the center of the tube to pierce the inner seal and expose the caulk.

Walk to the left side of the hearth and position the tip of the caulk tube at the point where the hearth meets the wall. Squeeze the handle of the gun gently to begin dispensing a 1/4-inch wide bead.

Pull the gun toward the front of the hearth until you reach the corner. Switch positions to apply the bead along the entire front edge of the hearth, followed by the right side of the hearth.

Spray the caulk bead with a special caulk lubricant to help smooth it out. Place your finger or a caulk smoothing tool at the left rear side of the caulk. Pull your finger or the tool along the entire perimeter of the caulk to create a smooth finish. Wipe off the excess caulk as needed onto o a paper towel.

Wait until the caulk dries completely and pull up the painter’s tape and the plastic tarp.