How to Caulk Around a Recessed Medicine Cabinet

Medicine cabinets come in two basic designs -- those that simply hang on the wall like a picture and those that sit inside the wall cavity, or recessed cabinets. Since installing recessed cabinets requires cutting a hole in the wall, the edges of the opening are typically a little ragged. One way to disguise the opening and improve the look of the cabinet is by applying caulk. Surrounding the cabinet perimeter with caulk also prevents air from leaking out of any gaps.

Silicone/acrylic caulk
Caulking gun
Scissors
Paper towel
Sponge
Bucket
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Select a silicone/acrylic caulk color that closely matches the medicine cabinet or wall paint. You can also opt for a clear caulk.
- 2
  Insert the tube of caulk into the caulking gun with the nozzle facing away from you. Squeeze the trigger on the gun two to three times to tighten it against the tube.
- 3
  Cut off the end of the plastic nozzle at a 45-degree angle, using scissors.
- 4
  Place the tip of the caulking gun on top of the medicine cabinet where the rear of it meets the wall. Angle the gun so the caulk tube is at a 30-degree angle to the cabinet.
- 5
  Squeeze the trigger on the caulking gun to begin applying a 1/4-inch-wide bead of caulk. Pull the tip along the entire top edge of the medicine cabinet until you reach the other side, then release the trigger.
- 6
  Rub your finger along the length of the caulk bead and wipe excess on a paper towel.
- 7
  Dampen a sponge with water, wring it out and wipe down the caulk line gently. Turn the sponge over and wipe the caulk line again.
- 8
  Repeat the process to caulk the sides and bottom edges of the recessed medicine cabinet.

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