How to Caulk Wainscoting

A wainscot is a series of panels used on the lower part of an interior wall. Traditional wainscot consists of wood and the panels can be painted and decorated like any other wooden surface. Sometimes, wainscot can crack between panels or on its surface during the painting process. Caulking cracks helps seal them, so they don't spread or allow moisture to penetrate them.

Sponge
Mild detergent
Oil-based enamel undercoat primer
Fine sandpaper
Tube of acrylic caulk
Caulk gun
Fine sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the wainscot by wiping it down with a damp sponge soaked in warm water and a mild detergent. This helps remove dust and debris that interferes with caulk's ability to bond properly with the wainscot. Let the surface fully dry before continuing.
- 2
  Apply a primer over the wainscoting with a sprayer or paintbrush. This further helps the caulk bond to the wainscot. An oil-based enamel undercoater works well for this purpose.
- 3
  Hold the tip of a tube of acrylic caulk to the cracks in question and slowly squeeze the trigger of the caulk gun to release a slow, steady stream of caulk into the cracks. Allow the caulk to dry overnight.
- 4
  Sand the caulk down with fine sandpaper to make it smooth against the wainscot surface. The wainscot is now ready for painting.

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