How to Fill a Gap in a Laminate Countertop

Installing laminate countertops is a cost-efficient method of revitalizing kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate countertops are typically installed with slight gaps at the seams where the counter meets the backsplash. Although seemingly innocuous, these gaps provide space for water to seep behind the cabinets and onto walls and flooring. Leaving gaps unsealed can eventually result in extensive water damage to cabinets and flooring. Promptly fill a gap around a laminate countertop directly after installation to provide a long-lasting waterproof barrier.

All-purpose cleaner
Paper towels
Silicone caulk
Shears
Nail or other pointed object
Caulk gun
Caulk finishing tool

Instructions

- 1
  Spray the seams with all-purpose cleaner to provide a clean surface for caulk adhesion. Wipe the moist seams with paper towels until all the gunk is gone.
- 2
  Clip the tip off a cartridge of silicone caulk using shears. Cut the tip at a 45-degree angle.
- 3
  Poke a nail or other pointed object into the caulk cartridge’s nozzle to break the foil seal within. Pull back the caulk gun’s plunger handle and fit the caulk cartridge in the gun with the base of the cartridge against the plunger.
- 4
  Pump the caulk gun’s trigger over a trash can until the caulk cartridge produces a steady stream of caulk.
- 5
  Hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle with the nozzle’s tip about 1/8 inch off the laminate substrate. Starting at one end of the seam, pump the gun’s trigger to produce an consistent bead of caulk as you pull the gun toward you. The caulk bead should fully fill the gap, overlapping onto both the laminate countertop and the backsplash.
- 6
  Continue applying caulk along the seam until the gap is completely filled. Steadily generate a consistent bead of caulk as you work backward toward the end of the seam.
- 7
  Glide a caulk finishing tool over the entire bead of wet caulk to push the caulk into the gap and give the bead a smooth, professional appearance.
- 8
  Let the caulk cure for 48 hours.

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