How to Caulk a Gap Between the Stove & Countertops

Place blue painters masking tape on the countertop, approximately one-eighth inch from the edge of the gap. Place painters tape on the side of the stove, parallel to and no more than 1/8 inch above the level of the countertop.

Trim the tip of a tube of polysulfide caulk at a 60 degree angle, using heavy shears. The resulting opening should be slightly wider than the gap between the stove and countertop.

Pick up the caulking gun frame. Pull the L-shaped rod that slides through the back of the frame all the way out. Position the spout of the tube in the tall slot at the front of the caulking gun's frame. Turn the tube so the longer end of the tip of the spout is on top.

Push the charging handle into the frame as far as it will go. The metal disk on the end of the charging handle -- inside the caulking gun frame -- will enter the end of the tube of caulk. Squeeze the two-part, squeezable handle until you see caulk appear in the spout.

Position the opening of the spout on the end of the gap that is nearest to you. Compress the squeezable handle slowly to push the caulk from the spout. Push the caulk gun away from you along the gap, squeezing the trigger slowly to maintain a steady flow of caulk.

Allow the caulk to cure completely. Sand the caulk until its surface is nearly level with, but not below, the countertop, using a 320-grit sanding block. Remove the painters tape and wipe the sanding dust from the caulked seam.