How to Caulk Skirting Boards & Base Boards
In today's video I show you how to caulk your skirting boards/ base boards effortlessly - with a FUGI Silicone Profiling Tool!
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I've caulked quite a lot of skirting boards in my time as I've gradually renovated the two properties I've lived in. I've always found it a bit of a long winded process - first smoothing the bead of caulk with my finger and then tooling it with a decorators filling knife to remove the unsightly residue.
But yesterday before I caulked the new skirting boards I've just installed in our spare room, I thought, why not use the FUGI silicone profiling tool I recently used on my Pro Silicone Guide video • How to Apply Silicone ... .
There's a particular tool in the kit I bought geni.us/C580d (Amazon) that has a right angle profile - designed I reckon primarily to enable you to completely remove a silicone bead that you've wrongly applied.
So I thought I'd give it a go, and here's how I got on!
Note, if your skirting / base boards are wood or MDF, you might try using the angled profile rather than the right angle, as this will give you a thicker bead that will resist cracking if the boards move after installation.
TODAY'S TOOL KIT *
- Cramer FUGI Kit Profiling Tool with 16 profile shapes and the FUGI II guiding aid for transverse joints geni.us/zmo5 (Amazon)
- FUGI kit on Amazon UK geni.us/mkaiLnx (Amazon)
- FUGI kit on Amazon US geni.us/pXUeQQH (Amazon)
- Heavy duty applicator gun geni.us/VgT2j6N (Amazon)
- Geocel Decorators Caulk 380ml geni.us/ubJ3W4 (Amazon)
- Stanley knife geni.us/ADYKgpu (Amazon)
- Leatherman Surge geni.us/6s7e (Amazon)
- Fat Hog Multi Wipes goo.gl/vt7dEA
* The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do.
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Charlie DIYte
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Tried this at the weekend, complete novice and first time using caulk, the gun and the FUGI tool, thrilled with the results, thanks so much Charlie
One of the most informative and comprehensives videos I have seen on KZhead on this issues of mould reduction and prevention. Well done!
By watching your video, I purchased those tools thank you very much for showing us how to use it. I’ve used it and I’m well impressed thank you.
Thanks so much for this. I just caulked my 6m x 5m mancave skirting and windows in an hour and a half and it looks brilliant!
It puts a smile on my face when I check my email and there is a Charlie video for me. Thanks for doing this. You explanations are so clear and you are so willing to respond to comments and suggestions from tradies.
Thanks Dianne - I really appreciate that! If you do this just use one of the angle profiles rather than the 90 degree, as you need a small bead on the skirting/base board in case there's any movement.
Been a fan of these for a few years now and they are very good and used very often. Friends think I’m a pro! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for this . I’m so picky when caulking. I personally hate caulking and usually use a 5 in 1 tool to scrape the excess . Your tool is way better! I’m getting one ASAP 😊
Had a fugi kit for years glad someone has done a vid about them. They really arr a game changer
Cheers, Adam. Couldn't agree more!
Thanks Charlie for an awesome video! Thanks to your detailed instructions I was able to caulk and use the Cramer tool like a pro! Please keep making videos like this. They are very helpful!
Thanks Elvis, I appreciate that and have no intention of stopping anytime soon 👍 Thanks so much for watching my vids!!
The Fugi is fantastic...I used it on my windows and doors...Brilliant tool 👍
What a great idea! I used a cut-off piece of a Bondo applicator to scrape away excess caulk. Just made resin coated kitchen countertops that look like marble, and I didn't want a smear job with the silicone. This worked perfect!!!!
First rate, thank you so much for the vid. Tried the method today, it went exactly like your video. I doubt I'll ever switch back to the old way.
Excellent tip, thank you. And here I thought you were just a top chef. Thanks Gordon.
I found it under Cramer, in Germany also. Great video by the way, I use it on every job now!Thanks
Thanks for the very helpful video. Ready to get started right now!
I have just bought it right after finishing watching the video, hope I'll get what I am looking for, thanks for the video mate!
I love how excited you are about the tool!
Mate, this is a much better vid if you're caulking skirting boards kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html 👍
Wow, great tool, many thanks for the demo
Got the $10 kit from amazon that looks just like the one in this video. I wish I had this 20 years ago. Does a really nice job cleaning up caulk joints. No more smearing it in the wall! Plus you don’t get the concave joints like you do with your finger. Also a lot cleaner, no more cleaning your fingers.
Great tip cutting it off square! I didn’t even think about the force of the product going in that way better.
I watched this video to the end, and once it was finished set about applying what I had seen. This was the first time I had done anything like this, and I must admit; I did a very good job. Charlie, thank you very much, my wife thanks you also.
Aw :)
Sorry mate, I missed this comment somehow. Really glad it worked and massive thanks for the comment 👍
SHEEEESH! Not only is Chef Ramsey chopping it up in the kitchen, he is also killing it with the caulking skills!
Ha, love it 🤣 Check out this updated video if you have a moment bit.ly/38SZ9vK It's much more comprehensive 👍🏻
Really informative video tutorial again. And very honest. Keep up the good work. I found these videos so useful. Thanks
I use a damp sponge or cotton rag and it cleans it up nicely. I always caulk before walls are painted anyway. But handy to know. I do have a Fugi kit but rarely use it.
Thanks for sharing Charlie these tools area revelation.
Good video Charlie. Will use this tip with my caulking.
I've heard that you wake up in the middle of the night and shout "fugi" and then fall asleep again. Love your vids, mate
Back in the day I hear he was the manager of the popular rap musical ensemble "The Fugees"
Awsome tool for siliconing and caulcking well worth the 11 quid I paid awsome finish with no effort.
Great video, Charlie! After purchasing the FUGI profiling tool for my bathroom remodel, as a direct result of watching your 'Complete Pro Guide' this additional use will be tremendous help as I now move on to the master walk in closet and will dreadfully have to reattach many baseboards. So glad to already have the Fugi tools and your video showing just the right way to use them. Thank you!
Chris Johnsen Thanks Chris - it's so great to get feedback like that - thanks for taking the time to let me know!!
Me too. Now I'm walking round looking for things to caulk
Hi Charlie, I’ve become a big fan of your video blogs and especially on your Siliconing ones (having also watched numerous other people’s blogs on the same subject). Amongst other kits I also use your preferred kit. It’s very good overall but I still find I’ve got various favourite specific tools in other competitors kits so depending on how much of this sort of work you do it can be worth having 2 or 3 or more kits from different fugi manufacturers. Now only just seen this video, it’s really interesting because I recently by chance came to the same thought process when I had to do some general decorating caulking. I experienced the same signs of wear to the edges of the fugi tools and went through a similar thought process as to why they were deteriorating that much quicker, however the reason I believe it is happening is due to the fact that we’re using a different ‘sealing’ material, I think the the silicone sealant due to it’s material properties which is way different from standard caulking sealant, actually helps to protect the fugi tools edges. If you consider the silicone is far more robust and is therefore protecting the delicate fugi edges. Also agree with one of your replies about using maybe a 5mm radius or say 3 or 4mm straight angle, admittedly not required for sealing from water but principal remains the same as you don’t want it to split at a later date and this will give more resistance (add some flexibility to the seal) to any future movement between door & window frame/skirting board and against the walls etc. Also as a pro decorator friend of mine said to me, it actually makes it easier to ‘cut in’ when painting (even when using a fine paint brush) onto a very slightly blunted angle when dealing with say a right angled edge. Keep up the great work!
Marc, thanks so much for your comment - over a year ago. I'm sorry I missed it at the time but I thought I'd get in touch because I discovered it whilst researching this weekend's video (and of course because you had some great tips and general points in it). This weekend's vid is an improved caulk video. Anyway, many thanks for the comment. Hopefully hear from you soon.
A great video, I’ve just purchased a Fugi Kit from Tool Station and now I’ve seen your technical expertise I’m going to have ago. I have tried it the old way with mixed results but now I want try this new way. Thanks Charlie.
Steve Pettit Thanks Steve. You'll love the kit. Good luck and let me know how you get on! Only thing I'd suggest is maybe experiment first with the smallest concave profile to leave a small concave bead rather than totally removing the caulk as I did with the right angle profile, because this will help if the skirting boards shrink or otherwise move at all.
Charlie DIYte Thanks I will do. :)
4:00 I like how you simulated that really tricky spot by holding a radiator pipe up in the air lol.
Thanks for this - really helpful. Like the way you show the technique a few times and from different perspectives.
You're welcome mate. One thing though - use the smallest angled profile rather than the right angle, to give you a bit of a bead in case the skirting/ base board moves.
The Fugis are available in the US at Lowe's under their Blue Hawk brand. You don't get the full complement however.
Nice. Thank you for sharing.
Cat Dinkins You're welcome Cat. Thanks for the comment!
Great tip Charlie 😊
+TheDaf95xf Thanks!
Thank you!... your method is very good.
Thank you for this tutorial, I am attempting to tidy up some awful work that has been done in my home (prior to me moving in), and this is one of the issues I have. I intend to buy a new gun and silicon, so I am watching to get some tips. I also have the shelving issue that is a mess, I think I will have to put on a much larger size 'finish' to hide a lot of errors. I am going to watch your shelving tutorial next, and then go with a shopping list to B & Q!! THANK YOU for all your tips.
You're welcome. You might find this updated video on caulking a bit more useful kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
@@CharlieDIYte thank you. I went round to my Dad's today, with a new gun, and when I went to get the Caulk/Silicon - he had cut the tube off the container!!!!!!!! The caulk/silicon had dried up, and his excuse?? "well he could not get any out"!! I showed him the piercing bit, that you put down the tube if you can't get any out!! Then I went to the wall board - and he had scoured the whole area with a knife!!! it was scratched to hell!!! He said "I tried my best"!! So I now have to go back to B & Q to get more Caulk/Silicon and start again ( if he has not interfered with it again). I am going to take photos of all his DIY disasters as no one would believe them. he said "they are not so bad"! WTF??
Saved my life!
I use a silcone tool quite often now, been a painter over 18yrs, when you need to caulk every skirt and door frame in a new house you tend to lose the skin off your fingers, sometimes i use a small kitchen sponge too.
Very good explanations
Right angle is perfect for MDF skirting as they aren't moving anywhere! Been using this method a few years now
Glad to hear it works for you - and thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Just bought one from amazon for £2.50 excited to use it on my diy projects.
Good luck and if you're caulking skirting boards you might check out my improved, updated video kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
I used your method of caulking and I must say thank you very much as the job turned out fabulously. I couldn't be more pleased and the effort was minimal. Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is the key. Thank you once again.
Lovely. I recently have moved from caulk to plaster filler. It has revolutioned my caulking experience. It’s sets harder, doesn’t shrink much and easier to work with. Obviously caulk does have some uses for me. Still use the finger however, I don’t know just find it satisfying! Use a small sponge and some water to soften the edge. I’d imagine that fungi kit won’t last long on skirting, maybe just make up some 90 degree cuts of hard rubber?
Perfect. Use a Rubbermaid at least it's just got a handle. Therefore keeping your hands clean....er.
So simple it should be obvious really but it had never occurred to me. Nice tip Charlie.
Neither me until recently! Thanks mate - appreciate that!
Now you tell me! I bought a Fugi kit after seeing you use it for silicone, but never thought of using it on the skirting board caulking I did last week. Got to seal in a window frame tomorrow so I’ll definitely use it for that now I’m reminded. One word of warning, I bought my Fuji kit from Amazon and it came with German-only instructions. Google translate helped but it wasn’t perfect
Thanks for the heads up Geoffrey. You might just check out my update video if you have a moment kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
Topps tiles in the UK do a 3 piece kit for £5.99 and work great. Not biased but the results looked professional! Check out his full video on silicone for an in-depth and professional use of the tool and bonding techniques of silicon. Many thanks.
Thanks! Now I know what to do with those coloured plastic things
Very good work
Varada Raj Thanks!
Just bought a similar silicone rubber from B&Q for a couple of pounds. Not sure if it will be as good but it will be worth a try. The corner profiles appear very similar to the one you use. I am thinking of purchasing the Makita 180ZBK gun as I do a lot of glazing/ beading. It will not mean I will be able to improve on your results- fantastic idea to use the silicon rubber on skirtings. Thank you
Thanks Paul. Only thing I'd add is that you might want to use the angle profile if there's any chance the skirting will warp/ move, as with the right angle profile I used, the joint is a bit susceptible to cracking.
Excellent video I have to say. Liked and subscribed
Massive thanks for the sub, and if you have time, check this one out as it's a bit more comprehensive and updated kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
I bought some at Bunnings for $2.50 for the Aussies's! They work well.
Rosalind Grace oh great how did it work Rosalind ? I’m about to start my baseboards this week. Is it the same brand ? What do I ask for ? I’m in Ozz too 👍🇦🇺
Search for a silicone scraper or sealant scraper
Cheers Mite!
You're welcome but check out the update video. It's much better kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html 👍🏻
I have order one to thanks for great Vid's
You're welcome. Maybe try one of the angled profiles rather than the 90 degree that I used - so that the caulk bead is thick enough to withstand any movement in the base board/ skirting board.
At Amazon UK you can buy sealing tools for a few pounds, or those kits mentioned in the video for around £12 - 15. If you can't justify the cost for a single or now-and-then use, try snipping the corner off an old credit card or better still a smooth plastic cards like old "two together" rail cards and use them. The effect is similar if not as good as the real thing. I use old credit cards to fill small indents in wood etc.
Just cut a VERY fine tip at a 45 degree. Use gentle consistent pressure, start in your corners. No need to wipe once you learn to lay a proper bead. Caulking all the trim in a massive house that has colossal base, crown custom trim columns everywhere. Triple extention jams between window and casing. You learn to just lay a nice bead.
I do use one of these silicone tools for when you have to fill a half inch gap.
Would this work equally well if my wall is already painted? I've seen painters tape used to keep the caulk of the wall, but is that just because the wall is already painted?
Love this guy his brilliant
Thanks Mike, although I've done a new, improved version of this vid u might like to check out bit.ly/38SZ9vK. 👍🏻
Best tip on video @ 4:03
caulk the gap and smooth with damp finger. if it sinks apply another bead and smooth. paint walls and paint over the caulk. cut in skirting neatly to wall
Great video, nice product placing & name dropping!
Thanks - and thanks for taking the time to comment!
Great tips thanks mate, I just uploaded vid of my way caulking Skirting board, I use a piece of cloth with water ;)
Hi Charlie. Which tool and how would you use it for a surface which runs alongside tiles. Top of upstand and tile splash backs I mean. Thanks
Great job Charlie, very useful info once again. Ps I am in Australia so sadly all your price hunting is of little use to me but the tool list is perfect 👍
I found a replica of the Fugi tools in Bunnings from Paint Partners, about $3 AUD. About to try it out.
You can buy it from Amazon
Excellent Excellent job once again my good man!! And shouts out to you for a lil more in depth tutorial on how to use those fugi kit tools. Mann I needed that! I purchased the kit and got mines the other day! Now I have been diving into the trenches. Quick question... came across a flat surface with a crack on the bathroom wall.. it has no angle at all. So how would you caulk that thing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there. Sorry I missed this. Take a look at this vid kzhead.info/sun/abOmo9ptZICEbKM/bejne.html as I tackle a crack a bit like the one you're talking about. I'd get a continental filler knife and some Easi-Fill or similar (not sure what they sell where you are) and tool it into the crack, removing all the residue so that the filler only fills the crack. Then give it a light sand to remove any residue, once the filler's set. Hope that helps.
You should try isomat caulk, it’s the best stuff I’ve ever used barely shrinks doesn’t leave a water stain and is less prone to cracking
Nice, thanks!!
Great tip!
Thanks and there's a much more comprehensive update video here kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
You get a better joint straight out the gun than I've ever achieved after attempting to smoooth!
Great tip - just got the Fugi tools for £3.95 on ebay!
In Aussie land get on down to Bunnings and you can get similar for about 3 bucks. Go Saturday morning and get a snag and a drink for 3 fifty whilst your there.
Today I used the FUGI kit to redo the caulk in my bathroom, on a floor/wall. This tool does amazing job, but for some reason I had better results using it the other way - wiping with the beveled side. Especially when I had to work around the toilet where I had very little access to the wall. I was not able to keep it under the right angle (it was always touching floor/wall properly) but more with an angle as you do @ 4:57 in your video. As a result sometimes I was able to wipe the whole caulk away. It was working fine the other way. I don't know why, I didn't have this problem on my little test wall I built to test the tool.
Just fiund this. I watched your video on siliconing and adapted that to doing caulking. Works a treat but I still find I get a little shadow left on the wall as the caulk catches on the paint. Have found the same as you that the adage of the tool is getting worn down.
Yes, if I'm honest I should have mentioned that the caulking should be done before painting the walls and skirting.
You can dress the edge of your profiling tool by rubbing it over some 400 grit or finer sandpaper much like sharpening a knife. I lay the sandpaper over a piece of marble tile since it is truly flat and produces the best results. You can extend the life of the tool and still produce perfect results.
Arthur, thanks so much for your brilliant tip! I was sceptical but tried it out (with a 2000 grit wet and dry I had lying around) as I'm doing a new, more comprehensive caulking video at the moment, and it worked just as you described! Look out for the vid, and it will be at around the 12:44 min mark. 👍
Here in America we use a 1/4 round on the baseboard. How would you use the Cramer tools for a straighter line. Unless I missed something the round board and grout line conflict. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Love the videos but not sure this is necessary or helpful? Obviously glad it works for you! My understanding was that you do want a feathered edge and a bevelled caulk so that when you cut in, you’re painting a straight line on the caulk so that you don’t catch the brush on the perpendicular surface. I.e. it’s easier to draw a clean line in the inside of a curved surface than it is to get right up to a surface you meet at a right angle (which I find nearly impossible!).
Yep, you've got a point. The problem with the right angle profile is that if your skirting or base boards move, there isn't enough caulk to prevent cracking along the joint. So if I was to do this video again, I'd probably suggest using the smallest angle profile on the tool, as you get a great result with that, which is then easy to paint, as you say!
With decorators caulk you can clean it down with a sponge and bucket of water, it gives great results.
Charlie & subs.... Wanted to let you know that the FUGI 2 kit is on Amazon (in stock Sept 29, estimated) from KS Tools for $20.11 USD, however, there is shipping that could be up to $11.00 USD. This is the same FUGI 2 from Cramer, but comes in black case not clear, & doesn't cost $46-$51 USD. Just wanted everyone to know if you were interested.
Exactly how I do it. The only difference is I have a plastic bag and a pot of wonder wipes. I find the wipes make it easier to clean the tool off and I chuck the used wipes in the bag so it doesn't get stuck too my shoe.
However, Outstanding Proper video!
Mike Vandervoort Thanks Mike!
Great video
Thanks!
I bought a caulking tool recently (not sure if it’s a Fugi but) I’m about to put it to the test. I sure hope it works because I’m sick of raw/bleeding fingertips and I have about 18 windows and trim to caulk.
Shell G. Good luck. Maybe experiment with the smallest bead profile rather than the right angle. That way you've got a small bead in place should there be any movement in the gap.
Alrighty, thanks for the tip! 👍🏻
Hi. For skirting boards I have always used filler, rather than silicone type caulks/sealants (could be because when I first started, the silicone products did not exist). But I still do get filler on the wall sometimes. While I think filler is easier to remove, I might try the Fugi type tool with filler.
OK. Tried both using the Bunning's version of the tool. Caulking definitely still messier than Selley's Polyfilla. The tool works OK with filler, but does wear out quickly. I think I would get maybe two bedrooms (each about 3.6m x 4.2m) done before having to replace the tool. Thanks Charlie, I have watched several of your other vids and found them very useful. Cannot get the hang of scribing an internal corner for skirting boards - maybe just need more practice.
@@jeremymorris5215 Hi Jeremy. Thanks for the comment - sorry I missed this 2 weeks ago. I chanced up on it as I'm currently researching for a new improved caulking video. On the internal corner scribing maybe take a look at my last video kzhead.info/sun/pMyeY7uZqGh3lmw/bejne.html as I tackle it again there. Cheers!
Hi , is silicone profiling tool appropriate to smoothen silicone joints while assembling an aquarium ?
Hi, How do you calk a join not against a wall using the tools? e.g flat join between two pieces on the floor. I have an indoor balcony lip that joined using two pieces of pvc I would like to do a straight line but has;t worked out
Thanks for the video =)
You're welcome. Check it this update though, it's much better 😉 kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html
Thanks Charlie, guess it’s time to give up the spit finger technique.
Baaaaaaahaahhaahhaa !!! I use spit finger every morning on me apprentice!! ( shes a chick ) work fingering and penetration is the ultimate aphrodisiac!! Xx big love from down under
how do you keep it smoth if the wall has a varied texture
Just moved into a house around door frames the old cork I'd ruff to say the least,could I use a wider bead of cork over the top with the lager profile setting on tool ,to get a better edge when cutting in paint,or should I cut or sand out old cork ?
Yes you could certainly do that, and actually if you look at what I did here, I went for a pretty wide profile because of my warped skirtings bit.ly/3cfJHvG
For those of us in the U.S.A. DAP is selling a comparable tool kit with the mini tool included for about $12US
You not put hand sope little bit on that rubber item to smooth finish?
I always use tape smooth it out with finger then remove tape then smooth out again leaves nice less mess of silicone.
Hi Charlie, can you make a video on how to caulk between laminate flooring and kitchen cabinets ? Is too dificuly to remove the cabinets and I cannot think of a better way of hiding the space allowed for expansion...
Are you just trying to deal the space? If so I massively recommend expanding foam tape kzhead.info/sun/iZqliryiiYRjZKM/bejne.html Silicone is problematic between floors and skirting because of expansion bit also because it's a bad insulator whereas this stuff is brilliant and being black you don't really see it once it's in.
Can I ask what make your ratchet caulking gun is? I have tried e very place local to me and can only get the ones you have to press the tab at the back to stop, by which time you have caulking on your skirting board you dont want. Thanks
Great video Charlie 👍 How many people wet their finger with their mouth saliva to smooth 😣
Thanks Nicky. I dread to think!
+Charlie DIYte; .....I dread to remember [*_*]
To lube, not to caulk.
Hi Charlie, thanks for the very informative video. A builder friend of mine recommended using an old credit card instead of the Fugi card. He said to cut a small hole at the corner depending on how big a gap you want. Have you tried this technique? Before I start caulking my home, would you recommend it?
Thanks. Mate check this one out, it's much better kzhead.info/sun/YKmNibF-maaXh6M/bejne.html Short answer, don't use a credit card. The whole point of the Cramer or cheap equivalent tool is the rubber in it picks off any residue. The credit card will leave a film of caulk on the wall and skirting 👊
Great video... "Spend money on wipes" when u can use a damp sponge .
Works great on a smooth wall and a baseboard with a flat top. Now try it on a textured wall and a decorative base.
Thats exactly what i thought too. i really dont know why i even watchin this vid