Filling the large gaps between the wall and the cabinet is not a hard task when renovating your home. You can easily and effectively fill the gap using caulk and formidable foam. The formidable foam will help you fill-up the large surface area in the gaps before using the caulk to fill the remaining part.
Most individuals feel that filling the gaps may appear challenging; however, you can quickly get your job done by a simple filling procedure. The best method is to pick a caulk that matches either the wall or cabinet’s color. Alternatively, after filling the gaps with the plain caulk, you can paint it white, as the color provides a more seamless and detailed appearance.
While filling the larger gaps, it’s essential to start by using expandable foam. The foam will help to decrease the surface area where to place the caulking. You can use the caulk to fill the remaining part after getting the site relatively full with the expandable foam.
This article will provide detailed information on how to fill a large gap between cabinet and wall effectively. We will also cover all the materials you’ll need for the processes and stepwise procedures for filling the gap.
How to Fill Large Gaps between Cabinet and Walls Effectively
Before filling the gaps between the cabinet and wall, it’s good to prepare for the procedure. Ensure that you assemble all the tools you need for the process and understand all the steps in the process.
Things and materials you’ll need
- Nail
- Scrapper
- Sponge
- Caulking gun
- Waterproof caulk or latex
- Scissors
- Painter’s tape
- Clean cloths
- Wire
- Utility knife
Process of Filling Large Gaps between the Cabinet and Walls
After assembling all the materials and equipment, you need for the process. It’ll be good to follow the procedure strictly to achieve optimal results. Below are steps on how to fill a large gap between cabinet and wall:
Step 1. Clean the wall and apply the painter’s tape
After identifying the locations on the walls with the gap, you’ll have to clean it thoroughly. Remove all the dirt and dust on the particular wall and cabinet. After cleaning, take your painter’s tape and apply a straight line to the cabinet and wall. Ensure you use it on each side of the gap. The tape will help prevent the caulk from getting on the wall textures and into the woodwork.
Step 2. Prepare your tube of latex
Prepare the latex tube by cutting its latex and the waterproof caulk. When cutting it, ensure that you cut to a bead size that you desire. You can use your pair of scissors, utility knife, or any cutting tool on the caulking gun and make a desirable cut. Experts recommend that you make a straight cut instead of an angled one.
A straight cutting will allow you to have a lot of freedom of movement while caulking. Furthermore, when cutting the caulk tube’s tip, ensure that it’s slightly smaller than the gap’s size. The smaller size will be effective in preventing any overflow.
Step 3. Pierce the inner seal
It’d be great if you pierced on the inner seal using the tool that’s on the caulking gun. It’s always advisable to use either a nail or long wire to pierce the tube’s inner seal. However, it might not effectively pierce the seal. You can only opt for the nail or long wire if you’ve got a caulking gun that doesn’t have the piercing rod.
Step 4. Place the caulk tube correctly in the caulking gun
Place the caulk tube properly into the caulking gun. After fitting it, push the plunger inwards until you feel it touching the tube’s end. It’ll be essential to move the caulk to the tube’s tip. You can achieve moving the caulk by squeezing the caulking gun’s trigger appropriately.
Step 5. Start moving the caulk downwards to the joint
For you to move the caulk downward to the joint, place the caulking gun’s tip at the open end of the gap. Check for the angle to your joint and hold your gun from the position, then start squeezing the trigger for the caulk to begin flowing. Then move the tip downwards on the joint slowly while gradually increasing the squeeze on the trigger. The simultaneous squeezing of the trigger helps to achieve a steady bead of caulk in the gap.
Step 6. Clear the excess caulk
After caulking about the joint’s two feet, it’s good to stop. For you to control the caulk from flowing, realize any tension from your caulking gun. Then using your finger’s tip, you can start smoothing the caulk’s bead. While caulking, there might be some excess caulk coming from the joint; it’s good to clean them off. Use a sponge or damp cloth to clean off the caulk immediately.
When you’re cleaning, glide the sponge or the damp cloth softly on the caulk line. You should do it carefully to avoid getting the caulk off the joint. After which, wipe the joint well, then on the joint apply an additional bead caulk. Ensure that you fill all the joints with caulk and dry; this effectively helps fill the gap.
Step 7. Remove the tape and caulk in inappropriate places
After allowing the caulk to dry, inspect the areas; you have applied the caulk and check if there are any signs of shrinking. If the caulk in some areas had retracted, it’s good to add more caulk to this area to replace the caulk that retracted. Most experts advise that it’s appropriate to use at least two or three caulk applications to fill a large gap and allow it to dry.
After drying, remove the painter’s tape from the particular wall and cabinet you had placed it. Then check if any caulk has dried in inappropriate places or areas they aren’t supposed to be. Remove all those caulk using a scraper to achieve a perfect and uniform wall.
Warning
Suppose you intend to paint your caulk after drying, don’t use pure silicone. The reason being most paints won’t adhere to the silicone. Therefore, acrylic caulk is the best caulk you can use and mix with some silicone.
Final thoughts
When buying or renovating a house, individuals may find gaps varying in size between the walls and cabinets. The main worry is how to fill the large gap between cabinet and wall. You can easily achieve filling the gap by having the appropriate materials and following the steps above.
