We're in the process of "updating" our bathroom in a very old house.

Have the vanity and top installed and we are now ready to caulk. Undecided on what type/color of caulk to use though (clear? white?) The vanity top isn't white and the walls are gray.

We also have an issue with a gap along the side towards the bottom. (The walls aren't true/straight?) The top is level (both front to back, side to side). Not sure exactly how wide the gap is (maybe 1/4 of an inch??) Can we fill this in?

Hope someone can offer some suggestions for us before we begin!

 

Some things look better when left uncaulked. IMO that might be one of them.

 

I could go either way, caulk or not.

For caulk color you might try bisque. Get the Dap Kwik Seal in a squeeze tube.
Bisque is a little hard to find but should be available off the shelf.

For closer color matched caulk you can go to a tile supply store, they sell caulk to match grout colors and there are many choices.

 

If that were my vanity I would definitely caulk to cover the gap.

I always use a caulk that is the color of whatever I'm installing, vanity, cabinet, countertop vs the color of the wall or adjoining material, just seems to blend in and look better.

I've found that there is no one store with all the caulk colors available, HD/Lowes have some, paint stores like Sherwin Williams have others.

Just need to look around.

 

I often just use white caulk and then after it sets up paint it along with the wall.

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, much appreciated! We're thinking of passing on the caulking of this. With the gap along the bottom/side being so large and our caulking skills being so minimal, would hate to make it look sloppy!

 

When using a latex caulk, having a wet/damp sponge [or rag] handy can help you remove any excess caulk and smooth out the caulking. The neater the caulk is applied, the less you'll need the sponge. Solvent based caulks can be done the same way except instead of using water you need whichever solvent is required by the caulking.

The main thing is to clean it up before the caulking set up!

 

You can make this look professional.
Tape off the wall and the backsplash with blue tape.

Caulk the gap with White acrylic latex painters caulk, as Mark advised.

After applying the bead, smooth it out with your finger, about 3" at a time and wipe your finger on paper towels often. Start wiping from the left.

Remove the tape from the wall, leave the tape on the backsplash.

The painters caulk can be painted to match the wall and you won't notice any gaps or unlevel walls.

 

I don't recall ever using tape when caulking but I do believe it's a good method for those with less caulking experience. Good point Brian!

While I've seen a lot of buggered up caulking jobs there is no reason anyone can't get a decent looking job if they use a little care.