too wide a gap between countertop and wall
#1
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too wide a gap between countertop and wall
There is a gap of 1/2 inch between my countertop and wall. Can I use backer rod and then caulk over and under it?
#2
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Why didn't they work to make it fit better
I have caulked similar cracks in the past. If backer rod isn't handy you can fill the inner half with caulk, let it set up and then finish caulking.
I have caulked similar cracks in the past. If backer rod isn't handy you can fill the inner half with caulk, let it set up and then finish caulking.
#3
Since the back splash and the counter top are both cut straight, why could they not get the counter to sit flush to the wall as well? A bit sloppy of an install, but caulk will solve the problem provided you don't attack it too heavy handed. I've seen a lot of homes where the owner should have been legally forbidden from ever handling a caulk gun.
#4
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I've seen a lot of homes where the owner should have been legally forbidden from ever handling a caulk gun
It helps to have a damp rag/sponge handy to both smooth out the caulking and clean up any errant caulk!
#5
Mark's right. I have learned never to try and fix a booger unless I cut new wood. My paint guys always make me look good. Now, back to this countertop. Bad cut, bad measurement....choose.
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I was think about using a piece of laminate to cover the gap. I don't have any left over, is this something I can buy at Home Depot, perhaps a patching kit or something similar?
#9
The stone installers should have fixed this. If this is a recent install, call them out on it.
Even if you're good at laying a bead, you need a color match.
In my opinion this gap is not too wide to caulk, although they should let first attempt shrink and then go over it again later.
In their defense, stone is not normally scribed to wall to get a perfect fit. They could have shaved off some high drywall spots though to get the ends closer to the wall.
Oops, That's laminate? They should have scribed it.
Even if you're good at laying a bead, you need a color match.
In my opinion this gap is not too wide to caulk, although they should let first attempt shrink and then go over it again later.
In their defense, stone is not normally scribed to wall to get a perfect fit. They could have shaved off some high drywall spots though to get the ends closer to the wall.
Oops, That's laminate? They should have scribed it.
#10
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Whenever I run into those types of poor fits [remember I'm the painter not the installer] I'll either leave the caulking unpainted or if it sticks out like a sore thumb, come back after it's dried and paint it with the wall.
I'm not sure the installer has a good defense
I'm not sure the installer has a good defense
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Get one of the thicker free paint stirrers the give out at HD or Lowes (or something similar) slide it between the counter and the wall as far as it will go and scribe the bullnose on it. Remove the stick and cut the scribed arc. Put adhesive or adhesive caulk in the back side of the stirrer and re-insert it. Use wood filer on the 'new' bullnose, faux paint with artist brushes and clear seal to match the counter. The fix won't sink or shrink like caulk might, will hold up better and will hardly be noticeable.
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Thanks, Andy. How do I faux paint the stirrer and associateed wood filler to match the countertop? Seems that would take someone with a degree of artistic talent?
#13
The faux paint is an excellent idea. But even if you just paint it the color of the wall it will hardly be noticeable. Or maybe a combination of both faux and wall. You don't need to be an artist, the filler and caulk (wood filler) are most important in hiding the gap.
#14
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IMO painting the caulk or whatever filler you use to match the wall makes the most sense. Faux painting the repair to match the countertop might look the best BUT if it isn't a good match, it will likely draw attention to it and look worse While most faux painting techniques aren't overly complicated, matching an existing finish takes experience and skill.
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The match doesn't have to be exact. You could easily achieve something close with a kids paint pallet. Using a small artist brush, paint a base coat of primer over the fill, then a light grey, over the primer and lightly dab that with the other colors in the original finish, maybe some red tones, black and white. Then use the clear sealer. Simple...