USA - EN
Canada - ENCelebrating 160 Years of Legacy & Leadership
Established in 1865, DAP has become a trusted leader in the manufacturing and supply of caulks, sealants, foams, adhesives, and patch and repair products. With a legacy spanning over 160 years, DAP is renowned for its industry-leading innovations and dedication to creating high-quality, dependable, and durable solutions. Serving professional contractors, remodelers, and DIY enthusiasts, DAP remains committed to delivering products that consistently meet the demands of both residential and commercial projects. Founded in 1865, DAP is a leading manufacturer and supplier of caulks, sealants, foam insulation, adhesives, and patch & repair products with a history of first-to-market innovations.
1865: Establishing Roots
DAP's origins date back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggim started manufacturing sealing wax for food canning in a garage in Dayton, Ohio. At a time when refrigeration and commercially prepared foods were not yet available, home canning was a common practice, driving high demand for their innovative product.
1906: The Buy Out
In 1906, Dicks bought out Wiggim and partnered with George Pontius.
1913: Dicks-Pontius Company
The Dicks-Pontius Company was established in 1913 when Dicks and Pontius formalized their partnership. After the passing of Robert Dicks, his son John joined the company and introduced new ventures by expanding operations to include the manufacturing of putty and caulk in bulk quantities.
1940: The Revolution
The Dicks-Pontius Company transformed the home repair products market during the 1940s and 1950s with groundbreaking advancements in both marketing and product development. Notably, the company was instrumental in shifting the industry toward the use of disposable cartridges for packaging caulks and sealants, setting a new standard in convenience and efficiency.
1957: Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius
During the 1950's, the company grew through several acquisitions, including a merger with the Chicago-based Armstrong Company in 1957. The resulting entity was renamed Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius, which was eventually shortened to the brand name DAP.
1964: Latex Caulking Compounds
DAP maintained its commitment to innovation and growth by consistently introducing groundbreaking products and broadening its market presence. A significant milestone occurred in 1964, when the company revolutionized the industry with the creation of latex caulking compounds.
1980: Siliconized Latex Caulk
In 1980, DAP introduced the first Siliconized Latex Caulk to the market, designed to cure rapidly, creating a durable, flexible, and watertight seal that resists shrinking.
1983: Weldwood® Acquisition
DAP acquired Weldwood through a merger in 1983, broadening its capabilities and enhancing its product portfolio in the adhesive category.
1984: Advanced Acrylic Latex
DAP was the first to introduce a 230-grade sealant. Engineered to deliver exceptional flexibility and a long-lasting seal, its advanced formulation ensures outstanding adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and concrete, while maintaining excellent resistance to weathering and temperature fluctuations.
1990: Plastic Wood®
The Plastic Wood® brand was acquired and integrated into the DAP portfolio of products in the 1990s, becoming a go-to product for repairing, restoring, and finishing wood surfaces.
1996: DIY Revolution
DAP transformed the DIY market with its launch of aerosol caulking and the establishment of a seven-day-a-week 888-DAP-TIPS hotline.
1997: DAPtex® Latex Insulating Foam
DAP introduced DAPtex®, the first-to-market latex insulating foam specially designed to seal and fill large cracks, gaps, and voids efficiently. Unlike traditional polyurethane foams, DAPtex® offers advanced features such as minimal expansion to prevent overfilling, ease of shaping and tooling, and the convenience of water-based cleanup.
1998: Dry Time Indicator Spackling
DryDex® Spackling, America’s top-selling spackling compound, offers an innovative solution with its revolutionary patented dry time indicator. This unique feature enables the product to visibly change color, ensuring users know when the optimum drying time is reached. The compound is applied PINK and dries to WHITE, providing a clear and reliable visual cue.
2002: Fire Stopping Sealants
DAP launched two innovative fire-stopping sealants, Blockade® and Fire Stop, specifically engineered to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in residential and commercial environments.
2004: Phenoseal® Acquisition
DAP acquired the Phenoseal® brand, a line adhesive caulk that does it all, from waterproofing kitchen and bathroom spaces to tackling demanding exterior projects.
2007: DAP 3.0™ Advanced Hybrid Sealants
DAP 3.0™ Advanced Hybrid Sealants offer a cutting-edge solution for sealing needs, integrating the superior performance characteristics of both urethanes and silicones into a single advanced formula.
Explore DAP's Hybrid Caulks & Sealants
2013: SmartBond
SmartBond® Construction Adhesives revolutionized the adhesive industry with its advanced polyurethane adhesive foaming gel technology. Designed to be faster and more efficient than traditional cartridge adhesives, it provides eight times the coverage of standard cartridge adhesives.
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2015: Kwik Seal Ultra
Kwik Seal Ultra® Premium Siliconized Kitchen and Bath Sealant is engineered with groundbreaking sealant technology that repels water, liquids, soap scum, stains and dirt so the sealant is easy to clean and stays looking fresh and new. It is ready for water exposure in just four hours, applies smoothly, cleans up easily with soap and water and is low in odor. DAP Kwik Seal Ultra® stays mold and mildew free for the life of the sealant and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
2016: RapidFuse™ All-Purpose Adhesive
DAP introduced RapidFuse™, a versatile all-purpose adhesive designed to deliver superior durability, offering strength that is twice that of traditional super glues.
Plastic Wood® & Plastic Wood X®
In 2016, DAP enhanced its wood surface repair product line with the introduction of Plastic Wood X®, featuring the cutting-edge DryDex® technology. The patented DryDex Dry Time Indicator utilizes a unique formula that applies pink and dries to a natural finish, clearly signaling when the surface is ready for sanding and staining.
2017: Acquisition of Convenience Products
DAP acquired the foam division of Clayton Corporation, best known for its Touch 'N Foam and Touch 'N Seal brands.
Storm Bond 2
Storm Bond 2 is a high-performance, fast-curing, two-component adhesive designed to deliver exceptional strength. It significantly reduces reliance on traditional nail and screw penetrations in the roof.
2018: Dynaflex Ultra™
Dynaflex Ultra™ Advanced Exterior Sealant represents a cutting-edge advancement in sealant technology. Utilizing the innovative Weather Max Technology™, it offers superior all-weather durability, ensuring the sealant resists cracking, maintains its color vibrancy, repels dirt, and prevents the growth of mildew and algae.
2020: Premium Textured Concrete
DAP Premium Textured Concrete is a high-performance latex sealant designed to replicate the appearance of concrete, ensuring a seamless match with many concrete surfaces.
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Eclipse™ Rapid Wall Repair Patches
Eclipse™ has transformed the patch and repair industry by providing DAP’s fastest, strongest, and slimmest solution to common drywall challenges.
2021: Craft Foam
DAP introduces Craft Foam, a spray foam specifically designed for arts and crafts enthusiasts. This innovative foam expands to twice its original size upon application and cures into a sturdy, rigid surface that can be easily customized.
AMP™ Advanced Modified Polymer Sealants
DAP blends advanced technology to deliver AMP, the ultimate hybrid sealant. With superior weather resistance, long-lasting durability, and outstanding mold and mildew protection, DAP AMP ensures top-tier performance for any project.
2022: Wall & Cavity Foam
DAP launches Wall & Cavity Foam with a Wide Spray Applicator that simplifies spray foam application with a one-component single canister solution.
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2023: Spray Texture
DAP launches 2-in-1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture providing professional results with easy application. Featuring adjustable Aim Tech technology, it provides consistent flow and even spray for Orange Peel, Knockdown, and Popcorn textures.
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Concrete Crack Filler
A ready-to-use mixture ideal for repairing horizontal cracks in concrete. Easy to use, just shake and pour.
2025: A Milestone Year for DAP
