DAP Products
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1864 |
| Headquarters | Baltimore, Maryland , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | RPM International |
DAP Products, Inc. specializes in producing latex caulks, silicone sealants, adhesives, insulating foams, as well as patch and repair solutions. Established in 1864 and based in Baltimore, Maryland since 1998, DAP has consistently maintained manufacturing operations within the United States.
As a subsidiary of RPM International, a parent corporation focused on coatings, sealants, and specialty chemical products, DAP caters to a worldwide clientele.
History
The origins of DAP trace back to 1865 when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggim started manufacturing sealing wax for food preservation in Dayton, Ohio. Following Wiggim’s departure in 1906, Dicks joined forces with George Pontius to create the Dicks-Pontius Company in 1913. Subsequently, John Dicks expanded the enterprise by adding bulk putty and caulk production.
During the mid-1900s, the company was among the first to market caulks and sealants in disposable cartridges. Expansion continued through acquisitions, including a 1957 merger with Chicago’s Armstrong Company, resulting in the formation of Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius—later renamed DAP. The introduction of the first latex caulk occurred in 1964, followed by product line enhancements with acrylic latex technology in 1970 and silicone sealants during the 1980s. The 1990s brought the acquisition of the Plastic Wood brand; between 2004 and 2006, Phenoseal and Custom Building Products were also incorporated into the company.
DAP currently manages three manufacturing facilities and four distribution centers located throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, serving more than 60,000 retail outlets across North and Latin America.