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DAP traces its roots back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggim began producing sealing wax for food-canning out of Dicks' garage in Dayton, Ohio. In those days before refrigeration and commercially prepared foods, canning was a widespread practice, and demand for their product was high.
In 1906, Dicks bought out Wiggim and joined with George Pontius.
in 1913, after Dicks bought out Wiggim and joined with George Pontius, they incorporated their partnership as the Dicks-Pontius Company. When Robert Dicks died, his son John entered the business and expanded it to include putty and caulk manufacturing in bulk form.
The Dicks-Pontius Company revolutionized the home repair products market in the 1940's and 50's through its marketing and product development including moving the industry to marketing caulks and sealants in disposable cartridges.
Through 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.
The company continued its path of innovative growth, introducing new products and expanding its reach. In 1964, DAP pioneered the development of latex caulking compounds.
Following the development of latex caulking, 1970 brought acrylic latex technology breakthroughs.
Through innovation and acquisition, the company continued to expand its product line. DAP entered into an exclusive marketing agreement with the worldwide leader in silicone technology in 1980 to market a full line of silicone sealants. In the mid 1980's, Weldwood® branded adhesives came into the fold.
By 1984 advanced acrylic latex technology was being introduced.
Plastic Wood® brand was integrated into the DAP portfolio of products in the 90's.
America’s number one selling spackling compound, DAP® DRYDEX® Spackling contains a patented dry time indicator causing the product to change color when optimum dry time is achieved. It goes on PINK and dries WHITE. This unique feature is the signal that it is ready to sand and paint and eliminates the guesswork from any spackling project. DAP® DRYDEX® spreads smoothly and sands easily, delivering quality results every time.
Finally, the first decade of the twenty first century led to an exclusive marketing agreement with the worldwide leader in antimicrobial technology, Microban International, as well as the integration of the Phenoseal® brand of adhesive caulk.
DAP® SMARTBOND® Construction Adhesives are a dynamic polyurethane adhesive foaming gel that is faster and easier to use than traditional cartridge adhesives. Jobs become more efficient as a single can of SMARTBOND® Adhesive provides 8 times the coverage of standard cartridge adhesives, meaning you can do more with less. They apply as a foam and transform by collapsing into a high-strength, fast-curing adhesive gel that develops an incredibly strong, durable and permanent bond to most building materials. DAP® SMARTBOND® is also much faster and easier to use on the jobsite.
Since moving to Baltimore in 1998, DAP has built strong roots by getting involved in the community around us. We are proud to make a positive impact and to see that giving back has become a key part of our culture.
Associates are provided the opportunity to participate in charitable events throughout the year, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Believe in Tomorrow’s Port to Fort 6k, building a playground with KABOOM!, holiday gift donations to Esperanza Center for children, and Catholic Charities’ Dragon Boat Race.
Whether you have a question or comment, we would like to hear from you. Please use the form below to contact our Technical Customer Service Representatives. If you require an answer we will make every effort to respond to you within 2-3 business days.
2400 Boston Street Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm EST
(410)675-2100
(800)543-3840
(410)558-1068
If you need assistance call the DAP TIPS Help Line:
Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 6:00PM ES
Saturday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST.
1-888-327-8477
For medical emergencies or exposures, please contact Poison Control:
1-800-222-1222
475 Finchdene Square Unit 5, Scarborough, ON, M1X 1B7
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm EST
(416)321-1522
(416)321-3325
If you need assistance call the DAP TIPS Help Line:
Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 6:00PM ES
Saturday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST.
1-888-327-8477
For medical emergencies or exposures, please contact Posion Control:
1-800-222-1222
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