Abstract: The construction and method of forming a wicking-resistant gasket assembly for an internal combustion engine is described. The gasket assembly includes a flat-elongated base, a layer of composite, porous gasket material on each face of the base, armor at the combustion chamber openings, and a peripheral bead of elastomeric material enveloping the edges of the gasket material sheets and the base to prevent the wicking of liquids from the gasket assembly layers outwardly through the periphery of the gasket assembly. The bead is applied to contact the free margin of the facing material and the peripheral edge of the base. The bead is preferably cured in place concurrently with the lamination and curing of the facing materials.