Caulking is not rocket science. However, I wish I would have looked a little deeper into it before tackling my first building project a few years ago. My thought was, how hard can this be? Well, not hard, but you CAN avoid the mistake I did. After applying the caulk, I was unaware that you need to then smooth it out. Resulting in this look on my wooden stairs…
Not pretty. 🙁
The primary purpose for caulk is to keep water and moisture out of cracks and seams. But it is also used for aesthetic purposes. I recently updated my corner cabinet and used a lot of caulk to finish this project…
Here are some key supplies needed when caulking:
- A quality gun with a hook (allows you to hang it from tool belt or ladder) and SMOOTH trigger-NOT a ratcheting trigger
- Quality caulk
- A gun stopper
- Bowl of water
- Wet cloth
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Caulk:
- Start with a clean surface. Rid the area of all dust, old paint, etc.
- Cut the tube at an angle; small opening is better.
- To apply: pull the trigger gently, while sliding the gun towards you, along the gap you’re filling. Keep the tip moving along the surface and the trigger gently pulled…
- After you have applied a fresh bead of caulk, wet your finger and starting in the corner, run your finger along the edge–smoothing out the caulk…
- Clean off your hands with the damp rag before applying the next bead.
- When finished, cap off your left over caulk tube with a caulk tube cap…
Pretty simple. 🙂
Until next time,
Happy building (and caulking)!!
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I never realized caulking was such a simple thing to do at home. I’ll remember your tips this weekend, especially the one about using the cap so the caulk doesn’t get everywhere. I need to recaulk my bathtub and I think I’ll put down a solution to help it stay in good shape for much longer this time.
Awesome! I’m glad it was helpful to you! Good luck on your weekend project. 🙂