Tips for Caulking

First of all what do you need to do caulking?

You will need a caulk gun, wet rag, duster and caulk.

Second you will need to decide what type of caulk to use.

If you are caulking around windows or other surfaces on the outside of a structure you will need a latex or polyurethane caulk. Polyurethane is mostly for commercial. Silicone caulk is needed for things such as roofs. Make sure the caulk is paintable if you will be painting over it.

The third thing is you must do preparation work before you actually do the caulking.

You will need to clean all the surfaces which need to be caulked. If they are just dusty and not excessively dirty, you can simply use an old paint brush or other type of duster and just dust them off. If the surfaces are extremely dirty, you will need to clean them with at least a wet rag if not with a cleaner. Make absolutely certain the surface is dry before you begin caulking.

Fourth is the preparation of the caulk tube and caulk gun.

You need to cut the tip on the tube of caulk at a 45 degree angle so you will be able to get a straight line of caulk on the surface. Open the caulk gun, pull the plunger all the way back, and insert the tube of caulk into the gun. Give the handle a squeeze until the caulk begins to come out easily. Cut the tip again if you are having difficulty getting it out.

Fifth is the caulking itself.

Simply put the tip of the caulk tube at the top of the surface you wish to caulk, squeeze the handle, and try to go the entire length of the surface. Once you have applied the caulk take either your finger or a wet rag and wipe of the excess caulk.

Sixth repeat the process on all surfaces that need to be caulked.

Seventh if you have had to put caulk in small holes in walls, make sure to sand them after the caulk has dried.

Eighth always make certain to look around to make sure everything that needs to be is caulked.

Ninth remove the caulk from the gun and put any remaining in a container or a cool dry place.

Tenth make absolutely sure that the caulk is completely dry before doing any painting over it.

Source:

Having a husband who thinks that caulking is the most important part of the paint job (he is an independent painting contractor)