How to Properly Use Caulk
- 1). Prepare your tube of caulk. Locate the appropriate angled mark on the tip of the tube. These marks are labeled with different sizes to give you choices when making your opening. The 1/4-inch mark is the correct size for tight joints, 1/2 for wider seams. Cut along the mark with your razor knife. Slide the 8d nail into the opening, and press to puncture the diaphragm inside of the tube. Remove the nail, wipe it clean with a wet rag and set it aside for the next tube.
- 2). Load your caulk gun. Slide the rear of the tube into the gun, and lay the tip into place in the notch at the front of the gun. Twist the tube so that the longest point of the angled tip is aligned with the top of the gun. Squeeze the trigger until caulk exits the tube, press the pressure release button (or twist the plunger, pull it back, ram it forward again and twist it back into place), and wipe the tip clean with a wet rag.
- 3). Lay a bead of caulk. Place the tip of the tube of caulk at the end of a seam between 2 pieces of wood. Squeeze the trigger, and drag the gun along the entire joint, leaving a bead of caulk covering the seam. Press the pressure release button, remove the gun from the bead, wipe the tip clean with a wet rag, and set the gun aside for the next bead.
- 4). Smooth the bead. Press your finger into the corner where you started, and drag it along the entire bead. Push the caulk into the seam and smooth the surface of the caulk. Wipe your finger periodically with a wet rag to insure a smooth even bead. Allow the caulk to cure for 1 to 2 hours before applying paint.
- 5). Always work from the top to the bottom. Start at the highest seam on your project, and work your way down. Caulk every joint on one complete wall before moving to the next. Keep your hands and tools clean during the project to insure uniformity.
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