Cracks in doors and windows and leakages in taps and pipes should be fixed in the initial stages, or else they become the cause of problems later. However, taking professional help every time you see a crack in your door might put a dent in your wallet and take up a lot of unnecessary time. In this guide, learn how to caulk, with the help of a caulking gun. It is the perfect equipment for any of your DIY projects as it is easy to use and hassle-free.
Source: Pinterest (Family Handyman)
What is Caulk?
Caulk is a filler and sealant used in building work and repairs to seal gaps.
Caulking: Materials needed
Before we begin with a step-by-step guide, there are a few essentials that you need:
Caulk
It is necessary to use the appropriate type of caulk depending on the surface area you intend to use it on. For example, silicone caulk is waterproof and is good for bathrooms and kitchens, acrylic caulk is great for areas that need to be painted, and latex caulk is perfect for indoor uses.
Utility knife
With a knife, you can cut the tip of the caulk gun to adjust the size.
Caulk smoothing tool
It helps smoothen the surface, providing a refined and finished look.
Caulking: The process
Surface preparation
It is important for you to make sure that the surface you’re going to caulk is free of any dirt, dust or grease. You can clean the surface with a towel soaked in hot water. If the surface was caulked before and the remains are still there, use a putty knife to scrape everything off.
You can also use painter’s tape to ensure a uniform application of the caulk and to prevent creating a mess.
Loading the caulking gun
Source: Pinterest (The Handyman’s Daughter)
Now that the surface is ready, it is time to load the caulk gun:
- Insert the caulk tube: Pull the rod as well as the trigger of the caulking gun and insert the caulk tube inside the gun.
- Cut the tip of the caulk tube: With the help of a utility knife, cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that the hole of the tube matches the width of the crack that you wish to fill.
- Puncture the inner seal (if there is one): Caulk tubes usually have a seal which needs to be punctured before use. You can do it with the help of a needle, nail or any other sharp object.
Applying the caulk
Now that the caulking gun is ready, it’s time to apply the Caulk:
- Hold the caulking gun firmly and place the nozzle at a 45-degree angle from the surface so the application is smooth and it fills the crack easily.
- If you face difficulty in holding the rod, you should ask a friend or family member to hold it while you apply the caulk.
- Steadily apply the caulk from one end to the other. Make sure you gently pull the trigger for an even application. Reapply to fill the left-out cracks (if needed).
- After the successful application, you can use a smoothing tool to provide a neatly finished look and to make sure that the spread is even. You can also use your finger if you don’t have a tool but always use your finger after dipping it in a soap solution so it does not stick to the wet caulk.
Clean up
Applying caulk can sometimes be messy, so you can clean up the smudges with a wet cloth or a putty knife. Also, remove the painter’s tape while the caulk is still setting in order to achieve sharper and cleaner edges.
Let it dry
It is important to let the caulk dry and harden itself completely. Read the instructions to know about the setting time, although it usually takes around 24 hours to set completely.
Check for gaps
After the caulk dries completely, carefully look for gaps or voids that were left unfilled or appeared after filling and fill them again. Also, regularly check for any wear and tear and recaulk whenever there is a need.
FAQs
How should I store caulk tubes?
Caulking tubes should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid keeping it at extreme temperatures.
Can I reuse a caulk tube?
Yes, if you have left out caulk from a previous project, it is perfectly fine to reuse it but make sure that the previous caulk hasn’t dried out.
How long does it take for caulk to dry?
It usually depends on the type of caulk you use, however, generally, the caulk takes around 24 hours to set completely.
Which caulk should I use to seal tap leakages?
Silicone caulk is the most appropriate for wet areas and is generally used for such purposes.
How do I remove the old caulk?
You can remove old Caulk with a putty knife. You can use an alcohol solution to soften it.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
