Immediately remove the blue painter's tape used to mask the joint. Caulk can refer to various things, but in this case, we’re talking about bathroom tile caulk. To stop the flow of caulk, press the button under the shaft behind the needle. This way, you will cut the edges of the caulk. Kevin Turner is a handyman and the owner of Red Gator Maintenance, a handyman business based in Fresno, California. Press down firmly along the inner edges of the tape. The pros typically use cartridges and a smooth-action caulk gun, both to save money and achieve the best results. Make sure to squeeze hard enough to force the caulk fully into the joint. The easy way out is to use acrylic tub and tile caulk … As your finger becomes laden with excess caulk, wipe it off with the dampened rag and re-wet your finger. Cut the tip of the nozzle of the tube that contains the caulk using a utility … Applying caulk to windows also keeps out moisture, which can cause paint to peel and wood to rot. If it does have a foil seal, use something sharp and narrow (like a long nail) to puncture it. There are several ways to smooth out caulk. Use painter's tape to cover any surfaces around your work area that you want to keep clean and dry. For wet areas, the nod goes to silicone caulk. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. For caulk joints in corners, such as where wall tile meets a tub, sink, or countertop, a caulk removal tool works great. It is far easier to neaten caulk as you go, while it is still damp. Get to it within two to five minutes of application for best results. When buying caulk make sure that the nozzle supplied with the tube is still attached. The alcohol or water will serve as a lubricant and thinning agent as you smooth the joint. Unless specifically noted on the packaging, latex caulk isn't suitable for any exterior surfaces. Expert Interview. The easiest way to caulk is with a caulk gun. There are caulk kits available for purchase that make smoothing out the bead easier. Remove Old Caulk and Clean the Surface. It’s not simply for use on tile, but also for filling small gaps around the home. Remove all old caulk from the joint to be filled. Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with 30 years of experience in the industry. Caulks can be purchased in either squeeze tubes or in cartridges that are loaded into a caulk gun. Parts of a Caulk Gun Silicone caulk is ideal for areas of high moisture that need to remain mildew-free. Fold over one end of the straw and squeeze caulk out the other end. You can get squeeze tubes of caulk, but the selection is more limited, and they are harder to use. Removing the old caulk (as needed) and preparing the surfaces is very important for an effective caulk application and repair. Kevin Turner is a handyman and the owner of Red Gator Maintenance, a handyman business based in Fresno, California. Caulking windows cuts energy costs by sealing cracks against air infiltration and preventing drafts. These give inexperienced home handy workers a more professional result. Caulk is a sealant used to bridge a gap between building materials. Wet your finger with either rubbing alcohol (for silicone caulk) or water (for latex caulk). Most commonly, caulk is used to repair flashing on a roof, seal around bathtubs and sinks, weatherize doors or windows, fill expansion joints and install or hide unsightly cracks in crown molding. You want to cut the tube of caulk at a 45 degree angle, and start small. Remove the Old Caulk. There are a number of rubber caulking tools readily available which work quite well to smooth the caulk. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. The smoother the initial application, the better the end results will be. For exterior jobs, butyl rubber works great. Acrylic latex caulking is good for wood, whereas polyurethane-based caulking is good for outdoor applications and windows. Update. There are two main kinds of caulk – silicone and acrylic latex. If you learn a few simple steps, though, your caulk jobs will look like they've been done by a pro. Silicone is a good choice if you’re caulking outdoors, or wet indoor spots like around shower stalls and bathtubs. % of people told us that this article helped them. Don't forget to puncture the seal inside the tip. Press the release trigger on the back of the caulking gun. If the caulk is brittle and weak, you may be able to rub it off by hand. Using light pressure, smooth the caulk joint, working from one end to the other. The first step is to evaluate your project and choose the proper caulk for the job. It also prevents water from getting behind the stall or tub, which can lead to mold and rot, not to mention potentially leaking onto the ceiling below the bathroom. Also, dampen a corner of a cloth rag with either water or alcohol, as appropriate. Some caulk guns have a built-in snipper to clip the tip of the caulk tube, as well as a puncture wire to break the seal. Apply a bead of the latex caulking, then use your fingers dipped in liquid dish soap to spread it thinly over the surface of the silicon caulking. If you paint caulk, it will take longer to dry. There are a number of different caulks, colors, and dispensing methods from which to choose. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. By using our site, you agree to our. Using smaller amounts of caulk will make it easier to smooth it out. It has many different uses. This article was co-authored by Kevin Turner. Don’t get it wet. Directions: Using a razor scraper, you need to glide it along the grout or caulk line from one end to the other. I would recommend using a wet finger or a damp rag or sponge. Squeeze the bottle with steady pressure so your bead will look uniform and neat. It will bond with a lot of different kinds of surfaces. By using the ideal caulk type and applying it with the proper tools, caulking can be a home improvement project you complete without hiring a professional. Most caulk can be scraped away with a putty knife … If you’re sealing glass, metal, or ceramic, then silicone is the way to go. Tape off the Surfaces. Before caulking, apply strips of painter’s tape vertically on both sides of the area you’re caulking to ensure that the line will be straight. How to Fix Mortar Gaps in a Fireplace Firebox, How to Choose the Right Caulk for Your Next Project, How to Remove Old Caulk From a Tub, Shower, or Sink, How to Install a Soap Dish on a Tile Wall, Paint Interior Window Trim and Spruce Up a Room. Next, use the scraper in the corners as well to cut the caulk’s hold from the sink, countertops or tile. The caulk is supplied in tubes for use in a caulking gun. To learn more, including how to remove the painter’s tape and how long to let the caulk dry, keep reading. Make sure the tape is straight, and use long sections of tape, not short pieces. Re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker to! And keep the caulk, but in this case, we ’ what... Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together for best.. Very important for an effective caulk application and repair before getting it wet or painting it to cure disturbing. 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