Caulk is useful for sealing air leakages through joints, cracks, and gaps less than ½ inch wide. It is applied between components of stationary buildings and other materials. Caulking is a home improvement project that most people assume is easy, requiring no instruction. It, however, turns out to be more complicated when one attempts to do it, causing a huge mess. Doing a good job involves following the steps outlined below:
- Understanding the types of caulks and equipment
The requirements of your project mainly determine the types of tools and equipment to use, and they are of major importance to its success. Understanding the different types of caulks and their different characteristics also determine how your project goes, as explained below:
Acrylic latex caulk is a paintable general-purpose caulk that is easy to clean and used in dry areas and sections where it is possible to paint it over to protect it from moisture. It is mostly used in sealing indoor appliances, wood moldings, and baseboards.
Pure silicone caulk is a premium, more expensive caulk used in high-moisture areas like showers and water tubs. It is solvent-based, thus requiring mineral spirits for cleanup, and not paintable, but available in various colors.
Latex caulk with silicone is the common acrylic latex caulk. The addition of silicone makes it more water-resistant. It is not as easily paintable, it is quite good for indoor and outdoor uses, and is easy to clean with soap and water.
Butyl rubber caulk is mostly used for outdoor activities like roof repairs, flashings, and sealing of gutters. It requires mineral spirits to clean it up.
Masonry repair caulk is highly flexible and is used in sealing seams in stucco, brickwork, and concrete slabs. It contains latex-based and solvent-based products.
Refractory caulk is a high-temperature variety used in high-temperature applications like fireplaces and has both latex and solvent-based products.
- Removing the old caulk and cleaning the area
Use a retractable razor blade scraper to scrape off the old caulk. Use a shop vacuum to remove debris from the joints and all surrounding areas before cleaning the surfaces dry with rubbing alcohol.
- Taping the surfaces
Use long, straight strips of blue painter’s tape to mask off the surface at the point where you want to stop the caulk bead. Press the inner edges of the tape down firmly to seal them so that caulk does not seep beneath it.
- Applying the caulk
Open the caulk tube by cutting the nozzle tip at an angle of 45 degrees and puncture the inner seal a few times for a smooth flow. Hold the gun at the same angle and move it consistently and slowly for a smoother initial application. Apply the caulk in a continuous line, and release the trigger before moving the gun away.
- Smoothing the joint and removing the tape
Apply rubbing alcohol or water, depending on the type of caulk to a rag, and use it as a thinning agent and a lubricant. Light pressure is used to smooth the joint from one end to the other. If any gaps are left, a small amount of additional caulk is added and smoothed with a wet finger. Remove the tape from the joint slowly, and allow the caulk to cure fully before painting over it or wetting it, depending on the manufacturer’s directions.