Learn how to caulk and get great results

Do you want to learn how to caulk so that you can easily handle a variety of household jobs? With the proper sealing technique you can renew tired and worn areas in your bathroom and kitchen. The good news is that with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to master the use of a caulking gun and tackle all sorts of sealing projects.

• Caulking made easy — what surfaces can it be used on?
• How to caulk — the basics
• Using a caulking gun for the first time
• How to choose the right sealant

Caulking made easy — what surfaces can it be used on?

Unsure of whether it’s worth your time to learn how to apply caulk? Are you a little fuzzy on what projects actually require a sealant gun? Mastering the basics of how to caulk and apply silicone sealant neatly can not only save you money, but you’ll also be able to tackle all kinds of projects quickly and without stress.

Here’s a look at the many items around your house that require sealing:

• window frames
• door frames
• gaps, openings, and cracks in your home’s foundation
• siding
• tiles
• sinks
• toilets
• countertops
• bathtubs and showers
• crown molding and various trim
• areas, where two different materials meet; for example, when brick meets up with siding

How to caulk—the basics

Technique is everything when it comes to DIY projects. You need to be aware of the basic steps and tips to get successful results. When you learn how to caulk, you’ll see this same rule applies. Following the steps in the right order, taking your time, and ensuring you have the right caulking tools, will almost always guarantee great results.

To make things easy, we’ve created a step-by-step guide and included some tips for you.

1. Assess the project. Look at what the project is, what your goal is, and figure out the products and tools you will need to get the job done. As a tip, caulking is really only meant to seal up areas that are around ½ inch wide.
2. Buy all your materials in advance. Make a shopping list of everything you need and pick it up. The last thing you want is running out of materials or realizing you’ve forgotten a key item halfway through the project.
3. Prepare the area. As with any other DIY job, a big part of the process is preparing the workspace. This includes cleaning the area thoroughly, removing dirt and grime. Also, any old sealant should be removed with a safety razor. Use painter’s tape to protect the surrounding area from caulk. 
4. Apply the caulk. Now comes the fun part: applying the sealant. There are a few different tools available—like a caulking gun or a squeezable tube. Both work a little differently, always squeeze a bit of caulk out on a piece of scrap material to test it first.
5. Smooth the caulk as you go along. You will also need to smooth out the sealant to eliminate any gaps or excess caulk. You can use your finger to do this. Once you are done, be sure to remove the painter’s tape before the sealant has a chance to dry.
6. Let it dry. All that’s left to do is to let the caulking dry.

Using a caulking gun for the first time

What happens if you want to learn how to caulk but had zero experience with sealing products and tools? Perhaps you have only tackled basic DIY jobs up to this point and are looking to take on some advanced projects. Can you do it? The answer is yes, as sealing is a skill that anyone can master. That’s not to say you’ll become an instant expert, but, like with any other skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it.

How to choose the right sealant

Any household DIY project will always go smoother when you have the right products for the job on hand. Subpar merchandise will only deliver subpar results, which means there will likely be additional repairs in your future. 

Loctite PL Heavy Duty Sealant is ideal for anyone who is unsure of the exact product they need. This is a unique, premium sealant capable of handling all kinds of jobs, thanks to its incredible strength and stretching abilities. It can be used on showers, bathtubs, sinks, fixtures, tile, trim work, countertops, window and door sealing, baseboards, and plenty more. Also, this sealant is ideal for bathroom use as it won’t crack, grow mold, and discolor, keeping your shower in tip top shape!

Talking about being ideally suited: Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk is great for all sealing projects in kitchens and bathrooms! Its special Seal & Bond technology delivers a watertight and long-lasting as well as mold and mildew resistant seal. It comes in two sizes, depending on the scope of your project. 

Have a smaller job or just need to repair a section of old caulking? Then trust Loctite’s innovative Re-New. This handy little squeeze bottle can be applied right on top of the old caulking. One bottle will caulk an average shower stall. This is a no mess, no fuss application that can quickly achieve a long-lasting, durable seal!