Learn how to caulk like a pro

Do you want to learn how to caulk so you can easily handle a variety of household jobs? Using the proper caulking techniques, you can renew tired and worn areas in your bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to work a caulk gun and tackle all sorts of sealing projects.

• Caulking tips and tricks: What can you seal?
• Caulk like a pro with the right sealant
• How to caulk: The basics

CAULKING TIPS AND TRICKS: WHAT CAN YOU SEAL?

Are you unsure whether it’s worth your time to learn how to caulk? If you ask some of your fellow DIY enthusiasts, they will answer with a resounding yes. That is because mastering how to caulk will not only save you money but also allow you to tackle all kinds of projects quickly, independently, and without stress.

Here are a few common areas and items around your house that require caulking:

• 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, brick and siding

As you can see, knowing how to use caulking tools will expand the horizons of your DIY world considerably. Read on to find out how to choose the right product for your project before you begin.

CAULK LIKE A PRO WITH THE RIGHT SEALANT

Any household DIY project will go smoother when you have the right products for the job. Sub-par merchandise will only deliver sub-par results, which means there will likely be additional repairs in your future. So, when you select your sealant, pay attention not only to the surfaces it bonds with and other application requirements, such as temperature and prep work, but also to the quality of its formula.

Speaking of which, special caulks and sealants are often specifically formulated for certain projects. That means if you want to seal something on your roof, you should look for a specialty sealant like Loctite PL Roof and Flashing Polyurethane Sealant. Similarly, Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk is great for your sealing projects in kitchens and bathrooms. Its special Seal & Bond technology delivers a seal that is watertight as well as durable and resists mold and mildew.

Loctite Polyseamseal All Purpose Adhesive Caulk is ideal for anyone who is going to take on several projects. This unique, premium caulk is capable of handling all kinds of jobs thanks to its incredible strength and stretching abilities. You can use it on showers, bathtubs, sinks, fixtures, tile, trim, countertops, windows and doors, baseboards, and plenty more. Also, this sealant is ideal for bathroom use as it won’t crack, grow mold, or discolor!

HOW TO CAULK: THE BASICS

Technique is everything when it comes to DIY projects. You need to master the basic steps and know some tips to get successful results. When you learn how to caulk, you’ll see this same rule applies. Following the steps below in the right order, taking your time, and ensuring you have the right caulking techniques will almost always guarantee great results. Even if you are about to use a caulking gun for the first time, our guide will make sure you know exactly what to do.

• Assess the project. Examine your project and determine your goal. Then figure out which products and tools you will need to get the job done. How do you know if caulking is the right approach? Here’s a tip: caulks and sealants are mostly meant to seal up areas that are up to ½ inch wide, so if your gap is larger, consider using a different method of sealing.
• Determine the proper product for the job. Keep our tips in the section above at hand when selecting your caulk or sealant.
• Buy all your materials in advance. Make a shopping list of everything you need and pick it up. Doing so makes sure you won’t have to interrupt your work, which will help you stay in the flow and achieve great results.
• Prepare the area. As with any other DIY job, a big part of the project is preparing the workspace. This includes cleaning the area thoroughly by removing dirt and grime. Also remove any old sealant using a safety razor. Use painter’s tape to protect the surrounding area from applied product.
• Apply the product. Now comes the fun part: applying the chosen caulk or sealant. There are a few different tools available, such as caulking guns, which you will use for most projects, and squeezable tubes. Always squeeze a bit of the product out on a piece of scrap material to test it first.
• Smooth the applied product. You will need to smooth out the product before it dries to eliminate any gaps or excess application. You can use your finger or an application tool to do this; check your product instructions to find out which is better and whether you need to use a solvent, such as rubbing alcohol. Once you have finished, remove the painter’s tape before the product dries.
• Let it dry.