How to Apply Caulking Evenly

GE Silicone II Caulk

Installing a nice, neat bead of caulk for the average homeowner can be a messy and frustrating experience. There are only so many fingers and paper towels at our disposal, and what we do have doesn't seem like enough. The point is proven when we look at ourselves and notice all of the caulk we managed to get onto our cloths, not to mention the walls and countertops. So how does one apply caulking as smoothly as possible? As it turns out, having the correct tool is key.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk appropriate for the application Caulk finishing tool Paper towels Utility knife Caulking gun 16d nail Razor blade scraper

Instructions

1. Remove any existing caulk with a razor blade scraper so that there is none remaining. The remaining surface should be completely clean to accommodate ideal caulk adhesion.

2. Cut the end of a new caulk tube with a utility knife to the desired opening diameter and pop the inner foil with a 16d (read 16-penny) nail, or any long object. Place the open tube into a caulking gun and slide the ram into place against the end of the caulking tube.

3. Place the opened tip of the caulking tube in a corner that needs caulk. Squeeze a small line of caulk into the crack and corner than needs to be caulked.

4. Take your caulking tool and place the desired profile into the caulked crack and run the tool along the crack profile. The caulking tool will scrape away any excess caulk and leave a perfectly cleaned and scraped caulking profile. Use any accumulated caulking on the profile for additional linear foot coverage.

5. Allow the caulking to dry, and then cure, according to the directions on the package.