How to Caulk Like a Pro

Caulking in good light makes it easier to monitor the flow rate.

Caulking like a professional requires the right tools and some practice. Inexpensive caulking guns are difficult to squeeze and may leave gobs of unwanted caulk in a joint. Professional-quality caulking guns have a higher thrust ratio making them easier to operate smoothly. Preparing the joint and the caulk tube correctly will insure the even flow that is necessary to caulk like a pro. Save money on a caulking job without sacrificing work quality by using the right equipment and doing it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk removal tool or razor blade knife
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Caulk tube
• Nail (optional)
• Professional caulking gun (between 10:1 and 15:1 thrust ratio)
• Scrap wood
• Masking tape
• Caulk smoothing card or sponge

Instructions

1. Clean old caulk from the joint with a caulk-removal tool or a razor blade knife. Suck up the scraps of removed caulk with a vacuum hose. Thoroughly removing the old caulk will give the finished joint a smoother appearance.

2. Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle and puncture the inner seal. Many professional-quality caulking guns have built-in tip cutters and puncture wires. Inserting a long nail into the cut tip also will open the tube.

3. Pull back the spring-loaded plunger in the caulking gun and insert the opened tube with the cut tip facing forward. Pull the trigger on the caulking gun until the plunger is pressing up against the back of the caulk tube.

4. Squeeze a small bead of caulk onto a piece of scrap wood to get a feel for the caulking gun. Practice caulking in long straight lines, on the scrap wood, until you have steady control of the output.

5. Prepare the cleaned joint by laying a strip of masking tape along each side to protect the surrounding areas. Press the tape firmly along the edge of the joint so caulk is not able to seep underneath.

6. Squeeze caulk from one end of the joint to the other in a single smooth motion. Make the bead of caulk just thick enough to barely rise above the level of the tape. Pull back the plunger and remove the tube when you are finished squeezing out caulk.

7. Smooth the caulk with a plastic smoothing card or slightly damp sponge to level the caulk in the joint and remove excess.

8. Remove the masking tape right away before the caulk dries. Carefully pull the tape from one side at a time to avoid brushing up against the caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Knee pads allow for a more comfortable angle when caulking joints that are low to the ground.

References

• Ask the Builder: Caulking Tips
• Home Improvements Depot: How To Use A Caulk Gun