A Small Home Project-How to Caulk-You Can Do It

You can do it I will show you how!

You will Need:

A tube of caulk

Caulk gun

Thin rubber gloves (optional)

Sponge if using latex caulk

First determine which type of

caulk you need:

There are two basic types of caulk

The two types of caulk are:Latex and Silicone

The Differences Are:Latex Silicone

Use on wood, walls & other dry surfaces

Dries fast (2 hours)

Can be painted

Can be used to patch small holes and gaps

Flexible but can shrink

Use on wet surfaces (around sinks, faucets, tubs)

Mold & mildew resistant

Won’t shrink or crack

Use on ceramic tile, glass, metal, plastic & wood

Not paintable

Next Be sure to follow package directions

Temperature and weather are important!

Clean area to be caulked

Remove dirt, grease and moisture

Remove old caulk

Bead Size The “bead” is the caulk that comes

out of the tube

The size of the bead depends on the amount of caulk you need to fill the gap or hole

You can control the size of the bead by where you cut the nozzle on the tube of caulk

Bead Size

•The size of the bead depends on where you cut the nozzle.

•The closer to the end the smaller the bead.

•The further from the end the larger the amount of caulk.

Loading the Caulk Gun

Push lever at end of gun and hold in place

At the same time pull metal bar back to allow room for caulk tube

You can now use nozzle (also called spout) cutter on the side of the caulk gun

Push Lever

Pull metal bar to allow room for cartridge.

Ready to use

The caulk gun is loaded and ready to go!

Applying Caulk

Apply caulk to surface

Smooth using gloved finger

Try to avoid excess, use a small amount

Before

Note gap in corner of moulding

After

Gap is filled.

Smooth it out!

Latex-use a damp sponge

Silicone use gloved finger

Be careful silicone is sticky

Let Surface Dry

For Latex allow 2 hours to dry

For Silicone allow 24 hours to cure

Congratulations!

By caulking your own projects you can:

Avoid costly repairs

Not have to rely on others to help you

Be empowered because you can to it yourself!

You can do it!

Give it a try!