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Caulking is one undertaking of home improvement. The primary product used for such a project is sealing compounds or fibrous materials. It’s easy to caulk, but many people don’t know the proper way of applying the caulk. Thus, most of the time ends up a messy result. With this, it’s essential to learn to do the job like a pro.
So, how to smoothen the caulk? The secret is to use the right dispenser and caulk.
In choosing a caulk, pay attention to the chemical content. Check if it is easy to apply, is it durable, and ready for painting. If you’re planning to paint over the caulk, silicone caulk is not an option. Instead, look for a paintable silicone caulk that is also water-based.
Likewise, caulking gun varies depending on the job. Not all caulking jobs require using a gun. You can also use a squeeze tube.
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To select the right tool to use, the first thing to do is assess first the project. Use the caulk appropriate to the surface and project. There are different caulks including silicone, latex, and butyl rubber. You can have it in cartridges or squeeze tubes.
Whether you are using a squeeze tube or gun, ensure steady pressure while keeping the tip moving. This way, you can achieve an even distribution of beads.
It is necessary to ensure the surface is clean. Thus, removing the old caulk is a must. Otherwise, if the surface is not properly cleaned, you can’t get a smooth application of caulk. You can use a razor scraper to remove the caulk in corners or joints of the countertop, sink, or tub. To get rid of the debris, use a vacuum. Wipe the surface using a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol.
After cleaning the surface, the next thing to do is mask the surface. The tape prevents the spread of caulk, thus get a clean result. You can also achieve a straight line when applying the caulk. A ¼ inch masking tape is good to use because it gives better results.
Once you’re done masking the surface, it’s time to put the caulk on the surface. Follow a 45-degree angle when applying the caulk. Avoid excess amount to ensure a uniform or even application. If the initial application is smooth, it would be easier to make the result smoother.
Exert light pressure while applying the caulk on the surface. Use your index finger to put the caulk. If you are using your finger to apply the substance, wipe off the excess caulk from it. Re-wet your finger once it becomes dry and continues the process. A popsicle stick is another tool you can use or a latex glove. If you’re using a poly caulk that is super sticky, wet the caulking tool once in a while.
The final touch to make the caulk smooth is to wet the tool you are using with rubbing alcohol and start smoothing the caulk. The lubricant property of the alcohol will simplify the process, and it also serves as a thinning agent.
Once you’re finished smoothing the caulk, remove the masking tape slowly away from the joint. Wait for the caulk to dry completely before painting it.
A keenness is a tool used for smoothing the caulk through sanding. It is possible to sand a caulk, but be extra careful in using a smoothing tool. Otherwise, even a slight mistake can cause the caulk to protrude and cause a major problem.
It is a big no to sand a caulk when it is still wet. It will destroy the application. The best thing to do is let the substance dry completely before sanding it and apply paint.
Read more: What Happens If Caulk Gets Wet Before It Cures?
Caulking is a process to seal or cover cracks and openings existing in between joints. There are many selections of caulking products available in the market. Select the caulk suitable for the surface you will work on. Determine the type of caulk you need for the project.
As you can see, the masking tape plays a significant role when doing a caulking project. You can achieve a result like a pro through this tape, and it saves you money paying for the job. All you have to do is follow the process discussed above. Those steps are a great help for DIY projects at home.
As long as you’re using the right tools, you can expect better results. The best finish must provide a smooth texture. Paying attention to the entire process may lead to amazing results.
