Knowing how to caulk your finished woodwork can improve the looks of the completed task. It is used to seal around bathtubs, shower stalls and create a seal around doors and windows. Caulking it will provide a transition from one surface to another when the joint is not perfectly tight, leaving it subject to water leaks or air infiltration. Caulk can be used to fill cracks of up to 1/4 or 3/8 of an inch.

There are many different types of caulk including paintable or non-paintable. Most caulk used around the home is a paintable acrylic caulk. After drying, this caulk will accept paint and the paint will adhere very well to the caulk. Non-paintable caulk is usually 100% silicone and cannot be painted. It should not be used on any surface that is to be painted. Paint will not adhere to silicone caulk.

Modern caulk is very durable and long-lasting. When properly applied, they should last for twenty to forty years. The main benefit for using caulk is that it will stay pliable. It does not harden or become brittle and crack. Caulk fills a void or crack and will flex as temperature changes causing expansion and contraction of the surfaces.

The adhesion in caulks used around bathtubs, shower stalls and sinks will fail to adhere if mold or mildew is growing under the caulk. The mold must be removed before the caulking is applied.

Tips for how to caulk anything:

Use caulk for cracks and voids that are less than 3/8 of an inch wide.
Do not caulk over a dirty surface. Wipe away and dust or apply a coat of primer to the surface before calking.
Never caulk bare wood surfaces. Caulk adheres best to primed or painted wood. All wood should at least be primed before applying the caulk.
Cut the tip of the caulking tube to a small opening before installing it into the caulking gun. A large hole in the spout allows too much caulk to flow out and make the job more difficult.
If the crack is too small to accept caulk, use a putty knife to widen the crack enough to receive the caulk.
Use a firm and slow pull on the caulking gun's trigger. Keep the gun moving and ease up on the trigger near the end of the crack. Use the trigger release to stop calk flow.
Use a wet rag or paper towel to wipe off the end of the spout and to clean your hands.
To smooth the bead of caulk, use a moist finger to wipe off the excess onto a wet rag.
Caulking will shrink as it dries. Do not try to overfill a crack. A second application of caulk is sometimes needed.

Caulking takes practice and patience. It is messy and is almost uncontrollable but it is the best product for neat, tight joints. These tips will help you become a better caulker.

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