How to Use a Caulk Gun

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caulk is one of the easiest and most affordable home locating . By seal off undesirable cracks around windows , door , exhibitor , and more with a bead of rainproof makeweight , you ’ll be able to forbid home invasions like mould , leaks , and bugs . Plus , it can prevent swig and in the end cut down on vigor costs . All the project need is calibre caulk , a basic cock , and patience . Ahead , we ’ll show you how to expend a caulk gun to achieve pro - quality effect .

Tools & Materials

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Before You Begin

The type of caulk you demand bet on the character of job you ’re doing . For indoor projects in areas exposed to a raft of water supply , like ashower or bathing tub , you ’ll require asilicone caulkthat acts as a sealant and also snub wet — a smashing defense against mold and mold . For oeuvre that wo n’t see as much water or sunlight , like the baseboard around the basement floor , alatex caulkmight better suit your needs . Latex multifariousness expand to fill crevices a little salutary than silicone , but repeated photograph to rain , sunlight , or water will have it break down much before than the latter variety . Your local hardware store can help you determine what ’s best for you .

Although it ’s potential tocaulk over caulk , we commend removing any and all old caulking , paint , mildew , or rusting from the open before give new caulking . you may practice tools like a putty knife or telegram brush to unclutter the existing gunk . A small vacuum can also be useful for nurse up hard - to - touch debris . Then , exhaustively pass over it down with acetum , fluid caulk remover , or whitener . Once clean , you must countenance the area completely teetotal . This is an essential step : If you lock in any moisture with your caulk task , it could conduce to mold .

STEP 1: Select the correct size of tool.

Give special attention tochoosing the near caulking gunfor your project . The big decision to make is size , and that depends on the tube of caulk you ’re using . There are two standard sizes for both metro of caulk and caulking guns : 10 and 29 ounce . ensure the tube and tool sizes align .

While pricier battery - power caulk accelerator pedal are nice , most homeowners can achieve professional results with a simple ( and more low-cost ) ratchet - style model . Manual caulking torpedo are n’t expensive , but super - cheap single can be thin or separate midway through a job . We recommend spending a minor amount of extra money on a reliable and inflexible tool .

STEP 2: Cut open the tube of caulk.

Many caulk guns are equipped with a small blade tucked into the hold , which have quick workplace of opening tubes of caulk . If your puppet does n’t have a build - in cutter , expend a utility knifeto slice off the tip of the pointed nozzle . The size of the opening will depend on the task at hand . For precision jobs like hiding imperfections on new internal trimming , you ’ll want a o.k. gap cut at a 45 - degree angle . For rough chore such as apply construction adhesive , you may make a bigger , straight cut at the middle of the snoot .

Then , utilise something sharp like a nail or telegram to poke through the internal seal . Many caulking guns are also outfit with a fire hook for this purpose .

STEP 3: Load the caulk gun.

To load a caulk gun , campaign the release trigger located on its handle and then take out the alloy rod cell all the way back . Every throttle is a little dissimilar , but don that the bait at the back of the ratchet gun must be facing down at a 90 - stage angle when you pull this back . With the gat back , insert the fresh tube of caulk . point the flat base of the caulk tube in the back of the gun , and then permit the nozzle to catch one’s breath in its place at the front of the gun . lightly push the alloy gat back into shoes as far as it will go .

STEP 4: Test the bead and trigger speed.

Before put on caulk where you mean to put it , test the gun on a piece of paper or cardboard . Hold it at a 45 - degree angle and gently force the trigger to form a beading of caulk . remain pressing the trigger lightly and pull out the gun toward you at a steady rate — too slow and thecaulk will get clumpy , too tight and it will become thin and uneven . Try not to have too much caulk pool up as you continue to squeeze and free the induction .

STEP 5: Apply the caulk.

Once you have a feel for the flow , cautiously apply the caulk to your desired surface . attempt to keep your bm along the line as steady and consistent as potential . As shortly as you ’ve finished caulking , smooth over the caulk with a pissed digit or afinishing cock . This swooning insistency will give you the even , politic line of a professional Book of Job .

Tip : For indoor projects where tending to particular matter , cougar ’s tapeis your supporter . Use it to mask field you do n’t want to calk , and to achieve crisp edge . Give yourself about 1/8 inch of space on either side of the caulk line to ensure a well sealskin .

STEP 6: Plug the tube to preserve leftover caulk.

After completing your task , it ’s worth keeping leftover caulk on hand for a short period of time in slip you take to do any touch - ups . Most subway system of caulking are not outfit with lids , but you may still save leftover product by sealing the opening night with a nail . You could also try using a wire orchis orpurchase a special male plug .

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A DIYer using a caulking gun to seal bathroom fixtures with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.