I am looking for an easy way to learn how to caulk?

Question

I had a guy recaulk my bathroom. He came back once to recaulk because it did not take in a couple spots . Now it peeling again (2 months). How can I teach myself how to use a caulk gun proficiently? Also what type of caulk would you use. Initially, I wanted to use silicone caulk but the handyman said this was not good for a bathroom.

Any usefull tips?

Answer 1

It's not all that hard. Just get a good caulking gun. Don't try using the squeeze tubes of caulking. They are hard to get the caulking to go on very smoothly. I tried using the tubes at first and I was like, "My dad can do this so well with a caulking gun. How come I can do it well at all with the squeeze tube?" I got a caulking gun and I couldn't believe the difference. What took me a half hour or more before only took me like 1-2 minutes and looked so much better.

I recommend getting a hand operated caulking gun that has a button on it to release all of the pressure on it. You need that for any stops in the caulking that you make otherwise the caulking will continue to shoot out of the end of the gun for a bit.

When you cut the plastic tip of the caulking cannister, cut the tip at an angle then run that angle against what you are caulking. The extended length of the opening will mak it so you can control the caulking better.

For bathrooms get the kind of caulking that has an anti-microbial chemical agent in it. The people at your local hardware store should be able to tell you where to find it. It will help prevent mold from growing on the caulking. You can also get your caulking in different varieties of colors.

One thing to remember is that it's a good idea to check your caulking every couple of months. The walls of your house will move somewhat, especially if it is new and hasn't completely settled yet. You may have to go back and recaulk every so often. And caulking can tend to dry out and shrink.

One last thing that I forgot...Always make sure that the surface is dry and clean before you start caulking.

Answer 2

This is in response to an_articulate_soul's answer.

You say the person should practice a lot. But practice what? What exactly should be done to apply the caulk correctly? Only after knowing what should be done can the person practice doing that.

Obviously there is more involved than just squeezing the tube and watching the caulk come out. Do you have to apply it with some kind of tool, or just squeeze it out of the tube and let it apply itself?

And in response to the original questioner, to decide what kind of caulk to use, go to Home Depot, Lowes, and your local hardware store, and ask each of them, then compare their answers to see if they agree. Ignore what the handyman told you, because he obviously doesn't know what he's doing, with his work only lasting a short time.

Answer 3

You can do it. They have bathroom, kitchen caulking. Use that. And silicone is great. The trick is make sure the surface is dry....that there is nothing like soap or anything on it.And to let it dry for at least 72 hrs before using. All you have to do is use the gun. Take your finger, or buy the little tool they sell to do this...at Lowes. I use my finger and spread it along making it look as I want it to look adding and taking away with a slightly damp cloth, right away. Do the short end first to get used to it. If worse comes to worse, you can take it off right thn and redo it...no problem. You van do it. Look on DIY and see what they say about bathroom caulking. Good luck. It has to be pressed down with a tool or your finger I think for it to grip well. My opinion and we have remodeled for 20 yrs. Never seen it done with masking tape, the finger is the best way and easier by far...not a fanatic are you?

Answer 4

you need to get a caulk called tub and tile that will hold better and get a cheep hand gun you don't need a electric one a cheep one will do just fine pull back the rod that pumps it back cut the tip of the caulk tub on a 45 degree angle and pump the trigger when you stop just back off on the rod it turns and pull it back if you don't the caulk will keep coming out it's easy then after you apply it wet your finger and go around the caulk beed and smooth it down make sure you keep your finger wet or it will stick to you or use a wet rag but he used the wrong caulk he should have none that but I guess he just took your money Oh and make sure you get all the old stuff off and clean it ith a wet rag

Answer 5

Just an added note to what others have said. Silicone is great in bathrooms as long as there is no water present. Be very careful that everything in 100% dry and wait 24hours before you use that tub. When mixed with water, even small amounts, silicone does not set correctly. So just be water conscience and all will be well.

Answer 6

if caulking a tub

make sure the tile is clean and dry
place masking tape on both sides of the joint you will caulk
=============================== masking tape
-------------------------------------------------------------- joint
=============================== masking tape

That way when you caulk, the straight line of the tape will insure
that the caulk line is straight and neat
lay the caulk in with the gun

then run your thumb along the caulk smoothly.
this will press the caulk into the joint and fill the area between the
masking tape

let the caulk dry a litle then neatly remove the tape

Answer 7

go with a caulking that will avoid mold and mildew....and you don't need a gun, use the tubes you can buy from Lowe's or Home Depot...

then practice practice practice...it takes a little time to develop a good skill, but it's SO worth it to not have to hire someone to do it

Answer 8

The basic technique is pretty easy to learn. Hopefully this helps:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWUc-FMQtNk

Answer 9

Get the acrylic type

Grab a tube and squeeze it, use wet paper towels to wipe off the excess

Answer 10

This link tells you all you need to know.
My only personal addition would be to use a wet finger- you get a nice smooth line :) If it goes wrong- wipe it away and start again.