I am going caulk the stall shower this weekend - I peeled off the old caulk and bought some new stuff that's for the bathroom. I have never done it before - any tips?
2007-05-10 05:45:42 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Cut the tip of the caulk tube relative to the gap you are trying to caulk. This will save time and allow for the right amount of caulk.
Wet your finger / glove when smoothing the caulk line. This will leave the caulk glossy which looks better. It's also a lot easier to smooth out when your finger is wet.
Pay attention to your corners. Don't leave too much caulk or it will look bad once dried.
Caulking is actually MUCH easier than people think. The big mistake I see people make is that they don't smooth it out, and when it dries it looks like toothpaste.
Good luck and have fun!! Once you get the hang of it you will be caulking everything around the house. I personally think that the person who invented caulk should be sainted.
2007-05-10 05:59:42 · answer #1 · answered by catsovermen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has been mentioned to cut a small tip and cut a tip for how much you will need. I work construction and caulk very frequently. I will only say this once. Cut a very small tip. You can always go back and add more if you need it. If you cut a big tip and get a bunch of caulking on the surface, all you will have is a big mess.
Also, make sure the surface is completely dry. If there is any water left in the shower where you will be caulking, it will not stick and will not cure.
Good luck.
2007-05-10 06:45:14 · answer #2 · answered by George R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean the area to be caulked with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. Cut the caulking tube tip to the size of the gap you will be filling. Make sure it is 100% silicone caulk. Fill the gap just slightly higher than the depth. Smooth with a wet spoon wedged into the corner of the wall and flat surface. This gives an even top surface and your fingers aren't sticky. Do not use the shower until the caulk is completely cured.
2007-05-10 06:23:57 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you wet your finger(keep wet) if you smooth out caulk. It prevents the caulk from sticking to your finger and coming up. It also allows you to mold the caulk(like clay). push down on an angle and pull back at same time. you want to push the caulk into the seam- not just run it along. Pressure and angle is the key. Practice on an old piece of wood or tile first. start where its less noticeable first so you get better by the time you reach the visible part.
2007-05-10 09:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a couple of rags that you won't mind throwing away. The best instrument for evening out your bead of caulk (the "bead" is the line of caulk that you're running along the cracks between surfaces in your shower) is....your finger! Don't buy any gadget to even out the caulk....they just don't work as well as your finger.
Run your bead of caulk along the joint between surfaces, not freaking out if it doesn't look even. If you're using a caulking gun, release the tension pressing against the barrel of caulk whenever you put it down so that it doesn't continue to squirt out while you're evening out the caulk.
Then use a clean finger to smooth the line out, pressing it into the crack and creating a smooth, "U" shaped surface. Wipe your finger on your disposable towel when needed.
Good luck!
2007-05-10 05:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
cut the tip of the caulk bottle at an angle, put a moderate amount down and then with a wet finger tip run your finger over the caulk leaving a smooth line while removing the excess caulk.
2007-05-10 05:51:06 · answer #6 · answered by thomas c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
make sure you make use of the little tab at the end of the caulk gun that will relieve the pressure when your not using it. otherwise it will continue to come out even if your not squeezing the trigger. also, dont make the mistake of cutting the tip too large otherwise you will end up using too much and it will get really messy.
caulk in managable sections and use your finger with liight pressure to smooth the caulk, if your bead was too large it will get messy. it will be very handy to have paper towel and a garbage can on standby to clean your finger and any mess.
2007-05-10 05:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by Bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, take masking tape and run the tape about 10mm away from the corner/joint. Do this on both sides over the whole length. Caulk the joint and run your finger down to ensure even spreading, then remove the masking tape while wet. You will have a neat joint, no mess!
2007-05-10 05:50:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋