Interior Caulking: Right Materials & Techniques

Caulking prevents moisture and cold air from entering a property, as well as concealing crevices in external siding and internal spaces before painting. However, a poor caulking finish will not only damage the overall final product but will also negate the purpose of the time and effort you’ve put in. Laying and curing caulking is a talent, if not an art, and if you want your upcoming DIY project to turn out superb, you should learn how the pros do it using the correct interior caulking products and procedures.

Materials

Below are some materials that you can use for your DIY projects.

• Silicone

Silicone caulk that is 100% pure is the best choice for tasks that are exposed to water. Silicone caulk is pricey, but it’s worth it because of its versatility and extended lifespan. The majority of formulae are mildew-resistant and contain discoloration blockers. Pure silicone should be used to fix areas such as sinks, faucets, bathrooms, and any tile caulk gaps in moisture-filled environments.

• Acrylic Latex

Interior painting is one job where spending a lot of money is unnecessary. For a few dollars, you can get a caulk that dries quickly, is simple to handle, cleans up quickly, and can withstand some displacement. Choose a substance with higher flexibility, such as acrylic latex, if you have a significant reoccurring crack in a wall edge or crown molding junction.

• Latex with Silicone

Silicone-infused latex or acrylic caulk is somewhat more moisture-resistant than regular latex caulk. Because of the silicone, it’s also a little more durable and versatile. This can be used in the same areas as you would for normal latex caulk and for unpainted surfaces that require mild waterproofing.

Techniques

When it comes to DIY endeavors, the technique is important. To achieve effective outcomes, you must grasp the basics and be aware of some pointers. You will see that the same rule applies while learning how to caulk. Following the procedures below and using the proper caulking methods usually always ensures amazing outcomes.

Begin by assessing your task and identifying your objective. Then decide the items and equipment you will need. How can you tell if you need to caulk? Caulking is designed to fill gaps up to half inches wide, so if your gap is bigger, you should use an alternative technique of sealing.

Setting the workplace, such as cleaning it completely and eliminating debris, is an important element of your project. Scrape any old caulk with a safety razor and cover the surrounding area with painter’s tape. It will take some practice to get the hang of using a caulking gun for the first time. Practice on another spot to get the pressure right.

Lastly, use a tool to smoothen out the strip of the bead. You can use a spoon, paint stirrer, a foam paintbrush, or a gloved finger coated in water if you don’t have a finishing instrument. Well before the caulk cures, tooling and painter’s tape removal should be completed.

Caulking appears to be a very simple task, and it is. However, there are a few caulking tricks of the trade that might mean the difference between a neat caulking process and one that’s stressful and possibly a bit sloppy. So, before you start your next caulking venture, review our guide for the best interior caulking materials and techniques.