How to Caulk Like a Professional

One of the best caulking tips is to make sure that the caulk only goes where you need it. Caulking with tape along the surface will help produce an attractive finish.
 

Apply painter’s tape to mask off areas around the joint where the caulk should not appear. This will give you a straight line of caulk and will improve the final appearance.

Caulk is available in hand-held squeezable tubes or rigid plastic cylinders that require a caulk gun to push out the material. A squeeze tube is recommended for small projects.
 

• Some squeeze tubes may have a seal under the nozzle cap. Make sure to puncture the seal before use. Follow the instructions on the tube and carefully cut the nozzle using scissors or a utility knife with a sharp blade. Most caulk guns have a built-in nozzle cutter and seal puncher.
• A line of caulk is called a “bead” and the width of bead is determined by where the nozzle is cut. To create a narrow bead, cut the nozzle close to its tip. For a wider bead, trim off more of the nozzle.
• No matter how wide your caulk bead needs to be, cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. You will be applying the caulk with the tube at an angle, so cutting the nozzle on a slant will help get a smooth bead.

Using a caulk gun is the easiest way to apply caulk.
 

• Insert the cartridge into the gun frame and make sure it's snug and secure.
• Press the release at the back of the caulk gun and adjust the rod so the plunger is fully extended. 
• Place the nozzle at a 45-degree angle in the middle of the joint. Always start on one end of your project. Try to work in a continuous direction.
• Grasp the tube and slowly squeeze the trigger. Press the nozzle into the joint with enough pressure to force the caulk into the gap.
• At the same time, steadily draw the nozzle along the joint.
• Apply steady pressure to the trigger or tube and fill the gap with an even bead of caulk.
• Release the trigger when it reaches the handle. It will spring back. Then you can continue making a steady bead.

For a neat and professional-looking finish, “tool” or smooth the bead of caulk after sealing the joint with a caulking finishing tool or caulking edger. Some professionals will use their finger to smooth caulk while others go back over their work with a damp rag. 

Whichever method you use, the overall goal is to smooth the bead and not to remove excess caulk. For best results using a caulking tool:
 

• Lightly drag the caulk finishing tool over the bead to smooth it. 
• Alternatively, you can use your finger. Moisten your fingertip in warm soapy water and drag it with light pressure along the length of the bead.
• If caulking with tape to mask the area around the caulk, remove the tape before the caulk starts to set. 
• To remove the masking tape, lift the end and pull up at a 45-degree angle, away from the surface.
• Wipe away excess caulk with water and a damp cloth before it dries. 

Drying and curing are two separate processes and have different time requirements. Curing often takes longer than drying. Quick-drying caulks are available.
 

• Check your caulk tube for the specific dry and cure time instructions.  
• To remove excess dried caulk, use a putty knife or caulk tool to cut or scrape it away. If using a paintable caulk, check the tube for paint-ready time.