Comments on: How To Caulk Effectively

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:55:52 +0000

Hi Joan,
As long as the outside temperature is within the range recommended on the caulking, you can caulk any time of year, though it will set up faster in warm weather.

By: Joan

Joan — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:53:17 +0000

we have an older house covered with cedar board – we find the house very cold on windy days and believe that this is due to bad caulking on the outside. What is the best time of the year to caulk? and also is it better to have a professional company do this. we will are also planning to re-stain the cedar this coming summer Thank you for your reply.

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:37:31 +0000

You could go ahead and caulk now. Don’t wait too long before painting, however, as the caulk could begin to degrade or mildew.

By: Paneling Fixer

Paneling Fixer — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:24:09 +0000

I am planning on repainting my house this spring or summer. There are several places that I know need caulking. Would it be best to do that now, or wait until right before I paint?

By: Cotton

Cotton — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:27:55 +0000

Yea, I am a single mother of five and I had to do some repairs myself after the Ike storm. I really like using my wet finger rather than a cloth. First you can see what you are doing, then your clean up is alot easier. PLEASE GET A GOOD GUN!!!!!!!! or STOP

By: Ty Wigal

Ty Wigal — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:51:14 +0000

This is an excellent article. “If you can’t fix it, caulk it.” I aways say. An average carpenter comes out looking like a champ if he has the ability to caulk well, especially when remodeling older homes. Finding square, level and plumb is sometimes challenging and caulking helps projects to be more forgiving. One tip on how to save a bundle on caulking is to go to the big box stores and buy it in case lots. You still get the high quality products but often pay much less than the 5 or 6 bucks that it costs to buy one tube at a time. One trick I use for extra smooth beads is to use a wet finger to smooth the surface. A wet finger collects very little caulk while a dry rag seems to pick up way too much. I knew an old time master painter that used a wet paint brush to really smooth caulk beads nicely. In my experience, the best technique is to take your time and not overdo the size of the bead. You know you got it right when you are not taking off much caulk when smoothing with a wet finger. Too much caulk will definitely result in caulk squeezing past your finger and leaving wasteful, unsightly and messy ridges. If you have a cheap caulk gun, take it in your hand and throw it as far as you can. The caulk that you save with a quality tool will more than pay for the small investment. The aggravation factor will be much smaller as well. Don’t forget the clean rags, both wet and dry. Happy caulking.
Ty the Handyman

By: Mobile Home Interior Wall Paneling Decorating Fix

Mobile Home Interior Wall Paneling Decorating Fix — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:22:44 +0000

[...] Fill the grooves with caulk [...]