Caulk Video

By Tim Carter
©1993-2008 Tim Carter

VIDEO SUMMARY

What are the most important tools when painting an interior wall? The paint brush or the paint roller? No, it is the caulk gun. The caulk gun is used to fill all those cracks between the woodwork and the wall. The painting project just does not look finished if there are gaps between the door jamb and the wall.

The key to caulking is the size of the hole on the caulking tube nozzle. The opening should be the same size as the gap your are caulking. Start cutting the end of the tube a little at a time until you get the hole just right. Be sure to purchase the correct caulk. It should be siliconized acrylic latex caulk that is paintable.

To caulk, place the caulk gun nozzle right in the crack and gently start to squeeze the trigger. Don't over caulk. Just enough to cover the gap. Once the gap is filled, use your finger to smooth the caulk around the crack. Then take a sponge, with very little water in it, and wipe down the caulk to finish smoothing. Now, you are ready to paint that area. This will make a bid difference in your paint project.




COMMENTS

Lynda
13 Nov 2008, 07:22
Any suggestions on removing cottage
cheess or other spackle-designs from ceilings? seems like it would almost be easier to replace the drywall & start over!
Johnny
13 Nov 2008, 09:13
Lynda
Don't buy that drywall just yet. Purchase a pump sprayer from any local hardware store and fill to a level that is comfortable for you to lift, with plain tap water. Spray area that you can finish liberally [experiment a little] and let sit for about15-30 minutes. But put down drop clothes and cover all furniture, because this is a messy job. I use a 6 inch putty knife to scrape away the popcorn, but you might try several scrapeing tools. Be careful though because you don't want to gouge the paper on the drywall. My last 3 ceilings, I left some of the old texture [not the popcorn though] and ended up with and interesting design that my wife really liked, so I saved a step by not having to spray a new texture design. This should work on all ceilings that have been sealed. I hope this helps, and good luck.
Johnny
Johnny
17 Nov 2008, 23:21
In my last comment I meant to say all ceilings that have " not " been sealed.

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