Skip to Content
Article
Sealing made easy!

Learn how to caulk and get great results

With some practice and our guide on how to caulk, you will not only get great results, you’ll be known as the fastest DIYer in the house.

7 min read

Want to become the Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It of your household? Learn how to caulk as well as how to handle a caulking gun and get impressive results on all kinds of jobs around the house with our guide to caulking techniques.

Learning how to caulk: What you need to know

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of using a caulking gun. It’s easy, saves you time and money and really is a great skill to have. But you need to know the basics first. It’s worth the effort to learn how to apply caulk. Whether you need to apply silicone sealant to a bathtub or seal a draft around a window, our guide will provide you with the knowhow and confidence to take on any job in the house.

Here are just a few of the many household locations that may need caulking:

Indoors

  • crown moulding, chair rail, and other trim 
  • tiled floors or walls
  • bathroom fixtures
  • countertops and backsplashes
  • showers and bathtubs
  • window and door frames


Outdoors

  • gaps in your home’s foundation
  • siding and exterior trim work
  • roof repairs
i

In the winter, keep the hot air in and the cold air out. And vice versa when it’s summer. You can do both with caulking. It saves you money and provides excellent climate comfort.

Using a caulk gun for the first time

Your first time using a caulking gun will be a bit of a learning experience. Practice on an area other than your actual project site to get a feel for how much pressure to apply to the trigger. Also important: don’t squeeze the trigger too many times. The flow of the sealant is also determined by the size of the hole you cut off the end of the tube. A thicker sealant requires a larger opening; for a smaller bead, snip off a smaller section of the tip. Learning how to caulk is an essential skill for any DIYer and a little goes a long way.

Working materials like caulk, a caulking gun, painter’s tape, a utility knife and gloves.
If you're wondering how to caulk, start by gathering essential materials like a caulking gun and painter’s tape.

How to caulk: Follow these steps

Anyone can squeeze sealant out of the gun, but it’s the technique that will set you apart. Serious about DIY? Follow these steps and tips to learn how to caulk and get great results.

  1. Take a look at the overall project and visualize the steps to complete the whole thing.
  2. Do an inventory of tools you have and the tools you will need. You don’t want to discover halfway through a project that you don't have an essential item. 
  3. Area prep. Create the perfect workspace by doing all the necessary preparation before you begin. Be sure to remove any old caulking with a safety razor. Masking tape or painters’ tape will also help to mark the area.
  4. Apply the sealant. If you’re using a caulking gun for the first time, be sure to experiment with it beforehand to get a feel for how it works. 
  5. Smooth the sealant and wipe away any excess as you proceed. If you prefer, you can purchase a caulking tool to smooth out the sealant. They are inexpensive and available at most home stores.
  6. Let it cure. Remove any masking tape and give it several hours to dry.
A person holds a tool with creamy white compound in front of a ceramic sink.
An important thing on how to caulk: Remove excess sealant immediately, as this ensures a clean finish and prevents it from hardening in unwanted areas

Learn how to caulk and choose the right sealant

Like just about any other type of DIY project, the right tools and products make a big difference.
The cheapest product is not always the best solution either, so get the best product for the job.

LePage QUAD sealants are ideal for windows where air and moisture barriers are critical. These unique premium caulks can handle a wide variety of tasks, are easy to use and come in a variety of colours to match any space.

Need a sealant and an adhesive? Let LePage 2 in 1 sealants take care of your project. They are incredibly durable and are made from quality ingredients that make your projects last longer. For instance, 2 in 1 Seal & Bond Kitchen and Bath is paintable in just 40 minutes and is ideal for countertops and bathroom fixtures.

Related Products

  • lepage 2in1 sealandbond cartridge
    LePage 2in1 Kitchen and Bath

    LePage 2 in 1 Seal & Bond Kitchen and Bath Adhesive is a premium adhesive that’s specifically designed for sealing projects in your kitchen and bathroom.

  • lepage 2in1 seal bond interior 295ml cartridge
    LePage 2in1 Seal & Bond Interior

    LePage 2 in 1 Seal & Bond Interior Adhesive is a premium adhesive that is specifically designed for sealing projects indoors.

  • lepage quad max clear 280ml cartridge
    LePage Quad Max Clear Window, Door & Siding Sealant

    LePage Quad Max Sealant is designed for sealing around exterior/interior windows, doors and siding

  • lepage quad max white 280ml cartridge
    LePage Quad Max Window, Door & Siding Sealant

    Discover mother nature’s worst nightmare: LePage Quad Max.

  • lepage quad white 295ml cartridge
    LePage Quad Window, Door & Siding Sealant

    Arm yourself against the elements with LePage Quad Window, Door & Siding Sealant.

Related Articles

  • 2 min read
    Dive In! How To Caulk A Bathtub
  • 2 min read
    Concrete sealants: Simple solutions for heavy-duty projects
  • 2 min read
    How to Use Sealants to Weatherproof and Repair Your Gutter Seams
  • 2 min read
    From Loading To Application: How To Use A Caulk Gun
  • 2 min read
    The Best Roof Sealants: How to Repair Roof Leaks
  • 2 min read
    Sealants: Everything you need to know
  • 2 min read
    Silicone Sealant: All you need to know
  • 5 min read
    Finding the best bathroom caulk
  • 6 min read
    Where and when to use white caulk on your DIY projects
  • 2 min read
    Grey caulk: The classy solution for kitchens and bathrooms
  • 2 min read
    Use mastic sealants to fill those gaps!
  • 5 min read
    Caulking kitchen sinks: A critical DIY repair everyone should know