Learn how to caulk and get great results

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

If you have a smaller job or need to repair a section of old caulking, try LePage’s Re-New. It comes in a squeeze bottle and can be applied right over the old caulking. One bottle is all that is needed to caulk an average-sized tub or shower. Re-New allows you to quickly create a durable, long-lasting seal without the usual mess and time of removing the old caulk.