How to Use Decorators Caulk

Decorators caulk is a very popular tool when doing DIY work around the home, helping you to cover all manners of sins. Knowing how to use decorators caulk properly is essential, however, as without this knowledge it is easy to create a mess and ruin the overall finish.

If you want to become a DIY wizard then here’s what you need to know about using this material.

When to use Decorators Caulk?

Straight to the bones of it, knowing when to use decorators caulk is vital. This is a product that is designed to be easily smoothed out – reducing the need for sanding – and dry quickly. The primary use for this caulk is filling gaps:

> Between skirting boards and walls

> Around window or door frames

> In cracks in corners

The biggest benefit of using caulk is that it’s flexible, meaning that it will expand and contract to match its surroundings. This is great for window or door frames as they can shrink and grow due to changes in the weather.

How to use Decorators Caulk

Materials you need include:

> Caulking gun

> Decorators caulk tube

> A knife

> Damp sponge or rag

Step 1 - Preparation: Using the knife, cut the nozzle of the caulking tube at a 45-degree angle – how low or high up the nozzle you trim will determine the size of the bead (thinner lower, thicker higher).  Once this has been done, cut the seal off the top of the tube and attach the nozzle.

Load the caulk gun by inserting the nozzle through the end of the frame and then aligning the cartridge with the rest of the gun. When aligned, squeeze the trigger to insert the push rod into the tube – stop just as the caulk begins to flow.

Step 2 - Application: Point the nozzle of the gun at the very start of the gap at an angle to the surface and then gently squeeze the trigger, while moving the gun along the gap. Work slowly and pull smoothly on the trigger in order to have a consistent flow of caulk – the more you do this, the faster you will become.

You’re ideally aiming for the bead of caulk to be wide enough to fill the gap without too much excess. If this is your first time caulking it may be worth using masking tape to contain the excess and prevent damage from spreading out the mess.

Step 3 - Finish: Using a wet finger, smooth the caulk out along the gap – make sure you remove any excess as you go. Once you’ve finished this process take a damp cloth and wipe lightly along the area to feather out the caulk and remove the excesses on the edges.

When you’re happy with the finish you’ve achieved, remove the caulk tube from the gun by pressing the release trigger (typically found on the back of the handle) and pulling the rod backwards. If there is still caulk left in the tube and you wish to use it again, then prevent it from drying out by placing an old nail in the nozzle.

Always make sure you leave the caulk to dry fully before paining over the top of it. Normally decorators caulk will dry within an hour, but always check the labelling on the tube to double check this fact.

At Speedy Plastics, our decorators caulk starts from as low as £1.04 – buy the decorating supplies you need quickly, safely and easily online with Speedy Plastics.

If you’re embarking on any other DIY project, browse our range of products. If you find the same product anywhere else for less, we’ll refund the difference.