When painting and decorating your property, it is important that the edges of your skirting boards and walls are sealed. As professional painters and decorators we've filled a fair few walls in our years. Here's our step by step guide to giving your walls a high quality finish.
You will need:
Silicone caulk
Dripless caulk gun
A putty knife
Clothes
Caulk smoothing tool (optional)
(1) Choose Your Caulk
When picking your caulk, you need a product that is long lasting and keeps water for years to come. So we recommend purchasing a waterproof, flexible and silicone caulk. Acrylic caulks tend to shrink and crack over time which leads to water seeping through the gaps, so avoid these products.
Top Tips for Sealing Windows, Doors and Attics
Make sure that all of your windows and doors are close securely and do not need to be rehung.
If you are painting the exterior of your windows and doors, ensure that your caulk can be painted on.
Make sure that your colour caulk is suitable for all surrounding materials.
(2) Clean Your Surface
It is important that you remove all old caulk, dirt and grime that has accumulated on the surface. Use a wire brush for concrete and masonry then wipe this clean with a cloth. You can also apply masking tape on either side for a straight edge.
(3) Prepare the Tube
Cut the nozzle of the caulk tube to your desired bead size. Pierce the inner seal then insert the cartridge into your caulking gun. Use even, consistent pressure to ensure a consistent size when the caulk leaves the tube.
Top Tips for Sealing Kitchen, Bath and Plumbing Products
Use rubbing alcohol to remove grime, dirt and any accumulation of grime.
When caulking your bathroom fill it with water as this will ensure it is pulled furthest away, so any application of caulk won't crack.
Make sure you work from the inside our when caulking a shower. Caulk the inside seams before the external seams, so you do not brush up against any uncured caulk.
(4) Smooth the Caulk Seal
You can use your finger to smooth the caulk into the surface. Alternatively you can purchase a special caulk smoothing tool within a few minutes of application. This will give you the most professional finish.
(5) Store the Tube
Squeeze all of the caulk until there is nothing coming out of the tube. Replace the cap then whip hands with a dry cloth before using soap and water. When cleaning around the caulk use mineral spirits for silicone caulk and soap and water for acrylic caulk.
Hopefully you have found this guide helpful. If you think you haven't got the time to caulk or paint your walls and ceilings yourself, you can always call in the professionals! If you're looking for a painter and decorator in Croydon, London and Surrey, get in touch with us at Hynon Painters & Decorators for a free consultation.