Since Absolute Painting & Power Washing is located in the great northwest, Hillsboro, OR, we understand how important it is to select the right caulk for your home. In Oregon there are several problems that can occur if the correct caulk is not chosen for the correct application.
For a long-lasting seal that keeps out air and water you may want to select a silicone caulk that is 100% shrink and crack proof; the GE Silicone II is a good option. Silicone caulks are best used on the exterior of your home. Acrylic caulk can be used on the exterior of your home but over time acrylic caulk may crack if applied incorrectly or on the wrong surface. Air and water can seep through these cracks, causing mold and water damage, and contribute to an increase in your energy bills. If you intend to paint the surface after choosing the right caulk it must state that it is paintable on the label. Some silicone caulks are not paintable so read the label carefully.
If you decide to use a latex caulk on the exterior of your home we recommend an urethanized elastomeric sealant. This product can be used everywhere from your doors to your siding when applied properly.
Now that we know what types of caulk to choose, let’s go over some tips for applying caulking. If you are doing remodeling and construction then you will want to make sure that the surface you are applying the caulking to is free of dust and dirt. Usually wiping the surface with a clean cloth will do the trick. However, if you are sprucing up the appearance of your bathroom or resealing a window, you will want to do more than just wipe down the surface. You will need to remove the old caulk with a caulk removing tool on any wood, acrylic, or porcelain surface. If the surface is concrete or masonry you can use a wire brush if needed. Applying masking tape to either the side of the joint will form a nice even edge. For those that decide not to tape, you can use a caulk smoother. 
Don’t forget to remove the tape immediately after you have applied the caulk.
Now that we have prepared the surface for applying caulking you will need to prepare the caulking tube so that you can apply the caulking. The first thing to do is decide what size bead of caulking to use. Once this is determined you just cut the end of the tube to the desired size. Most manufacturers have a guide printed on the tip of the tube. Now you have to put a hole in the inner seal at the base of the tip; caulk guns come with a wire on them for just this purpose. Now insert the cartridge into the caulk gun and apply some pressure; not too much though. You don’t want the caulk to squirt everywhere. The key is to use steady pressure, this will control the rate of flow of the caulk.
Once you have a bead of caulk on the surface you can use a wet caulk smoothing tool. This can be either your finger tip or the tool made specifically for smoothing caulk.
When you have finished applying the caulking it is time to store the remainder. Apply some pressure so the caulk just comes out the tip of the tube. If the caulk came with a cap place it on the tube. If not, you can use a nail that fits snugly in the hole of the tip. If there are any areas where the caulk is in excess you can clean this up using two different methods. For silicone mineral spirits is the best choice. With acrylic caulking soap and water will do nicely.
Caulking comes in a variety of types and colors, for many different applications. For all your caulking questions give us a call at Absolute Painting & Power Washing, we will be happy to assist you.
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Mike Hughes
