Place the sharp end of the putty knife at the base of the old caulk. Then, grab the handle and push the knife forward. Keep pushing forward until all of the caulk has been removed. Alternatively, you can use a plastic caulk removal tool. [3] X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 13 January 2021. You can even use an Olfa knife. [4] X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 13 January 2021. To make the caulk easier to remove, try using a caulk softener, which you can find at any home improvement store. Just apply it, wait 20-30 minutes, then scrape it with a carpet or putty knife. [5] X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandyman Expert Interview. 20 August 2020. For silicone caulking, pry up one side and then pull the strip out with needle-nose pliers.
Caulking will insulate anything in the crack, so you want to make sure all dirt is completely removed. If there is any caulk or grime leftover, use a plastic scraper to lift it up.
Using painter’s tape makes the caulking process more precise. It also means that you can make the caulking aesthetically pleasing too. Remove the tape quickly after you use silicone caulk, or else it could get stuck.
If you need to, ask a friend or family member to help keep the rod back as you work on inserting the caulking tube.
Some caulk guns have a piercing rod and tip cutter on the frame. Use these before putting the tube in the frame.
If you become uncertain at any point, consult the instructions that are provided with your caulk tube. The instructions will tell you the precise method needed for that particular tube.
This choice is permanent, so think carefully about the thickness before you make the cut. However, it’s better to cut the nozzle further away so it’s thinner. [9] X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandyman Expert Interview. 20 August 2020. If the caulk’s too thin, you can always cut the nozzle shorter.
If you move the caulking gun too fast, the caulk will be too thin and uneven. [11] X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandyman Expert Interview. 20 August 2020. If you move the caulking gun too slow, the caulk will be clumpy and unworkable. Find a balance between the two. Don’t worry if you pressed the trigger and no caulk came out. Let the pressure off the trigger then start again.
Although the trigger will push some of the caulk out of the tube, by holding the gun at 45 degrees, you are using gravity to help with the process.
If you missed any spots, don’t worry. You can come back and fill in any missed points in a second run through. There’s no obligation to fill the crack on your first try. If you’ve used painter’s tape, don’t worry if the caulk goes over it. You can peel this off after you’re finished. [15] X Research source If you haven’t used painter’s tape, a putty knife and wire brush should remove any mistakes.
You can also wet your finger and run it along the caulk line to smooth it out. [17] X Expert Source Barry ZakarHandyman Expert Interview. 20 August 2020.
