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The concept of craftsmanship has various definitions; whether you are in design, electricals, baking, or architecture, your job is your craft.
Craftsmanship drives me. My understanding of craftsmanship is more fundamental because it is a life-long discipline.
I am a 38-year-old lady, married with kids and I love making things with my hands, including fixing things and do my DIY and home improvements.
Building my home incurred more costs, especially hiring people to complete the job. I had to use a caulk gun to help me fill up cracks in the house.
Caulk gun is easy to use and you can also save on labour and gain experience. A caulk gun is not completed to use as it has two parts.
This blog post will guide you on how to use your caulk gun.
How To Use Your Caulk Gun For The First Time
Cleaning the area
Use a putty knife to remove the old caulk
If you are renovating your house, you need to get rid of the old caulk before applying any new caulk.
Removing old caulk helps you to avoid creating thick layers and making it last longer.
- Use a putty knife to remove the caulk by placing its flat side inside the calk. Push the handle to the inside and you will see the putty coming out. Keep scrubbing forward until the old caulk comes out.
- You can apply a caulk softener on the old caulk, wait for 30 minutes before using a putty knife to remove the caulk.
Clean the crack left with alcohol or disinfectant and hot water
Boil water, add a disinfectant and use a rag to wipe the crack. Rinse off the place.
Dry the place with a dry rag.
Caulking insulates in the crack; therefore, you should ensure that all caulk remains come out.
Place painter’s tape around the crack
Get painter’s tape from any house improvement store. Place a long strip around the cracked area.
The tape helps to protect the rest of the area that has no crack.
- Painter’s tape enhances the caulking process by making the place neat.
- Remove the tape as soon as you complete using silicone caulk as the tape may stick permanently onto the wall.
Load the caulk gun
Press caulk release trigger behind the caulk gun
Behind the caulking gun, there is a small trigger that releases caulk.
Press it with your thumb to release the long steel rod held by the frame of a caulk gun. Using the other hand, pull the rod to the back and secure it.
If you are working with your family like I do or friends, ask one of them to help you keep the rod back as you insert the caulk tube.
Insert the caulk tube
Holding the rod back and nozzle facing away from you, insert the caulk tube into the frame of the caulk gun.
First, insert the sharp end of the tube behind the caulk gun until it reaches the back of the gun. Facedown the tip of the tube to level it.
In cases where the caulk gun has a pointed rod and blade for cutting the tip on the frame, Use them before returning the tube into the frame of the caulk gun.
Use a metal rod to pierce through the metal rod
Once you secure the caulk tube into the frame, press the tube into the caulk tube at the back. The hooks should plunge deep in the back to keep the caulk in the hold.
Slice the nozzle at the front with scissors at desired point
Usually, caulk tubes have a long nozzle that is yet to be cut for one to trim it to the thickness of the crack. Trim the nozzle to the size of caulk.
Applying the caulk
Practice on a piece of paper
With the nozzle facing down, hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle.
Push the trigger from the back of the caulk gun, moving the gun in one direction; you will see caulk coming out.
Apply on the crack
Hold one hand on the trigger and use the other hand to secure behind the caulk tube.
Tilt the entire gun and the caulk starts to pour through the cut nozzle slowly.
Keep moving the caulk gun on the crack in a single motion until it seals up the crack completely.
Use a heated metal spoon to smoothen the surface.
Remove the painter’s tape and leave the caulk to dry. It takes a day to dry completely.
You will discover that you have saved a lot compared to hiring people to do it for you.
