Caulking is an umbrella term for applying different types of sealants to close off holes, cracks, or joints. In a way, caulk protects the house from various environmental factors like rain, wind, and extreme sunlight from destroying the structure of a home. But for homeowners considering caulking for the first time, what are the things that you should remember before calling the contractors to do the job? Here are some caulking guidelines to remember.
1. Caulk Before Painting
If you plan on doing a much-needed painting in your home inside or outside, start caulking before doing the painting. Painting is a very time-consuming process that can take days to complete and a great deal of paint. Painting on a poorly painted surface will not look good. Caulking and painting are two separate processes that can coincide. But if you want to make sure the posts are tightly closed and water-resistant, you must caulk first before painting.
2. Scrape Old Paint or Caulk Before Re-applying
If you want to repaint a section of your home and have old paint or caulk on the surface, you must remove the stain or caulk to avoid uneven colour. Old paint or caulk can leave a sticky residue that messes up the paint job. Scrape off the old paint or caulking with a putty knife, and use a damp cloth to remove dust.
3. Ensure the Area is Dry Before Caulking
For caulking to last long, the surface must be dry. It means you must wait until the paint has completely dried up before starting the caulking process.
You can use a dry towel to see if the surface is dry or not. If the towel comes out dry, you can proceed to the next steps. If it is still wet, wait until the area is arid before re-caulking.
4. Apply Caulk At Least a Day Before Painting
Caulking has a drying time of about 24 hours. Waiting for at least a day before painting the surface is essential to prevent the paint from peeling from the wall or ceiling. Also, make sure you clean the surface area with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
5. Use a Caulking Gun
Using a caulking gun is much more efficient than using a plastic putty knife. While applying the caulk, use the caulking gun’s trigger to apply the caulk to the targeted area and then use the putty knife to smooth out the surface. If you want a smoother finish, use a caulking gun with a hook tool and pull it in and out horizontally to fill in the small spaces.
The Benefits of Caulking Before Painting
There are many benefits of caulking before painting a surface. For starters, caulking protects the wall from further damage from mold and mildew growth. Also, caulking before painting is the easiest way to turn the most boring walls into a masterpiece.
Caulking is also a lot cheaper than repainting. The painting process is expensive, but repainting a poorly painted surface is even more costly. In other words, caulking is more affordable than painting.
Conclusion
Caulking is essential in making sure your house stays in good shape. It is vital to check the entire house for cracks and holes to avoid more severe damages as time passes. As a result, homeowners can keep their homes in good condition. If you plan to re-paint your home inside or outside, make sure you caulk first to avoid the paint from peeling from the surface. BC 3D Printing is a commercial and residential painting company located in Delta. Aside from paint jobs, we also conduct staining services for clients wanting a rustic or antique-looking environment at home. Book a house painter today by inquiring about our services on our website.