How to Caulk Like a Pro

Рет қаралды 904,841

7 жыл бұрын

Ever tried caulking, only to have it turn out to be an ugly mess? This video will help :)
Visit bit.ly/NilsLovesBigStretch and enter Sashco’s #GoBigOrGoBack Challenge to win free caulking and coupons from Sashco!
These few tips can really help you caulk a sink, a bathtub, baseboard, casing or any other joint and have it come out smooth and professional. To see the accompanying article on my website, head on over to:
www.diynils.com/how-to-caulk-like-a-pro
This video has been sponsored by Sashco, makers of quality caulks and sealants like Big Stretch. If you'd like to purchase Big Stretch for your next project, you can purchase it online (see links below) or at Ace Hardware, True Value and Lowes.
Products from this video:
• Big Stretch: (Paid aff. link) geni.us/B8qcMU2
• Lexel (for sinks and tubs, etc.): (Paid aff. link) geni.us/jfeEHeg
• Dripless Caulking Gun: (Paid aff. link) geni.us/rQlNuSW
• Quick Change Utility Knife: (Paid aff. link) geni.us/A084
• 5 in 1 Upgraded Silicone Caulking Tool Kit: (Paid aff. link) geni.us/Rv8tN
Ready for your two free audiobooks from Audible? Just follow this link:
www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-T...
Audio for this video by Anders Rasmusson

Пікірлер: 507

@jerrymashburn4793 5 жыл бұрын

45 years ago an old painter saw me having a hard time running caulk while installing shower doors. the first thing he showed me was to cut the tip off square, not at an angle. then hold gun at top at about a 5 - 10 deg acute angle and work down, this pushes the caulk into the seam and by changing the angle you can control the size of the bead. the rest is a matter of practicing movement and squeeze pressure. I have used this method every since and teach it to all who have worked for me. with practise there is really no need to tool except to make sure you get a good bond on both surfaces. As for wetting your finger, works great for most paintable caulks , but I keep dry for silicones.

@iancooper9278 2 жыл бұрын

Jerry, Right. I was taught the same technique by a fellow I worked with as well. He also told me that if you are using thermoplastic caulking, not to run your finger along the bead after you are done a bead as the oil on your finger will react with the caulking. This was for exterior work, interior work you could use your finger.

@TonyWadkins 6 жыл бұрын

Always offset your thumb when cutting anything. I have personal experience 34 years ago cutting a garden hose like that. Sliced my thumb to the bone and to this day I still have some sensitivity in that area due to nerve damage.

@MoxieBeast 4 жыл бұрын

straight to the point and extremely helpful with the examples. exactly what I needed.

@ohsochrispyful 5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the video. Thank you! Sorry for all the annoying people complaining about the way you used the box cutter. Such negative human beings in the world. You clearly know what you are doing and had complete control of the box cutter.

@WindsorCraftDesigns 6 жыл бұрын

Use a bucket of water and a tile grouting sponge to wet and wipe off your finger. Hold the damp sponge in one hand while you run a bead, then wet your finger on the sponge and smooth out the caulk. Wipe excess caulk off on the sponge; when sponge gets too much caulk on it, rinse it in the bucket of water.

@TheChangospace 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips, Dad! --- You're like the father I never had. (no sarcasm...it's true)

@lunchbox3434 3 жыл бұрын

This. Also cuting that tip at an angle helps tremendously!

@SoCalSlowPoisonJan- 6 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy I watched your video! I'm helping my son remodel my home. When he's not here I like to do jobs to help him. Well, now I can start caulking the trim...Thank you!

@vinny160 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome tip about adding a a little dish soap to the warm water...caulked a tub and surround today and it was a huge improvement!!! Thanks for the heads up!

@DaDavidVids 4 жыл бұрын

The painters tape made this video so worth it. I had been struggling with caulking a window, where perfection is necessary

@EaglesFan4NRA 7 жыл бұрын

Good info in this vid BUT I would advise against using a razor blade/sharp object, to cut TOWARDS your fingers or hand. VERY dangerous...especially for beginners.

@LRN2DIY 7 жыл бұрын

EaglesFan4NRA Good point. My finger pads are pretty calloused from guitar so I didn't even think about it but you're absolutely right.

@valerieashton7424 7 жыл бұрын

EaglesFan4NRA I was thinking the same thing, I winced while watching that part!

@EaglesFan4NRA 7 жыл бұрын

DIY, I hear ya...its a good vid and I'm a new subscriber for sure.

@DoctorBlankenstein 7 жыл бұрын

EaglesFan4NRA I was thinking the same thing. I use my diagonal cuters, much safer.

@Baha_slide 7 жыл бұрын

DoctorBlankenstein what are diagonal cutters?

@Greenman3066 2 жыл бұрын

I do around 4 houses a week with silicone. I use an wooden icecream stick. I use a detergent in a spray bottle. Hold the stick depending on the angle or cut of the tile. Spray the bead, use the stick and run along it, prefect bead. Use finger to gently run along the bead of silicone to finish it off. You are not trying to remove the silicone with your finger, just smoothing it so be gentle.

@genecarden780 Жыл бұрын

This is absolutely a bad idea. Every major manufacturer of sealant says to dry tool in their tech manuals.I have install well over 100 miles of sealant and have had to replace miles of sealant that failed using the soapy water method. This is what the Dow tech manual for silicone sealants says on page 75 “NOTE: Do not use liquid tooling aids such as water, soap or alcohols. These materials may interfere with sealant cure and adhesion and create aesthetic issues.” It will fail prematurely.

@Maxkil 6 жыл бұрын

cringed when you cut that tip like that

@ericaford6862 6 жыл бұрын

Seriously, was he gonna fill a pool with it!

@thaitichi 6 жыл бұрын

This is what I came to say. Yikes.

@kahoycrafts 5 жыл бұрын

He's just good with a utility knife -- respect.

@ryansanders9280 5 жыл бұрын

How not to cut with any blade!

@genzers502 5 жыл бұрын

SAME!

@CostaKy 7 жыл бұрын

Very nice and easy to understand video! ☺️ thank you

@jillclement5977 6 жыл бұрын

This is a great video. I was glad to see that I had purchased the right caulk gun. The tip about the sharpie was very helpful.

@sandiwilson1792 6 жыл бұрын

I'm a widow and a homeowner trying to learn how to do things myself, and today I'm trying to remove old caulk from my bathtub. Your tips on caulking have been a God send!! As we say in Kentucky, "Bless you're little heart!" Thank you Nils!!

@LRN2DIY 6 жыл бұрын

So glad it was helpful, Sandi! I wish you all the best :)

@nicolepentheny5606 7 жыл бұрын

Great tips! I am a beginner and I understood everything you described! Thanks!

@MichaelF144 7 жыл бұрын

I tried to caulk my pantry and it was my first time, went well. Nice bead of white all purpose. Now I have to paint. Thanks for the advice.

@christopherkramer7105 4 жыл бұрын

Just bought a house so I’ll be visiting your videos a lot. Thanks for showing how caulking can be simple and efficient!

@TXgigimom64 3 жыл бұрын

Woohoo, I did it! Thank you so much for this helpful video. Intimidating at first, but then I got the hang of it and it looks pretty good.

@altaccount1467 5 жыл бұрын

From captain sparkels

@justusscheetz3328 5 жыл бұрын

I thought i was the only one....

@blairdrummond5043 5 жыл бұрын

I don't know who this CaptainSparklez guy is. I came here from Jordan Reacts

@justusscheetz3328 5 жыл бұрын

@@blairdrummond5043 I'm hoping you know he's the same person...

@blairdrummond5043 5 жыл бұрын

@@justusscheetz3328 It was pretty obvious that I was joking, but I guess some people just need it spelled out for them...

@justusscheetz3328 5 жыл бұрын

@@blairdrummond5043 I'm just saying some people would actually not know

@jrock14ful 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information. Now I can do this on my own. Good to know!

@ihyoo83 7 жыл бұрын

Love your content Nils! Random lol but quality stuff!

@ComradeArthur 6 жыл бұрын

Hah! Never caulked before and it went very well with your tips. Especially liked the warm, soapy water idea.

@ScottMGreshamToyota 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! You made it looks so easy and helped me sooo much 🙏

@ronh9384 4 жыл бұрын

A good video! A tip I picked up somewhere is to use a straw to tool the caulk. Cut the tip at a slight angle and slide the tip along the joint using light pressure. The excess caulk goes into the straw. If you have a larger joint use a larger diameter straw. Also, if you are caulking a tub that flexes as you get in and out of it you should fill the tub with cold water before you caulk so the caulk doesn’t pull away from the tub due to it flexing.

@fixitwithjake 4 жыл бұрын

Dude, this is by fast the best video I have watched on the topic. The best on youtube! I have watched them all and your tips worked the best. Keep up the great work!

@jpdst29 5 жыл бұрын

Not sure if this is a proper way to do it but I always push my caulk tube while caulking. This forces caulk down into the gap and cleans it as you go. It was taught to me by some old timer when I first got into the trade. I’ve done it ever since and it works like a charm.

@catherinea.9627 6 жыл бұрын

Best I've seen yet. Thanks for posting!

@acecabezon 7 жыл бұрын

Carry a pile of napkins, and wipe off excess on those. Cheap, and rough enough to clean your finger nicely. Carry a Walmart bag to drop dirty napkins in. I put a rag into the bottom of a sour cream tub and put water in it which gives you a source of water to wet your finger with, and the rag keeps it from spilling if you're moving around fast. +1 point for painters tape, against painted walls this is the only way it will look nice.

@markbailey3257 2 жыл бұрын

Short and sweet, also the best explanation of dripless calk Guns on KZfaq.

@craiggagnon8407 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, I subscribed as you get to the point, and generally seem likeable.

@NoWayJoseNJ 7 жыл бұрын

Yes I did learn something today. New subscriber. Thanks for these tips.

@raspberrycrusader 7 жыл бұрын

Lovely, well-scripted video, thank you for the help.

@jmlmjr27 7 жыл бұрын

very informative video. I have a lot of caulking to do. My walls are slightly coming away from the molding that is attached to the ceiling. I am not a pro... I like the caulking gun you recommended. Thank you!

@DeuceGenius 5 жыл бұрын

is the molding coming away from the walls or are the walls moving away from the molding lol

@patscott9920 2 жыл бұрын

Learned lots about how to make a much dreaded task easier. Thank you!

@robjones4250 7 жыл бұрын

Use masking tape to prevent the caulking tube from turning on you.

@johnstanton2182 7 жыл бұрын

Nice demonstration of how to caulk and how to prepare and useful tips like warm water etc. Going to use these tips on my babies new nursery :D

@billyhayes3949 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, and excellent advice! What about site preparation? I’m caulking an old house with existing, aged caulking. What’s the best way to remove the old stuff before applying a fresh coat?

@musiccollector 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Very helpful. Also, the video is professionally done.

@valerieashton7424 7 жыл бұрын

you make this look so easy! T his is my first diy with molding, do I paint after the caulking? or paint and then caulk? thanks!

@lawrence8434 7 жыл бұрын

Great Vid, Thank you sir!!!

@spencercolgan 7 жыл бұрын

Great idea with the magic marker!!!!!!!

@liemqnguyen 7 жыл бұрын

awsome vids as always !

@ryanrunearth 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome work and thank you for the tips .

@lostintime8651 5 жыл бұрын

I have a handyman business and work on very old homes. My business name is GOOD WITH CAULK!

@lynleeanne217 7 жыл бұрын

I like this guy! Picked up great tips re "finger" sealing and soapy water and different sealant guns. Thank you.

@DiscoFang 6 жыл бұрын

Lynlee Anne Finger is actually one of the worst thing to use on sanitary area silicon. It leaves bacteria in the surface which will result in mould growth. It often even says not to on the packaging.

@eriklarson9137 5 жыл бұрын

Literally EVERY SINGLE PROFESSIONAL uses their finger to smooth it out. Every single one.

@DiscoFang 5 жыл бұрын

Erik Larson Not all but many do. And all those jobs will get discoloured & mouldy faster than if they didn't. Just because a pro does it doesn't mean it's good to do. Many pros don't give a damn if your silicon starts moulding up prematurely because they're not around when it does. And as a customer you just think it's normal for the silicon or caulk to mould up and have no way of making the connection.

@peaeye3467 4 жыл бұрын

@@DiscoFang Why does everyone want to do things like a pro? After 31 years in the building trades let me tell everyone a secret. The pros are interested in getting it done fast. Time is money. Their is almost always a better way to do things than the way the pros do it. Quick tip... READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

@dkumar736 4 жыл бұрын

I have seen many filling gabs videos but this is amazing.

@tathanbailey6225 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the free and helpful information God bless you!

@EC4400 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely excellent video covered every detai.l I feel very comfortable attempting to caulk my bathroom.

@maxchowdhury9818 4 жыл бұрын

Man, that was very helpful!!! Should've watched it before I strated working.

@dsmith6245 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Short and sweet, and easy to follow. :)

@roddymartin7982 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid bud! Clear, detailed & well spoken directions, perfect audio and video. I have subscribed and will be watching other vids. I have only one suggestion and that is don’t cut material against your fingers.

@Silverspidey18 5 жыл бұрын

Roddy Martin did

@johnmurray9422 5 жыл бұрын

It was his thumb

@FrankieHiltz 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, I've never had to apply caulk before, but it's time. The trim around our bathtub and kitchen sink is falling apart. So to be clear, silicone would be best for that sort of job, where there's a lot of moisture?

@Niceguy935 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great information.

@TurtleFrack 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Never knew what the little hole in the handle was for. I thought that it was to hang it to a wall that happened to have a nail sticking out of it. Also, I could never find a nail the right size to puncture a tube. Wow, they hide one right on the caulker! I never noticed one there before. Yes, this was a truly fantastically informative video, so much better than the other guy who made us watch him eat a popsicle so that he could push the caulking in place with his slobbered stick.

@maryhodson3610 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Very helpful information

@IvanPetrov-cn9su 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great vid! Its an easy to use approach, but need to specify that will NOT WORK for humid areas (like corners of your bathroom). For humid areas you need to make very neat trims - so that moisture will not get under silicone, and catch fungus later on. To do so: (1) make beed 2 mm wider than the crack you are covering, (2) spray soapy water on the beed, (3) use special silicone tool to shape that beed (the tool will also remove excess silicone from surrounding tile). It is kinda tricky for the first time to find the right angle and pressure, so practice before doing the actual job. Also doing neat inside corners is kinda tricky - google it specifically (with proper technique silicone corners will look exactly the same as concrete ones).

@TheAaronious 7 жыл бұрын

This was a great help. Thank you

@amberc.2137 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Nils- how long do we allow the caulk to dry before removing the painter's tape?

@Seth844 7 жыл бұрын

very nice and full of awesome info. Thanks!!

@heathersproul2741 5 жыл бұрын

Really helpful! Thank you!

@faceoff150 7 жыл бұрын

someone taught me to put my finger on the tip of the caulk tube so as you apply you're smoothing at the same time.. I'm still practicing this a steady pace and how big you cut the hole is key. I've only tried this with painters caulk.

@williamstone1536 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the tips! Really helpful!

@dancingpianofairy 5 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I needed, thank you.

@Idk_anymore650 4 жыл бұрын

Well, I think everyone needs a little caulk in their life

@jessewhite4035 2 жыл бұрын

This is helpful - I’m going to try it out this week

@KathyHoldway 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Just what I needed!

@susanbartone1347 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have never cooked before but I am going to tackle my first DIY job. I have a tile surround my fireplace and I want to caulk some seams. I’m not quite sure what type of caulk will be heat resistant but I’ll look that up. I have also never heard of a dripless gun so that will help me before I buy one

@SPaddy-fb7hy Жыл бұрын

You've never cooked before? You should try it 🤪

@dawns.9389 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Have watched others and they didn’t mention some of your great tips! Thanks!

@joebhall5439 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nils. Now we're caulking!

@rsainz1296 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips and clear explanation!

@drudunton4774 4 жыл бұрын

nice tips, good pace. thanks for sharing

@judithkane7595 7 жыл бұрын

I learned a lot! Very helpful for a DYI (cuz I have to...) female!

@partycity55 6 жыл бұрын

Great tips- Thank You

@markienatnots9479 6 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel....very informative cheers...

@Element_Z48 7 жыл бұрын

good info, thank you!

@ajrikli 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you!

@Ivan.Parada 7 жыл бұрын

Hmm right on thanks :)

@desyasabavat3613 3 жыл бұрын

Nice tips. Thank you

@roxybeaudet6777 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful tips! Thanks!

@c.williams6903 6 жыл бұрын

Great tips, thanks!

@Maxkil 6 жыл бұрын

wow that big stretch sealant is really flexible

@sunnymarie2060 5 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR👍👍👍

@musiccityimportsinc3868 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome that's what I did as well but confirmation makes it better

@ZartmoBThoughtForms 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great video

@PBS-nm1uu 6 жыл бұрын

thanks for the info helpful !!

@Bretts_Builds 7 жыл бұрын

Great vid man! Wish I knew this before doing my built ins haha

@MBP23US 5 жыл бұрын

Great video and very informative!!!

@dame6661 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Very informative. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

@thelimpeh 5 жыл бұрын

hi Nils, how effective Big Stretch & Lexel are when it comes to soundproofing?

@anatoliyalvari7481 7 жыл бұрын

You can also use thin nitrile coated gloves. Worked as you finger without touching silicone by your hands.

@caroledwards7682 7 жыл бұрын

GREAT TEACHER. THANKS.

@peppiebaby 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips.

@MarkMphonoman 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, great tips. Mark

@YourBookofMemories 6 жыл бұрын

Nice man thanks !

@IAmJustSaying6 5 жыл бұрын

Good job on the video. Easy to understand.

@TheBjcorne 6 жыл бұрын

You took on a tough one with lots of opinions and that takes guts and skill.

@chantelleventer4678 7 жыл бұрын

thanks that was cool :D

@robroby10 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, very informative..

@petershu1049 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video. Thanks for the video .

@btreese7 6 жыл бұрын

Big Stretch is the best caulk! Love it. Doesn't turn yellow or crack....

@maryracheldudley9240 4 жыл бұрын

That was awesome. Thank you