Test the all-purpose cleaner on a small, unseen part of the wall first to make sure it doesn’t affect the paint.
Tape is great at protecting areas where two surfaces, such as the wall and ceiling, meet. You can caulk without tape, but caulking is often a messy process unless you have plenty of practice.
Keep the hole small, about a fourth of an inch (. 6 cm) wide. Remember, it’s better to cut a little bit off and widen the hole than it is to cut too much off at once. You can make your cut at a different angle. Do what feels comfortable for you and makes your project easier.
Don’t caulk over old caulk. The old caulk should be removed first or else the new caulk won’t stick. The crack you caulk should be no bigger than three-eighths of an inch (about one centimeter). Larger spots need to be narrowed with something else, such as spray-foam insulation.
An oscillating tool can also make the cut. These tools may also come with a scraper.
Silicone caulk is harder to work with than other caulks, and it requires more cleanup when you’re finished. If you go with a silicone caulk, make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Silicone caulk cures differently than latex or painter’s caulk. Rather than curing through evaporation, the exposure to oxygen causes the silicone to crystallize. [11] X Expert Source Art FrickeHome Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020. Some silicone caulks have a fast curing formula, and are water-ready in 30 minutes. [12] X Expert Source Art FrickeHome Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.
Check the label on the product. It’ll tell you whether or not you can paint over the caulk.
If you plan on painting, get white latex or silicone mix caulk. This caulk can be painted over.
