Nearly every painting project involves some caulking, whether the job is interior or exterior, residential or commercial. Consequently, it pays to have a working knowledge of caulks, including how to prepare the surface beforehand.
Here are some tips from the Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute for neater, more effective caulking:
1.)Carefully inspect joints, gaps or seams before starting to caulk. In new construction, make sure the adjacent surfaces are clean, dry and dust-free. If applying caulk to previously caulked surfaces, remove as much of the old material as possible, especially any that has cracked, eroded or pulled away from the joint. This deteriorated material will no longer offer any protection and can prevent new caulk from adhering properly.
2.) The next step is to remove any loose or flaking paint that may be present near the joint by scraping or sanding.
3.) Follow with a thorough cleansing, using a soap-and-water solution. Mildew can be eliminated by simply adding a small amount of household bleach to the cleaning solution.
4.) Rinse the surface and let it dry completely before applying the new caulk.
Be sure to visit an independently owned paint store near you for further assistance with your caulking or painting project.
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