Caulking A Window-How To Silicone Around A Window-How To Caulk Around A Window- Simple & Easy, by UncleJess on YouTube. 5 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Pry out the old caulk with a caulk remover or a stiff scraper. Work along the frame and glass without gouging the window or frame.
Vacuum or brush away loose bits, then wipe the frame and glass with a damp cloth. Let the surface dry fully before you start.
Mask the frame and glass with painter's tape if you want a crisp edge. Press the tape down firmly so caulk cannot creep underneath.
Load the silicone tube into the caulk gun and cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle. Make the opening about 3 mm wide.
Puncture the tube seal with the gun's built-in pin or a long nail. Squeeze the trigger until silicone reaches the nozzle.
Hold the gun at a steady angle and push a continuous bead into the gap. Keep the nozzle moving and overlap the edges slightly.
Smooth the bead with a wet finger or a caulk smoothing tool. Wipe the tool clean as you go.
Pull off the painter's tape while the silicone is still wet. Peel it back at a sharp angle.
Leave the silicone to cure for the time on the tube, usually 24 hours. Do not paint over silicone unless the tube says it is paintable.
Tips and common mistakes
Never caulk over damp, dusty or loose surfaces, because the new bead will not stick.
Cut the nozzle smaller than you think you need; you can always add more caulk.
Keep a damp rag nearby and smooth the bead straight away before a skin forms.
Wear eye protection when scraping old caulk, and keep sharp tools pointed away from the glass.
Questions
Can I paint over silicone caulk?
Most silicone caulk is not paintable. Use a paintable acrylic or hybrid caulk if you plan to paint the frame.
How long does silicone take to dry?
It skins over in about 30 minutes but needs around 24 hours to cure fully. Check the tube for the exact time.
Do I have to remove the old caulk first?
Yes, if it is cracked, loose or moldy. A fresh bead over failing caulk will peel away.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
