How to Use a Caulk Gun

A caulk gun is an item that takes the hard work out of caulking. Because of the way the sealant gun is built, you simply place the tube of caulk into the gun. Apply pressure to the hand trigger, and the device delivers a stream of sealant to the designated area.

There are two types of caulk gun rods: the ratchet rod and the smooth rod.

• Ratchet rods will let out a continuous stream of sealant once pressure is applied to the hand trigger, not stopping until the rod is pulled back. This is helpful for light projects or for those that require a long stream for an extended period of time.
• Smooth rods are the more common rod type where, if you release the hand trigger, the caulk will stop streaming out of the gun. Apply pressure and the sealant is easily released.

• Before you caulk the crack, make sure to clean and mask the area.
• If the area you are looking to caulk has old residual caulk, make sure to scrape the old caulk off with a putty knife.
• If you need extra help scraping off the old sealants, look into using a caulk softener.
• Once the old caulk is gone, rinse the area using a rag, hot water, disinfectant and rubbing alcohol. Doing this will remove all dirt.
• Make sure you're using the appropriate caulk for the right situation. For example, if you're caulking tile, get specialty tile caulk for the job.
• Optional: If you need to narrow your caulk stream, place painter's tape around the area to apply caulk more precisely.

Most caulk guns feature a tube cutter, or you can cut the tube with a utility knife for better precision.

• Cut the tip off at a 45-degree angle.
• Cut more of the tip off if the area you're sealing is bigger or wider.
• Cut less of the tip for a smaller stream of caulk to use on a smaller crack.

Reminder: This is permanent. You can always cut more later, so start by cutting less.

Tip: Caulk cartridges have a foil seal. Use the caulk gun’s long tube poker or a long nail to puncture the seal.

• As soon as you've confirmed the caulk is secure and level, make sure the gun's metal end hook latches to the back of the caulk to more firmly keep it in place. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you need further help.
• At the end of the caulk gun, there is a plunger that needs releasing. Press it to release. Then, pull the plunger back to make space to load in the caulk.
• Load the caulk into the sealant gun with the nozzle facing outward with the flat side facing you, resting near the caulk gun's trigger end.
• Once the caulk has been inserted into the sealant gun, make sure it's secure and snug.

• Learning how to use a caulk gun is straightforward. Before you seal the area, do a practice run. Squeeze out some of the caulk using the trigger onto a piece of paper. Practice as many times as you need to make sure the application is what you want.
• In order to apply caulk efficiently, hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle. Then apply pressure to the trigger. While keeping your hands steady, move over the area that needs sealing.
• Caulking requires a balance between slow and fast, so that the sealant isn't too thin or too thick.
• As you move over the crack with the sealant, keep both hands on the caulk gun at all times. With one hand, add pressure to the trigger. Use the other hand to hold the gun steady.

• Once the caulk has been applied, even it out with a caulking finishing tool, caulking edger or your finger. Run the tool or finger over the caulk to smooth it out along the crack. Smoothing the caulk makes it less obvious and more aesthetically pleasing.
• If you run out of caulk while sealing, simply follow the previous steps to add a new tube to the caulk gun.