Tips on caulking windows inside & out? Easy way to get old caulk off
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I just did this in my kitchen. Don't know the "best" way but I went at the old caulking with a knife and a screwdriver and chiseled it all out. Once cleaned, apply caulking in a long slow even bead. Keep ur finger wet and u can rub the caulking down to keep a nice even bead. This pic is my sink full of old caulking. Good luck!
Taping helps keep the bottom and top line straight and even. They make a little tool from hard rubber to use the corners to determine the width and make it smooth.... https://www.amazon.ca/Pro-Caulk-Complete-Caulking-Seen/dp/B001MU6222/ref=sr_1_13/147-2158593-1361553?ie=UTF8&qid=1506899906&sr=8-13&keywords=caulking+tool+kit
You can also buy a silicon softner that helps get it off easier.... https://www.amazon.ca/Motsenbockers-Lift-Off-Silicone-16-Ounce/dp/B018HFBZT4/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1506900103&sr=1-1&keywords=silicone+caulk+remover I use a spackle knife and a box cutter.
If you do not have vinyl siding you can use a heat gun to soften the old caulk and then scrape it off with a putty knife. The size of the hole you cut into the tube of caulk will determine the size of your bead, too big and you waste a lot of caulk too small and you will not get good coverage. Buy youself a caulk gun that stops dispensing caulk when you release the trigger it is worth the extra money. As a novice you may be doing a lot of stop and go. The trick to using tape is to place painter's tape at the outside edges of your to-be-caulked seam. Do not make your caulked seams too narrow, you need the caulk to seal on both edges. You should remove the tape before the caulk starts to cure. It is helpful in making your caulk lines appear straight. Also, there are tools that you can buy to drag over your caulk to smooth it out and give it a proper radius. I find these tools especially useful for inside caulk jobs. I would also recommend that you buy paintable caulk. It makes life easier when you want to touch-up or repaint.
Thank you