How to Caulk to Get a Straight Line When Painting Walls

A coat of paint on the walls can freshen up the decor and rejuvenate a room's look and feel. There are several essential steps required when painting a room to achieve a quality result. One very important step is the application of caulk. The caulk is applied into areas where cracks and separations exist. After the caulk is applied, it is painted and no one will ever know that there was a crack or separation. Following a few simple steps will help you apply the caulk in a straight line.

Tube of white latex caulk
Caulk gun
Utility knife
Wet rag

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the cap from the tube of caulk. Poke a hole in the foil inside the nozzle using the metal rod on the caulk gun.
- 2
  Pull the caulk gun's plunger all the way back. Insert the tube of caulk into the gun and push the plunger into the back of the tube. Turn the plunger handle half a turn. Cut the end of the nozzle on the tube of caulk at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife. Cut the angle so it is pointing downward.
- 3
  Hold the caulk gun's trigger in your dominant hand and place your other hand under the nozzle end of the caulk gun.
- 4
  Point the end of the nozzle at the start of a crack and pull the trigger evenly as you move the gun the length of the crack. Move the gun in one uninterrupted motion so that an even bead of caulk is placed along the entire crack.
- 5
  Spread the caulk into the crack with the side of your thumb beginning at the start of the crack. Wipe off excess caulk from your thumb with a wet rag. Move your thumb evenly along the bead of caulk. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before painting.

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