Window Caulking

Tools:

bucket of soapy water and a towel
caulk
caulking gun
caulking or backer rod
tape
100-grit sandpaper
pocketknife
putty knife
window trim

1. Sand along edge of window trim so the caulk will stick.

2. Wipe down area with soapy rag to remove all dirt and to moisten the surface so it does not absorb all the moisture from the caulk.

3. Hold the caulking gun at a consistent angle when applying caulk, and make a smooth continuous bead (figure A). Slowly squeeze the trigger and caulk at a steady pace.

4. Dampen your finger and smooth out the bead of caulk.

5. For wider gaps, mask the area around the gap with tape and fill in cracks with caulking rod (figure B).

6. Apply a generous amount of caulk over the wide gap. Even out the surface with a putty knife (figure C).

7. Give the caulk a day to cure then remove the tape. Check around window casing for drafts.