#PUTTY TAPE FOR WINDOWS WINDOWS#

Then, start at the other end and caulk to meet the first bead. Rather, caulk from one end to the middle of the seam and stop. DON’T run a continuous bead from the top to the bottom or from one side to the other.īy the time you reach the end of the bead, you’ll have to change your grip on the caulk gun, which will affect the uniformity of the bead.

Bending your wrists would alter the angle of the caulking gun, changing the appearance of the bead. For example, if caulking a vertical seam, start at the top and as you progress downward, bend your elbows-or knees-to caulk lower while maintaining your wrist position. Also be sure to keep your wrists straight, moving your elbows and body when running a bead. Use your dominant hand to hold the gun and pull the trigger, and support the barrel of the gun near the tip with your other hand. It takes two hands to control a caulking gun. We like Newborn’s Superior E-Z Thrust Smooth Rod Caulking Gun (available from Amazon) for its convenient thumb release. A better choice is a caulking gun with a thumb release you can press to instantly release the pressure on the caulk so it stops flowing when you’re done running a bead. With this type of gun, caulk will keep oozing out until you loosen the handle with your hand, resulting in excess caulk on the window. DO use a caulking gun with a thumb release.Ĭheap caulking guns come with a ratchet-style handle that must be twisted loose to release the pressure on the caulk in the tube. Scrape off the old caulk with a steel putty knife, such as HYDE’s 1-1/2” Flexible Stainless Putty Knife (available from Amazon). The old caulk will continue to pull away, taking the new caulk off with it-and before that happens you’ll be faced with a thick, messy caulk line that detracts from the look of the window. If the existing caulk has hardened and is pulling away, running a bead over it is sure to be an exercise in futility. General Electric Max Flex Acrylic Urethane Caulk (available from Amazon) is a solid option for these types of uses.

#PUTTY TAPE FOR WINDOWS WINDOWS#

Masonry siding: When caulking seams between windows and masonry siding, including basement windows and windows on stucco or brick homes, you’ll need an exterior caulk that’s compatible with both the window and the masonry surface.Kwik Seal Ultra (from The Home Depot) works well in steamy situations.

Humid rooms: Caulking windows in a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom, calls for interior caulk that’s both waterproof and mold-resistant.

High quality, paintable latex, such as White Lightning’s Painter’s Preferred Acrylic Latex Caulk (available from Amazon), is a good choice for interior windows.

Interior windows: Caulk used on interior windows should not emit toxic fumes, and it should hold paint well.

The tube of caulk should specify it’s intended for exterior surfaces we like Sashco Big Stretch Caulk (available from Amazon).

Exterior windows: To stand up to the elements, exterior caulk should be impervious to harsh sun rays, water, and fluctuating temperatures.

You’ll find dozens of types of caulk at your local home improvement store, and each type is intended for a specific situation. RELATED: 10 Problems You Can Solve with Caulk DO choose the correct caulk.

Putty tape for windows