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Don’t cut corners – caulk them!

How to caulk corners: The cornerstone of excellent caulking 

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Learning how to caulk corners is a breeze with this handy guide. We’ve got helpful tips that will raise your caulking skills to the next level.

Tips for knowing how to caulk corners perfectly

Caulking borders can be an intimidating project if you’ve never done it before. Knowing a few good tips on how to caulk trim corners will certainly help with your project. Here are a few basic pointers. 

  • Cut the applicator tip off at a 45-degree angle, this allows the caulk to dispense in exactly the correct angle.
  • Cut the applicator at the very tip, exposing only a small hole for the caulk bead. Do not cut the applicator too low or your bead will be too big.
  • Tape your borders on both sides to create a clear path for the caulk.
  • Choose the right caulk! There are a variety of different caulks for different purposes, make sure you choose the right one for the room.

How to caulk inside corners

Resist the urge to begin caulking directly in the corner, or you’ll likely end up with too much excess caulk meeting at the joint intersections. 

  1. Load the caulk gun and puncture the tube. Test the bead size on scrap material. 
  2. Start the bead line 1-2 centimeters away from the corner.
  3. Run the caulk bead away from the corner along the length of the area you’re caulking.
  4. Apply a steady stream of pressure to the trigger to extrude an even bead.
  5. Smooth the bead line with a smoothing tool, pulling the excess caulk into the corner of the wall.
  6. Repeat the process on the adjacent wall and down the vertical corner, pulling the excess caulk to meet the corner.
  7. Smooth any caulk blowout in the hard-to-reach corners with a putty knife, or clean with a damp cloth.
A person using a tool to smooth out caulk in a corner.
Need a clean, professional-looking caulk job? Our tips on how to caulk corners will help you achieve the perfect finish

How to caulk outside corners

The process of caulking outer and inner corners is virtually the same, with only one small modification.

Person using a caulk gun near a kitchen sink and blue tape.
Want to master the art of how to calk corners? Our guide will teach you everything you need to know

After you apply the caulk and smooth the bead line, make sure to observe the corner. Is there a convex bubble of caulk on the edge? If so, smooth it away and make sure you end with nice sharp corner edges.  

Products used

  • loctite polyseamseal painters caulk 10oz cartridge
    Loctite Polyseamseal Painter's Caulk

    Provides a flexible seal for trim, molding, and windows.

  • loctite polyseamseal tub tile white 10oz cartridge
    Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile

    Provides a durable bond and seal for kitchen & bath projects.

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