It's messy, it's tedious, it's not the least bit fun, and for the most part, no one ever even notices it, if it's done right that is. People get all excited about paint. Throw some wood on the walls and it's a party. Caulk is like the eyebrow or moustache waxing of DIY. It doesn't get much attention unless you don't do it.
Yesterday I caulked the stairs. It took a long time, a lot of tape and pretty near a whole roll of paper towels.
This is what the stairs looked like after staining the treads and painting the risers. Not too good. That's a bummer. You do all that work and stand back to admire the lovely....cracks. Even though I spent hours sanding and staining, sanding more and applying polyurethane. Taping and priming and painting. Three coats. It looked like crap. All you could see was cracks and imperfections.
Now, let me say, there will be no after photos of perfection. I'm not a great caulker, but it will pass, and there are no glaring cracks staring at me.
More importantly in this case, there are no cracks for hot or cold air to creep through.
I'm not going to give a tutorial on caulking.
I'm in no way qualified. But I did find a product recently that makes me dread the job less.
I'm not in any way being compensated for mentioning Caulk-EZ. I just happened to come across it when searching tips on removing old caulk.
There is a video on the site that shows how to use it. Basically you just run your bead of caulk and spray the Caulk-EZ along the line, then run your finger along the line, like you normally would.
The caulk smooths out beautifully. It doesn't get all over the surrounding area, and though it still gets on your fingers, it's much less messy.
I used one roll of paper towels, as opposed to two, but I'm the messiest DIYer ever.
By no means perfect, but no more cracks and gaps
Now excuse me, I have about 20 more things I need to mark off the to-do list to get that room finished.
PS
On an entirely different note, I need help with my blog. I have been reluctant to admit that. I've always just played around with the layout, and through trial and error got things somewhat presentable. These days, I can barely find the time to post, much less to tweak the blog design. I don't make money on the blog, so it's hard to justify forking out big bucks to make it pretty. If there is anyone out there interested in helping a sister out, maybe we could work out some sort of trade. Free advertising? Cheap labor? I'm pretty good with a sewing machine...
I need to recaulk like half the house. It shrunk or something I guess? It's only been two years. I too am desperate for a blog redesign. I hope someone comes to your rescue.
Posted by: Sarah | January 05, 2012 at 02:28 PM
Hi Sarah,
Our bathrooms look awful, thats why I was researching how to remove caulk. Removing it is almost as bad as applying it. I take that back, I am pretty sure it is worse.
Back when I first started the blog, I had lots of time on my hands and could play around. With a three year old around, Im lucky to type out a post and actually spell check before publishing ; )
Id much rather have time with her, but I would like to make some changes and just dont have a clue. Ive forgotten the little bit I was able to learn through trial and error and think I pretty much maxed out my abilities anyway .
Good luck with your caulking and blog designing. I really like the caulk-ez and its not pricey. Its a tiny little can, but it goes a long way.
Have a great day!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | January 05, 2012 at 02:41 PM
My sympathy. I'm redoing my guest bathroom on the cheap and have quite a bit of caulking behind and ahead of me. Sucky job. What made it a little easier for me was taping off the area with painter's tape.
Posted by: Anina | January 05, 2012 at 09:01 PM
I've just discovered the joys of caulk when I was painting our kitchen. The paint job didn't look professional and I discovered it was 'cause I needed to do some caulking. Caulk is amazing and now I'm in LOVE. Big. Caulk. Fan. LOL! Your stairs look WONDERFUL!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 07, 2012 at 12:29 AM
For me, caulking is of big importance in keeping the house protected against fires and insects. When I had my room caulked, I didn't bother people in the other rooms even though I had loud music pouring out from my computer's speakers.
Posted by: Anthony Blommel | January 10, 2012 at 03:24 PM
I've been reading your blog for quite a while now (some years??) Your blog was one of the first I bookmarked when I started looking for sewing tutorials. I loved it from the very beginning and I still do. It's still one of my favourites. Your stile, the way you write, so amusing, intelligent and honest. You don't have to pimp your blog. Keep it simple, like a daisy; your creativity, ideas, photos and words are brilliant enough. I hope you understand what I mean. Keep a clear frame! By the way, I'm German (your age) and I got a lot of language exercise by reading your blog!
Keep on going!
Posted by: rafele | January 10, 2012 at 03:51 PM
Wow! Nice job, it looks great. I love caulk, use it for lots of crafting projects in addition to household fixes! ;-)
Posted by: Zoe | January 10, 2012 at 08:37 PM
Great job. I have to go downstairs now and will be looking closely at our steps. I will not tell hubby that this was your idea as I add the stairs to his honey-do list. I just, today, redesigned my blog. I think I might be a bit much, stuff wise, but would happy to test my new skills on your blog. :) ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
Posted by: Kelly | January 10, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Rafele,
Thank you so much for sticking with me for so long and for your kind words about the blog I know my blogging is not nearly as regular as it was when I first started its good to know old friends are still reading.
Im blown away to hear you get language exercise reading my blog. I am so impressed with adults learning a second (or third) language. I sometimes have trouble with English.
I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | January 14, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Hi Kelly,
Im so sorry to be so long replying. Thank you for your offer to help me out with the blog. I need to take some time to make a list of things I would like to do. I know I want to keep things simple, but not so boring. When I figure out what changes I would like to make, I will get back to you.
If you caulk you stairs, I got a good tip from a reader. She said when she caulks, she uses baby wipes to wipe the caulk line instead of a wet finger. She said is makes a nice smooth line without the mess.
Have a wonderful Saturday!
xo Autum
Posted by: Autum | January 14, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Awesome job! I need to redo that bathroom caulking. UGH! Doesn't sound like any fun at all.
Posted by: Halle G | January 15, 2012 at 03:22 PM