Cracks in your wall may eventually appear over time, especially in the corners of your drywall. Do you ever wonder if you can use caulk for your drywall corners? We've scoured the internet regarding this concern, and here's the information we found.
You may use caulk for the corners of your drywall to assist you in fixing issues, such as cracks and holes.
When fixing issues in your home, such as in your drywall corners, it is good to have the correct tools, such as caulk, and know how to apply them. So, keep reading through this post so you can discover all the necessary details about using caulk for drywall corners.
Can You Caulk The Corners Of Your Drywall?
The corners of drywall are prone to damage and are one of the issues homeowners like you face. Paint loses its capacity to expand and contract, and cracks may also appear in response to changes in humidity and over time.
The value of your house also matters, and it loses its value if there are holes, cracks, peels of paint, and leaks on every corner of the walls. Thus, it is critical to immediately fix these issues when they arise.
You probably know that mudding is typically used for issues in drywall corners, but you also have the option to caulk it. The caulking method is the best and faster solution for preventing the appearance of cracks in your drywall corners.
It adheres well to the corners of your drywall and is an option to fix the cracks that are already present.
Choosing caulk for drywall corners will help you save time as it is simple and quick to use. You can apply it with a caulking gun for an easy and smooth finish.
How Do You Apply Caulk To Drywall Corners?
The results of your work will turn out great if you have all the materials required and the knowledge to do the job properly. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the right techniques for applying the caulk to drywall corners.
Below are the essential steps to produce a smooth finish of caulk on your drywall corners:
1. Gather the Materials
Gather all the materials you need before caulking so it can ease your work. Prepare the materials such as a painter's tool, painter's tape, cloth, caulk, caulking gun, shears, and caulking tool.
2. Remove Loose Paint
Caulk will not stick to the drywall if you do not properly prepare the surface. The first step is to use the painter's tool to easily clean and remove any broken or loose paint and the presence of old caulk.
Click here to see this Red Devil painter's tool on Amazon.
Remember that caulk works best when you apply it to a clean surface. Clean the surface using a soft cloth since the presence of oil may stop the caulk from adhering to the surface.
3. Apply Painter's Tape
Use painter's tape to cover the areas that the caulk may spread into. Make sure to leave a space where you need to apply the caulk. The tape will leave a clean finish to your work.
Click here to see this Scotch Blue painter's tape on Amazon.
4. Apply Caulk
Caulk is best used with a caulking gun. You will have better control over your caulk and how much caulk you use.
Cut a small and sharp angle on the tip of your caulk using the shears. Remember that the amount of caulk you apply will depend on the hole size you cut and how deeply you squeeze it.
Gently apply it to the corners of your drywall where cracks are seen. Run the caulk from top to bottom for convenience.
Do not overdo it because you will have the caulk all over the place and make a mess.
Click here to see this Gorilla silicone caulk on Amazon.
5. Smoothen the Corner
Make sure to smooth the caulk out before it becomes hard. You can smoothen the caulk and tidy it up by running your thumbs through it. Keep your fingertips moist so you can smoothly glide through the caulk.
Another option, if you do not prefer using your thumb, is to use a caulking tool. Glide your caulking tool along the caulk on the corner of your wall to flatten and smoothen the caulk.
Click here to see this Allway caulking tool on Amazon.
6. Remove the Tape
Slowly remove the tape after you smooth the corners.
7. Let it Dry
Make sure to let it sit for a couple of days so it can dry before you attempt to paint it. Caulk retains its flexibility to allow the expansion and contraction caused by seasonal fluctuations.
If you prefer to apply another layer of caulk, it is essential to let the existing caulk dry and clean first.
Can You Paint Over The Caulk?
You can apply paint to areas with caulk but make sure that it is completely dry to obtain your desired smoothness. Also, paint can adhere well on dry surfaces.
Applying paint after caulk will also leave your room a great appearance as the caulk is well hidden due to the paint used, which has the same color as your wall.
Click here to see this Jolie Paint in a blue-green matte finish on Amazon.
Factors To Consider Before Applying Caulk
Knowing the considerations before buying caulk can meet your standards and ease your work. Consider these factors before you purchase or apply your caulk:
1. Determine the Reason for the Problem
You must identify and address the underlying reason for the issue on the drywall corners in your house before proceeding to caulk. Worse scenarios may happen if you do not resolve the problem first behind the cracking and peeling of the paint.
The main reasons can be structural damage or roof problems. Call an expert to find out the reason for these issues and resolve them.
2. Type of Caulk
Before buying a caulk, make sure to choose the type of caulk you use. Two main types of caulk are silicone caulk and latex caulk. Selecting between these types depends on your application.
Both of these types are paintable. However, there are differences between them. Below are the differences between silicone and latex caulk:
Silicone Caulk
Silicone caulk is frequently utilized in building materials and projects as it can resist moisture and molds and provides UV rays protection.
You can apply silicone caulk to both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is strong, thicker than latex, and can last for a long time.
Click here to see this Selsil clear caulk on Amazon.
Latex Caulk
You can use latex caulk to patch cracks and holes on your wall, but it is usually used indoors as it cannot stand the rain longer when applied outdoors. You may also apply paint on surfaces with latex caulk, but make sure to let it dry first.
Click here to see this Sashco latex caulk on Amazon.
3. Compatibility with Paint
You usually want to paint the corners where you applied your caulk so that they can have the same color as your walls.
However, it is crucial to remember that you can only use paint on some varieties of caulk, as others do not have the qualities or components that make them compatible with paint.
4. Use New Caulk
Always use new caulk because opened ones are likely to be dry and can hinder a smooth result. Remember that the appearance of the finished surface is essential.
5. Color
Caulks come in a variety of colors. It is best to choose the color of your caulk that is close to your wall color so that you do not have to paint it.
Click here to see this sandstone beige caulk on Amazon.
In Closing
Caulking your drywall corners is a best practice to cover up any cracks and holes. Having proper knowledge of applying the caulk will give your drywall corners a polished and seamless finish.
We hope that all the information about caulking your drywall corners is helpful. Before you go, make sure to visit these links below for some good reads about caulk:
How To Stop Caulk From Coming Out Of The Gun [In 6 Easy Steps!]
How To Caulk Baseboards To Floor [Steps Explained]
Wood Filler Vs. Caulk Vs. Wood Putty Vs. Spackle – Which To Choose?