Applying caulk can be tricky and frustrating, but one woman has shared a simple technique for a smooth finish without messy hands
A mum has discovered what she calls the “ultimate” trick for achieving smooth caulk lines without getting her hands messy. Applying caulk is widely regarded as one of the most tedious and awkward tasks when putting the finishing touches to a room renovation.
The need to work swiftly and clean up straight away for optimal results can make achieving a perfect finish particularly challenging. Traditionally, using a wet finger to apply pressure and work the caulk into joints is recommended for a neat and uniform appearance, though this technique often proves frustrating as the material ends up coating your hands.
Caulk is typically applied around skirting boards, windows and door frames, and can be painted over once dried. Whilst many perceive caulking as purely decorative, this finishing touch actually improves a property’s energy efficiency and helps prevent air, dust and moisture from entering.
Achieving a professional-looking caulk finish is considerably more difficult than it appears, with even experienced tradespeople finding it challenging if they haven’t maintained regular practice. However, one woman tackling caulking work in her home has uncovered an “ultimate” hack for consistently smooth edges, inspired by her makeup application routine.
Keeley, based in Essex, who documents her home and family life with her husband and daughter, Millie, on Instagram, revealed the trick earlier this month. She wrote alongside the video: “If it works for eyeliner it can work for me.”
The footage captures Keeley employing a cotton bud to neaten her caulk application, a technique that prevented the sealant from marring her newly painted nails.
She explained: “POV you never decorate, but the one time you do you realise you’ve unlocked a game changer. You can thank me later.”
Her post attracted numerous responses, with viewers praising the trick as “so satisfying”, “simple” and even “genius”. One commenter wrote: “WTF, so simple! In the back pocket that goes.”
Another user remarked: “What a hack! ! I’ll have to remember this one!” Keeley responded: “I caught myself off guard.”
A third individual noted: “That’s the caulk you’re doing right? Neat hack.”
