The video “How to Avoid the Biggest Trim Caulking Mistake!” is by The Funny Carpenter. In this helpful guide, he shares invaluable tips to achieve perfect results when caulking trim work, ensuring that even beginners can avoid common pitfalls.

One of the main reasons many struggle with caulking is cutting too much off the tip of the caulking tube. This results in a large opening that dispenses too much material, leading to messy finishes. To create the perfect tip, he suggests laying the tube on a cuttable surface and using a razor-sharp utility knife to slice off just a tiny bit, cutting straight down. This method provides a clean cut and ensures a consistent angle for each use.
To help maintain the correct position while working, he recommends drawing black lines with a Sharpie on the tube. This may seem a bit particular, but it can make a small yet significant difference in achieving a neat finish. Additionally, sanding grooves on either side of the tip using sandpaper can help the caulking glide smoothly into corners.
When it comes to applying the caulk, he emphasizes starting in corners and working your way out. Maintaining the correct angle while dispensing the caulk is crucial; if the angle is too steep or too shallow, it can lead to improper adhesion and messy results. Keeping the tube at the same angle as the cut will help in achieving a smooth application.
Another handy tip is to use a dripless caulking gun. This type allows you to stop the flow of caulk simply by releasing the trigger, preventing unwanted drips and messes. The Funny Carpenter highly recommends this, especially for beginners who might struggle with traditional lever guns that can lead to a lot of excess caulk being dispensed.
As you work, it’s important to keep a clean tip on the caulking gun. He suggests having a wet paper towel or cloth handy to wipe off any excess caulk, ensuring a tidy finish. This is especially useful when working on inside corners, where precision is key.
The timing of smoothing the caulk is also critical. The Funny Carpenter advises not to wait too long before smoothing it over—ideally within 60 seconds of applying the material. Using a pinky finger, which he finds works best for him, is a great way to smooth out the caulk. Adding a little moisture to your finger can help in achieving a smoother finish.
If there’s too much caulk built up in a corner, he suggests using a utility knife with a clean paper towel folded over it to carefully remove the excess without creating a mess. Avoid using spit; instead, stick to using the wet rag to keep everything clean.
The result of following these tips is a beautifully finished caulking job that looks professional and neat.
With these straightforward techniques, anyone can tackle caulking trim work like a pro. Happy caulking!