If you’re doing any home improvement projects that involve caulking, you’ll need a good caulking gun. Choosing the best caulking gun for your project may be difficult because there are several types of caulking guns available on the market today.
A caulking gun is an essential tool for any home improvement project to get that professional look.
What is the best caulking gun?
The best caulking gun depends on the project you’re working on, your needs and your personal preferences.
If you’re doing a small home-improvement project, such as caulking around a window, you can use a manual caulking gun. Manual caulking guns are cheap, lightweight, and easy to use.
But if you’re doing a larger project or caulking wide cracks with a high-viscosity caulk, you’ll need an electric caulking gun.
Electric caulking guns are more powerful and can dispense a lot of caulk quickly but are more expensive compared to a manual one, mostly because of the battery.
The best caulking gun I’ve personally used is the ETS 2000. Why I love this caulking gun is because it’s dripless, meaning it automatically retracts the plunger when you release the trigger.
You usually have to press the release plate on other models so the caulk won’t continue to drip.
It’s also lightweight so I can use it with one hand and it’s ergonomic and easy to use.
Types of caulking guns
Caulking guns are available in manual, electric cordless and air-powered models.
Manual caulking guns are the most common type, and they’re also the least expensive.
Electric cordless caulking guns are used when:
- There is a lot of caulking
- With high-viscosity caulk
- For maximum flow rate and bead-width control
The main advantage of an electric caulking gun is that it doesn’t require any manual labor. This can be especially helpful if you’re caulking a lot or if the caulk is particularly thick.
Electric cordless caulking guns also have settings that allow you to control the flow rate.
Air-powered caulking guns are similar to electric caulking guns with the exception that they’re powered by air compressors.
What should I look for when buying a caulking gun?
If you’re going to do smaller DIY home repairs or if it’s for a single project such as painting a room then you don’t need anything advanced or expensive so a simple manual caulk gun will do the job.
If you’re a professional contractor or working on larger projects and use a lot of caulk, you’ll need an electric caulking gun. These guns are more expensive but will save you time and effort in the long run.
When choosing an electric caulking gun, look for one that has:
- Variable Speed Trigger
- Variable Speed Dial
You’ll want to be able to control the flow of the caulk, so these two features are essential. The variable speed trigger will allow you to control how much caulk is dispensed, and the variable speed dial will let you adjust the flow rate.
An electric caulking gun is a worthwhile investment for anyone who does a lot of caulking or works with high-viscosity caulk.
When looking for an electric caulking gun, pay attention to the battery type. Lithium-ion batteries are typically the best choice because they’re lightweight and have a long life.
If you’ll be using the caulking gun for a lot of projects, look for one with a built-in caulk tube cutter. This will save you time and effort when changing out tubes of caulk.
Another thing to look for is a seal puncture tool. This will come in handy if you need to puncture a sealed caulk tube.
Cordless and full-bodied guns are heavier than open-frame guns, so if you’ll be doing a lot of caulking, make sure to choose a gun that’s not only lightweight but also ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
Some guns offer a dripless function, which is helpful if you don’t want to make a mess. When the gun’s trigger is released the plunger automatically pulls back and releases the pressure, so the caulk doesn’t keep flowing.
Are some caulk guns better than others?
As with most products, price is not always an indicator of quality. Don’t go for the cheapest one since they usually have lots of plastic components and aren’t very durable but you also don’t need to choose the most expensive one either.
A more expensive caulking gun may have some features that make it easier to use, but a less expensive model may work just as well for your needs.
As a rule of thumb, the more features a caulking gun has, the more expensive it will be. So, if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, you can save some money by choosing a simple manual model.
When it comes to choosing the best caulking gun for your needs, the most important thing is to find one that’s comfortable for you to use and that will fit your needs. With so many different types and models on the market, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you.
In my experience, the open-frame guns with a lot of plastic in its body are less durable. The better quality caulking guns will have all metal moving parts.
Should I use latex or silicone caulk?
If you’re going to paint over the caulk then you should use acrylic latex caulk since paint doesn’t adhere well to silicone, if it’s not a paintable silicone caulk.
Silicone is more expensive than latex, but it has some advantages. Silicone is more flexible and durable, so it’s a good choice for areas that are subject to movement and humidity, such as around sinks and toilets.
Latex caulk is easier and not as messy to apply as silicone can be so if you don’t absolutely need the extra strength that silicone offers, then latex is a good choice.
Although, no matter which type of caulk you choose, make sure to read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What caulk do professional painters use?
Professional painters use acrylic latex caulk for most applications because it’s paintable and provides a good seal.
It’s fairly inexpensive compared to other types of caulk, and it’s easy to apply.
How to use a caulking gun
If you’ve never used a caulking gun before, the process can seem a bit daunting. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
- Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. This will make it easier to control the flow of caulk.
- Insert the tube of caulk into the gun and push the plunger until it locks into place.
- Place the gun against the surface where you want to apply the caulk. Apply pressure to the trigger to dispense the caulk. Be sure to move the gun slowly so that the caulk comes out evenly.
- When you’re finished, release the pressure on the trigger.
- Wet your finger with water and run it along the bead of caulk to smooth it out.
As a professional painter, there can be a lot of caulking that goes into preparing a project for paint. So I usually use a bucket of water with a sponge to clean my hand’s in-between applications.
If you’re using silicone caulk then mix water with dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the soapy water onto the bead of caulk before running your finger along it. This will help to smooth out the bead without making too much of a mess.
With a little practice, using a caulking gun is easy and can help you achieve professional-looking results.
Pro Tip: Use a caulking gun with a hook on the back. You can hang it on your belt or pocket for easy access when you’re not using it.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different caulking guns on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
In general, more expensive models tend to have more features, but a less expensive model may work just as well for your needs.
That sums it up! I hope this article was helpful in guiding you to find the best caulking gun for your needs.