Mending Wall Summary. The speaker immediately tells us that something is amiss in the countryside. Something in the wide blue yonder does not like walls. He and his neighbor must get together every spring to walk the whole length of the stone wall that separates their properties, and to fix places where the wall has crumbled.

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Caulk is traditionally used to keep out water, insects and cold drafts, but it's also capable of covering up all sorts of little mistakes in construction, including cracks, gaps and uneven edges in molding. A thin bead of caulk between crown molding and the ceiling can create a professional, finished appearance and hide any cracks or gaps. The caulk can be painted to match the ceiling or the molding so that it's not even visible and the molding looks like it is flush with the ceiling.

1

Select the right type of caulk for the job. Different types of caulk are made for different surfaces. You want one that will adhere tightly to both the molding and the ceiling, and leave a seamless, smooth finish. Latex caulk labeled for interior use will work well for most rooms, however silicone caulk might work better in rooms with a lot of moisture, like the bathroom.

2

Wipe the top edge of the molding and the ceiling with a damp rag to remove any dust or cobwebs that will prevent the caulk from adhering properly. Use a mild detergent if necessary to remove any grease or grime.

3

Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. The size of the hole will be the same size as the bead of caulk that exits the tube, so choose a spot on the tip that is about the size of the space between the molding and the ceiling. Start with a small hole and make it bigger if needed. A hole that is about 1/8 inch is a good starting point.

4

Load the caulk tube into the caulk gun by pulling back the rod on the gun, sliding the tube into the gun and pushing the rod forward so that it rests against the bottom of the caulk tube.

5

Apply caulk in a single bead along the top of the molding, working in sections, by squeezing the trigger of the caulk gun and holding steady pressure.

6

Smooth the caulk by dipping your finger in water and running it along the length of the bead of caulk. Use a shallow bowl to keep water handy to smooth the caulk immediately after application, before a skin develops on the surface of the caulk.

Things You Will Need

• Ladder
• Clean rags
• Caulk
• Scissors or knife
• Caulk gun
• Shallow bowl of water

Tips

• Practice squeezing an even bead of caulk on a scrap piece of wood or paper if you haven't ever worked with a caulk gun.
• Use the pressure release button at the back of the gun to stop the flow of caulk if it continues after you release the trigger.
• Use painter's tape along the edges of the ceiling and the molding to create a perfect caulk line that doesn't need to be painted. Smooth the caulk and immediately remove the tape before the caulk starts to dry.

Warning

• Don't let the caulk start to dry before smoothing it or you could end up with an uneven finish.

Photo Credits

• Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

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