Caulk is a versatile sealant available in a seemingly limitless variety of formulas. Applying any type of caulk can be challenging.

Follow these simple steps to make the job go a little smoother.

Step 1: Prepare the surface. Use a putty knife or wire brush to remove all traces of old caulk. Clean away dirt and debris. Wipe up oily residue with a rag and mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.

When using a caulk gun, hold it at a 45-degree angle, parallel to the area to be filled

Step 2: Fill larger joints with caulk backer cord, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch gap for the caulk to fill.

Step 3: Apply caulk when temperatures will remain between 50 and 90 degrees. For exterior applications choose a calm, dry day.

Step 4: Use the caulk gun cutting tool or a knife to cut the tip of the caulk tube off at a 45-degree angle. The closer the cut is to the end of the tip, the smaller the bead of caulk will be.

Step 5: Poke a wire or a long nail down through the tip opening to pierce the inner seal of the caulk tube.

Step 6: Load the caulk cartridge into the caulk gun and practice laying a few beads of caulk onto a disposable flat surface, such as a piece of card board or an empty trash bag.

Step 7: Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle, parallel to the area to be filled. Position the tip of the cartridge close to the joint to help force caulk into the opening.

Step 8: Press the caulk gun trigger and pull the tip along the joint, allowing the caulk to flow out in a straight, uniform bead.

Step 9: Release the trigger and pull back on the gun’s plunger rod to stop the flow of caulk at the end of each section. Dripless caulk guns automatically pull back the plunger when the trigger is released.

Step 10: Work in small sections to allow time to smooth or “tool” each strip of caulk before it has time to form its outer layer of skin.

Step 11: Run a wet finger, spoon or caulk tool along each newly laid bead of caulk to tool it, pressing it into the joint. Taping along either side of the joint before caulking can facilitate cleaner caulk lines; tape must be removed immediately after the caulk has been tooled to avoid compromising the seal.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.