Using a damp cloth or sponge, smooth out the sealant to create a neat and even finish. This helps to ensure a watertight seal and prevents excess sealant from oozing out.
I ran my hand along the edge of the trim. The paint was slightly bubbled, a tell-tale sign of moisture getting trapped where it shouldn't be. I looked closer. The white latex caulk, probably applied when the house was built twenty years ago, had turned brittle. It had cracked and pulled away from the siding, leaving a jagged black gap. The seal was broken. how to reseal a window
Once the bulk of the old material was gone, I used the wire brush to scrub away the grit and loose paint dust. The gap looked ugly now—a raw, open wound in the side of the house—but it was clean. I wiped the area down with a damp rag and let it dry. You cannot caulk over moisture; it traps the water inside, turning your window frame into a petri dish for dry rot. Using a damp cloth or sponge, smooth out