So, I bought this neutral silicone tube to seal a couple of cracks. The tube of silicone is still half full. How do I store it?
2 Answers
Stick a deck or drywall screw in the hole. Remove it from the applicator.
It will harden up. When ready to use again, yank out the drywall screw.
Remember silicones have a finite shelf life of only a year, or maybe two if stored in ideal conditions. The worst thing you can possibly do to yourself is try to use a silicone sealant that is too old. The problem isn't just it failing, but the huge mess of removing all of the faulty product so a new application has a chance! Silicones are annoyingy hard to remove.
Because of this I am very shy about reusing old silicones unless I am very sure of their provenance. It's not worth screwing up your project to save half of $5.
answered Oct 26, 2019 at 14:10
Harper - Reinstate MonicaHarper - Reinstate Monica
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If it is anywhere near the expiration date, test it first, make sure it will harden properly. Old product may not harden. Made this mistake more than once. Commented Oct 26, 2019 at 16:14
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Parenthetically, many tubes have their manufacture date in an obscure format, or it's been scrubbed off the tube by handling. Although I love local businesses, I'll never buy silicone or similar caulk from a mom&pop hardware store. Commented Oct 26, 2019 at 17:11
Try wrapping some electrical tape tightly around the opening of the tube. A nail inserted into the opening works well too. I've never found those red caps that come with the tubes to do very well.
