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. 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. 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.
