47
votes
Accepted
Is there a trick to opening a tube of caulk?
Yes! the tool is called a caulk gun. Use the spout cutter for cutting off the tip of the tube; then use the seal punch tool for poking holes in the foil seal.
- 6,212
22
votes
Accepted
Why does caulk sometimes escape the back end of the tube instead of the nozzle?
Did you cut the end, but not poke a hole in the seal down the nozzle at the end of the main tube?
That seems like the most likely reason for the set of things that happened here. Many caulking guns ...
- 202k
21
votes
Accepted
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
You can get a slight life extension if you take the nozzle off, put a screw in it, then use a clean spare nozzle, put some cling film [US saran wrap??] over the open end & screw the new nozzle ...
- 10.5k
16
votes
Accepted
How do I clean sealant/silicone from a glass mirror?
Wait until it dries and use a razor blade to scrape it off.
- 723
14
votes
Alternative to Silicone Wood Filler for Door Frame
The flooring is supposed to extend far enough under the door trim molding so that no sub-floor is visible. The gap you have is non-standard and is completely unacceptable.
Presumably you have some ...
- 20.9k
14
votes
Alternative to Silicone Wood Filler for Door Frame
While re-doing the floor to go under the trim would be desirable, a hack might make things worse.
My best suggestion is a square edge plinth block to cover the mess. Maybe you'll have to do that ...
- 20.4k
12
votes
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
Something I've found that's not mentioned yet is the effect of air on adhesives.
While sealing up the tip as much as possible is certainly sound advice, I've discovered that tubes and tape last MUCH ...
- 2,212
10
votes
Why does caulk sometimes escape the back end of the tube instead of the nozzle?
Most, if not all, caulk guns are equipped with an "opening rod" for breaking the seal in a tube of caulk, silicone, or whatever product you are using.
By leaving that seal intact you have ...
- 16.5k
8
votes
Accepted
Is there a non-glossy silicone for granite backsplashes?
Wow! Not how I ever installed any backsplash.
I would have applied a small bead of silicone to the bottom edge of the BS, install it on the counter top and push down and hold down until dry (sticks ...
- 4,417
8
votes
Accepted
Can silicone caulk fill a 1cm shower gap?
Can silicone caulk fill a 1cm shower gap?
Yes.
Just make sure to use a high quality silicone that's mold resistant and won't yellow. Make sure it reaches from one surface to the other.
Should I ...
- 16.5k
7
votes
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
For long term storage (more than 1 or 2 days), I remove the nozzle, put some plastic wrap/cling film across the opening and put the nozzle back on. I've been able to keep partially-used tubes for ...
- 396
7
votes
Accepted
Bathroom Grout Cracking
It's always recommended to caulk different wall planes at their joints and between tiles and the tub. That's where most of the settling will occur and grout will not adjust or expand. Start out by ...
- 78.8k
6
votes
Accepted
How do I paint over unpaintable silicone?
Paint over it (or to either side) and ignore the strip where the paint won't stick.
Pull it out and re-caulk with something paintable.
Try to smear paintable silicone over the top of it and hope ...
- 202k
6
votes
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
Caulk the base of the nozzle to create a perfect seal
(Do this before using it so you do not expose the unused silicone.)
I've had this stuff store for more than 2 years using this technique.
I tend ...
- 1,643
5
votes
Is there a trick to opening a tube of caulk?
For UK users there is no separate seal as such, it's part of the tube itself. The top of the threaded part that goes into the nozzle is cut off using a craft knife.
- 3,274
5
votes
How do I easily remove silicone?
I use a plastic putty knife. Some of my guys even use plastic knives (yes the kind you use at bar-b-ques).
The whole purpose is to scrape it off without damaging what is underneath. The plastic ...
- 47.8k
5
votes
5
votes
How to keep neutral silicone?
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 ...
5
votes
Accepted
Thorough removal of uncured silicone sealant
I think the products sold as silicone removers will work fine, but I think mineral spirits work too. I'd use an abrasive pad like a Scotch-Brite and maybe a toothbrush-sized wire brush.
- 25k
5
votes
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
Toothpaste caps.
When a nozzle isn’t being used, a toothpaste cap can screw on nicely. Also bag the whole tube so it doesn’t set from the back.
The relevant science is that the silicone sets using ...
- 1,458
4
votes
Sealing gas duct vents with silicone
If your question is about the air ducts, why not use the correct material for the job, rather than silicone caulk. Duct sealant is, literally, made for the job. It also costs less, on a quick look.
- 202k
4
votes
How do you clean up silicone caulk?
Just wanted to weigh in here on removing wet silicone or cleaning up dry silicone residue. I'm not a professional, even though my family calls me the Caulk Queen, so take what I say as just coming ...
- 41
4
votes
How do I clean sealant/silicone from a glass mirror?
On the mirror specifically, you may be able to use acetone solvent, however this may harm the splashback. If you have extra you can test, but it will not harm glass
My go-to solvent for cleaning ...
- 179
4
votes
How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible
As a frame challenge, why are you buying these products in "bulk" when you know you aren't going to be using that much? I know it's hard to estimate many projects, but if you are only using ...
- 1,768
4
votes
Plumber's putty or silicone for tub drain?
Plumber's putty is used (in the modern world) to keep gunk out of cracks and little else. It's not a primary drain seal strategy. The rubber gasket is the drain seal. Putty would just aid in cleaning ...
- 130k
3
votes
Locating a Weatherstrip for door that is NOT foam and vinyl
Metal weatherstrips used to be popular, and you can still find them, but there's a reason they fell out of fashion: they require very tight tolerances at the door/jamb interface, and even if you set ...
- 1,895
3
votes
Is there a trick to opening a tube of caulk?
A knife to cut the tip at the desired spot, and a nail to puncture the seal inside. You'll use the nail later to hold the partially-used tube.
I remember as a kid never having any of that built into ...
- 1,101
3
votes
Accepted
How to extend shelf life of already opened one-component silicone sealant or glue?
Much like the bolt suggestion, I found these at a hardware store several years ago and have used them regularly. They are actually called caulk savers. Unfortunately, I don't recall exactly where I ...
- 1,364
3
votes
Accepted
Supporting Shower Mixer with Silicone - is this acceptable?
Is this acceptable?
No, if you paid money for this installation, it is unacceptably poor work.
The central part and where pipes enter the wall should be covered by decorative rings. The central ...
- 24.2k
3
votes
Accepted
Spreading silicone caulk thin?
Two ideas: A plastic putty knife, or a shower squeegee.
Plastic disposable putty knifes are sold in most paint sections and are cheap and somewhat flexible. I've seen them up to 6" wide.
Another ...
- 27.7k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible