Sealant is a multifunctional protective substrate used in various applications and environments. Due to its distinct ability to create a watertight seal that blocks fluid passage, fills gaps and cracks between different building materials, and blocks out sound, sealants are a must-have product for any professional in the trade.

From Everflex 200 Contractors LMA Silicone to Everflex 125 One Hour Caulk, no matter what sealant you’re using, we’ve put together seven simple caulking hacks for the perfect seal.

 

1. Use masking tape for a straight line

To obtain the cleanest possible result and a perfectly straight line, it’s best to use masking tape.

- Apply the tape so it covers both sides of the line to be sealed.

- Apply the sealant across.

- Then remove the tape before it dries.

 

2. Select the right sealant for the job

Whether you’re fitting a kitchen or working on external walls, the first thing to do when choosing your sealant is to ensure its compatibility with the substrate you will be working on. Selecting the wrong product could cause the sealant to react with the substrate, resulting in a weak hold, shrinking, and sagging.

- Hybrid polymer sealants (MS), such as EB25, adhere to wood, glass, and metal, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

- Silicone sealants like Forever White have strong water-repellent properties, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

- Acrylic products such as Caulk Once are ideal for interior sealing around skirting boards and frames.

 

3. Attach straws for tight spaces

Depending on the job, you may find that some spaces are simply too tight to fit a standard caulk gun.

One example of this is sealing around a small sink; while you may have developed your own technique over the years, an alternative, low-cost, effective solution is to use a straw. This method is simple and effective.

- First, cut the straw to the desired size at a 45-degree angle.

- Then, attach it to the end of the spout with tape and continue sealing as usual.

 

4. Grab glass cleaner to apply silicone sealant

When sealing, silicone can be the trickiest to get right. While years of practice does make perfect, there’s another tool that can help window cleaner.

- After removing the old sealant, clean, and dry the surface, then lay the silicone as usual.

- Next, grab your glass cleaner and spray over the fresh sealant.

- This will not mix with the silicone, allowing you to smooth it out without sticking to unwanted surfaces.

- Then, all you need to do is leave it to dry.

 

5. Use screws to unclog a blocked tube

Let’s face it: most of us have used a tube of sealant on the job, only to forget about cleaning up the excess sealant. Of course, we discover that the spout has become clogged with dried product, which is far from ideal.

Rather than wasting product or cutting a large hole in the spout, which can make it surprisingly difficult to get a thin, straight line, you can unclog it with a screw.

- Using a screw with a harsh thread, such as a masonry screw.

- Drive this into the dried sealant inside the spout.

- This should allow you to clear the spout, so you don’t have to throw out a good product.

 

6. Seal the spout with sealant

While some sealants come with caps, not all tubes do. However, a way to close off the spout and ensure the liquid inside remains usable is by securing it with sealant.

To do this:

- Wet your fingers.

- Take a small piece of sealant and roll it into a ball.

- You can then mould this over the top of the spout to form a seal.

- However, depending on the type of sealant, it could take hours to dry completely.

- Therefore, place it out of the way and leave it to harden.

 

7. Apply rubbing alcohol to remove residue

Before you can apply new sealant, you must prep and clean the area. One way to do this is to use rubbing alcohol.

- This is a particularly effective solution for soap, making it a great option for bathrooms and kitchens.

- After removing any old sealant or paint.

- Apply the rubbing alcohol to remove any product residue.

- Because it’s fast-drying, you can simply wipe and then start sealing.

 

So, there you have it —seven pro tips to help you achieve the best finish every time.

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