Comments on: How to Clean Up Silicone Caulking

on 4/9/2008 We installed honed granite countertops in the kitchen. We now want to have the colour darkened with a colour enhancer. However, when the sink installed, a cloth with some silicone caulking residue was placed mistakenly on the counter. There is a light smudge in that location. Before proceeding with getting the counters darkened, we wanted to know if this smudge would be a problem. Would it darken for example the same as the rest of the countertop. Or, does the smudge need to be removed first. If it does, we have heard that acetone is a good cleaner on honed granite. Again though, what would the result be in that area with the colour enhancer after using acetone. Will the enhanced colour will be uniform through-out the counter top including the area where we used acetone to clean way the silicone smudge. If anyone has advice on the best action to take, it would be appreciated.

on 4/9/2008 We installed honed granite countertops in the kitchen. We now want to have the colour darkened with a colour enhancer. However, when the sink installed, a cloth with some silicone caulking residue was placed mistakenly on the counter. There is a light smudge in that location. Before proceeding with getting the counters darkened, we wanted to know if this smudge would be a problem. Would it darken for example the same as the rest of the countertop. Or, does the smudge need to be removed first. If it does, we have heard that acetone is a good cleaner on honed granite. Again though, what would the result be in that area with the colour enhancer after using acetone. Will the enhanced colour will be uniform through-out the counter top including the area where we used acetone to clean way the silicone smudge. If anyone has advice on the best action to take, it would be appreciated.

on 10/15/2007 very cool stuff. How about those tube " tips" you can buy?

on 8/30/2006 To keep a partially used tube of caulk usable, I press enough Vaseline into the tip to create an air tight seal, wipe the tip clean, then seal again with masking tape. The Vaseline pushes out easily with the caulk gun.

on 7/9/2006 Use an electrical wire nut. Use a wire nut large enough to screw onto the tip and screw it tight. You can reuse the wire nut to reseal the tube.

on 11/22/2005 Store silicone in the deep freezer to prevent it from drying out. It will last much longer and will not freeze.

on 11/22/2005 Screw a sharp screw into the pointed nozzle of the caulking gun. When it's needed again, simply unscrew it.

on 11/22/2005 Seal the opened end of the caulk tube with hot glue. When you need to caulk again, just remove the glue ball.

on 11/22/2005 Use 99% isopropyl alcohol on a rough rag, such as a washcloth. Works even easier on a hard, smooth surfaces such as cultured marble and porcelain.