Comments on: How to Use a Caulking Gun

on 8/13/2008 aimwilk; perhaps the tubes have expired past their shelf life and the contents are too stiff to come out without excessive force. The expiry date is usually stamped on a reputable manufacturer's product. Don't forget to puncture the inner seal behind the tip of the tube. I haven't found a dripless caulking gun that is dripless yet. I wonder why they call them that.

on 7/28/2008 I've had lots of problems with these guns, with the plastic tubes leaking from the bottom as I press the trigger. Makes a huge mess and defeats the purpose. It's not the gun because it's happened with 2 of them. Are the tubes defective? Am I pressing too hard? Not doing something right? Any suggestions?

on 7/27/2008 I've had lots of problems with these guns, with the plastic tubes leaking from the bottom as I press the trigger. Makes a huge mess and defeats the purpose. It's not the gun because it's happened with 2 of them. Are the tubes defective? Am I pressing too hard? Not doing something right? Any suggestions?

on 7/27/2008 I've had lots of problems with these guns, with the plastic tubes leaking from the bottom as I press the trigger. Makes a huge mess and defeats the purpose. It's not the gun because it's happened with 2 of them. Are the tubes defective? Am I pressing too hard? Not doing something right? Any suggestions?

on 6/28/2007 All of the comments were helpful. I am afraid of caulking and this made it seem very doable. Thanks for your help.

on 5/24/2007 Why is the caulk cracking on the exterior of my house? We just had it painted last summer.

on 11/22/2005 I found that you can use a Popsicle stick to smooth out your caulking. The end of the stick is the perfect shape for getting a uniform and smooth bead. Not to mention it's a lot cleaner than having silicone all over your hands.

on 11/22/2005 To make a nice professional look when caulking, use masking tape above and below the caulk line. Once the caulk is applied, remove your guide tape and you'll have a nice finish.

on 11/22/2005 Pull the caulking gun away at a fairly brisk, consistent pace, so that the caulk won't build up and cause a mess. Dip a small paintbrush in water and go along the seam with the brush to press caulk into the cracks. Next, dip your finger in water and smooth out the seam. Finally, use a wet cloth to clean up the seam.

on 11/22/2005 Tape the top and bottom edges of the area you are caulking before applying the caulk. Use painter's tape for easy removal, and remove the tape before the caulking sets.