Using a Caulking gun

On every vacancy, I use painters caulk in an attempt to seal up any crack or crevice that a cockroach could crawl through. On my current vacancy, I have used 6 tubes of caulk using my favorite $5.00 Caulking Gun. (On larger holes I use Quick Set drywall mud with fiberglass mesh tape to plug the holes with).

I first used a caulking gun 11 years ago when I first became a LL. Using a caulking gun (correctly) is more of an art than science. It takes a lot of practice to become proficient with a caulking gun.

After 11 years and countless tubes of caulk, I am still having the same problems using a Caulking Gun that I had when I first started. Yes, I can lay a 'bead of caulk' exactly where I want it,...but after 6 tubes, I have caulk all over my hands and the caulking gun is also caked with caulk. My caulking gun is painted black but right now it looks more white than black.

Question: Does anyone here know the CORRECT WAY to use a Caulking Gun and not get caulk all over the your hands and the gun itself? A caulking gun should last forever, but after 2 cases of caulk, I usually have to buy a new one. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by JR [ME]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:07 AM
Message:

Roy, real artists have paint all over their studios, clothes, and hands. You are an "artiste" Embrace it. --98.13.xx.x

Using a Caulking gun (by Dave [MO]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:12 AM
Message:

Roy, after you run your bead, do you pull the plunging bar back ?

This takes the pressure off the tub of caulk. --72.24.xx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by David [MI]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:41 AM
Message:

I wear the thin disposal gloves in the paint aisle, thats how I avoid getting caulk on my hands when smoothing the caulk after laying it down

I dont know how you're getting caulk on the caulking gun itself though. The tip of the caulk tube is a good 1.5-2 inches so you shouldn't be making contact with the gun.

my caulking skills are terrible though. but good enough for rentals --12.156.xxx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:45 AM
Message:

Dave (MO)

As you know, the plunging rod has small gears on the bottom which moves the rod forward. I will disengage that rod (twist it and pull backwards) when I done caulking something, but when I move from one caulking area to the next (like just 2 seconds), I forget and the caulk continues to ooze out. I wish there was an auto-stop trigger on the gun.

JR (ME) - You must have a ton of caulk on your hands too! And today, I have to use Silicone caulk to seal a bath-tub with,...and sticky silicone on your hands is the worst! I have to use diesel fuel to get it off!! --68.63.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:56 AM
Message:

Dave (MO)

Another bad habit (I think) I have is using my fingers to smooth out the freshly laid bead of caulk. I always have a wet towel in my left hand, but there are many times when my fingers seem like the best and quickest tool to use.

Plus, I have large hands,..I need a 2X glove size. When the disposable latex glove box says "One Size Fits All",...that is total B.S. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 6:01 AM
Message:

Usually, I hire someone else to do it and let them get caulk on their hands. (grins)

However, when the DIY mood/necessity hits me, I keep an old rag tucked in my back pocket. I damped the part that hangs outside the pocket, so that when I forget to disengage the plunger, I can easily wipe off my hands and the gun right away before it starts to dry. Also works good for painting!

Silicone is a mess, though. No easy clean up. Gotta wear gloves or carry thinner close by. --173.19.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 6:02 AM
Message:

I suggest having a small bowl of water and towel but most important is a credit card - does not have to activated, use the corner (rounded corner) of the card so you get the same curve everywhere, and there will be some buildup on the card so with your hello finger wipe this onto the next seam and use the card again to form that nice curve - the card pushes a little into the actual crack so it has somewhere below the surface to adhere to, something I forgot but you should already know is you -pull- with your finger - never push, and remember that bowl of water? Dip your pinkies in there to soften the stuff and wipe on the small towel only when finished, less mess - more on the workpieces. With all that done you will still have roaches crawling thru there to come out and go in the walls, landlords in my area think Houdini was the founder of roaches. --76.188.xxx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 6:24 AM
Message:

Sid said

"Usually, I hire someone else to do it and let them get caulk on their hands"

If I hired some one else to do ALL of the small jobs (pest control, caulking, etc. etc.),...I would be so broke that I would probably qualify for Section 8 benefits.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 6:46 AM
Message:

Roy, if your taxes are filed right, you should be able to qualify for section 8. --174.201.x.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 7:00 AM
Message:

NE,

And don't forget, with a Section 8 voucher, I could become my own best tenant!!

There is a bath tub calling my name right now,...come caulk me, come caulk me now. I am out of here. Where is my diesel fuel? --68.63.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 8:01 AM
Message:

If I even get near a caulking gun, I get caulk on me and my clothes. Even if I am caulking one tiny hole in the wall. --173.22.xx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by JAC [OH]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 8:01 AM
Message:

I have the same problem with caulk. Roofing cement is even worse. I usually have to throw away clothes after being on the roof. --74.215.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by CGB [MI]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 8:03 AM
Message:

You may want to consider splurging on a no drip caulk gun as opposed to the $5 version at home depot. --50.77.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Robert,Ontario,Can [ON]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 9:26 AM
Message:

There are many videos on You Tube on how to do many renovations. Check out some videos. Once all the cracks are filled along with insulation foam is installed where pipes enter floors or walls the roaches are not going to have a easy time surviving in the rental unit. Roaches only travel around the perimeter of the room never in the center. So placing a few sticky traps the roaches check in but never check out. Those sticky traps used to be called roach motels. One rental unit had a severe roach problem where took a shop vac to get most of the roaches immediately. Cleaned out all the food and water sources. Draining the defrost pan or putting bleach in eliminates the water supply. Seven days without water they die. Pipe insulation eliminates the sweating of pipes. Everything needs three elements to survive which are food, water along with warm place to live. --74.220.xxx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by Dave LA [CA]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 9:51 AM
Message:

Roy,

I hate caulk on my fingers! Love Vee's suggestion with a credit card, I'll try that next time.

I don't love the damp rag because the rag always gets so loaded up with caulk (that you can't see) that it becomes useless after a little while. Here's what I do: take a clean piece of scrap paper or cardboard (smoother works better) and when i have caulk on my finger that i need to wipe off, I smear it onto the paper. Smear it by wiping your finger with a rolling motion (against the grain) across the paper, and 99% of the caulk comes off, nice and neat on the paper. Next time, you repeat on a fresh section of paper. When the paper is loaded up, you can easily fold it and trash it. Try it, it's very neat. --137.78.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 11:11 AM
Message:

Same Guy said that this Land Lording stuff,

aint Rocket Science. --71.13.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 12:00 PM
Message:

I like the Battery Operated Caulking gun that has a variable speed and and auto pullback so the caulk won't continue to come out after the trigger is released.

I was putting spike strips on a block wall around an apartment complex, 800 running feet. I had my rolling scaffolding and my electric caulking gun. Easy as can be. --47.156.xx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by Amy [MO]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 1:02 PM
Message:

We use a small yellow caulk spreading tool. Kinda like the "caulk-rite." After applying the bead partially down the area, you run it down along your beadline and it pull it even farther down the line.

Although, once that goes by the wayside, Vee's credit card is looking appealing!

--107.77.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 3:10 PM
Message:

Roy, aside from spreading the mess by using your fingers to work the joints, you probably need to invest in a better caulking gun. Most of the better paint stores and glazier suppliers have caulking guns for $20.00 + up that are much easier to use & to control the flow of caulking. --72.93.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Livethedream [AZ]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 3:17 PM
Message:

How big a hole do you cut? I cut just enough for a 16 penny nail to fit. Keep a rag to wipe excess caulk on. Should never get caulk on the gun or your hands, just finger tip.

Wash your fingers and hands when they get caulked, a container of water works well.

After a caulk run, immediately release the pressure. --47.216.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by laura [CO]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 4:00 PM
Message:

Hooray I am not the only one who struggles with caulk. I have to go do a bath tub and I am not looking forward to it. I wear gloves so I don't get it on my hands and then I try to straighten it out with my finger. --72.174.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by David [MI]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 4:59 PM
Message:

laura, use painters tape, it gives nice straight lines --50.4.xxx.x

Using a Caulking gun (by Nellie [ME]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 5:43 PM
Message:

Using painters tape helps get a nice straight line on bathtubs. --68.238.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 6:43 PM
Message:

Thank you Vee for the tip about the credit card. One of my first jobs for the family rental business after dad passed was caulking around a toilet. I was a desk jockey just a few months before that. Mom was at the unit as were plumbers. I squeezed the caulk gun and a wavy line went around the bottom of the toilet. My own mother stood there and mocked me in front of the plumbers.

Never let her come with me to a job again. She kept the books and played in her garden Even today caulking makes me nervous but I know how to do it. Never perfect though. I will try that credit card.

--73.33.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 8:17 PM
Message:

LTD,16 penny nail,kinda too big.Dave,those paper pages, make good paper Airplanes.don't want to be in same room as you guys,you messy.Charlie...... ..... .... ... .. . --174.199.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by ntj [GA]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 8:30 PM
Message:

With caulk, I keep a damp rag in my hand to wet my finger before smoothing out the caulk. I also keep another rag or paper towel to wipe the excess from the smoothing finger. Keeps the mess to a minimum. After doing a bunch of caulking it becomes habit to pull the rod to release pressure on the tube.

Also, when I cut the tip of the tube, I cut the smallest possible diameter for the space I am filling. This keeps the excess caulk to clean up to a minimum. --24.98.xxx.xx

Using a Caulking gun (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 11:45 PM
Message:

If you abuse a $1.28 tube of caulking,what 'sgoing to happen to the high priced spread?I'M not going to be in the room with many of you,you're too messy,besides I can't afford to get clean clothes that often, and besides it doesn't look good.Charlie.......tut tut. .............. ..... --174.199.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: Aug 31, 2017 11:50 PM
Message:

Even you buy a more expensive gun.Still won't matter.........cjo'h..............messy messy....................... --174.199.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Sep 1, 2017 4:30 AM
Message:

What a huge difference the caulk makes though. I have one home that is made of at least 30 percent caulk by now. Great tip I learned for the waterproof shower stuff, if you use dish liquid on your fingers when you spread it out then it doesn't stick to you. --66.189.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Terri [OH]) Posted on: Sep 1, 2017 4:49 AM
Message:

I heard a speaker one time who was a genious when it came to bugs and rodents. He said that roaches cannot breed unless they can lay their eggs in small cracks. He said the best prevention for roaches was to caulk all cracks around doorways, windows, and get rid of loose wallpaper. You are doing correct by caulking your properties. As far as using the caulk gun my advice is to cut the tip of the caulk with a sharp knife at an angle and make the hole small. If the hole is too big or not angled it is much harder to control the flow of caulk coming out. This gives me easy guidance in any corner and I can control how much is coming out by how hard I squeeze the handle. I do smooth out with my finger and wipe on a paper towel and also wipe the tip off of the tub of caulk after every run so my gun does not get too messy. Hope this helps. --107.9.xx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 1, 2017 7:58 PM
Message:

I recently had a good experience with silicone caulk by having a bucket nearby that contained water with a little liquid (dish) soap in it and a sponge floating in it. I periodically rinsed/sponged my caulk fingers in it, then wiped with a paper towel. The soapy water also works well (on a finger) as a smoothing agent.

BTW: One thing I learned, also, is that when using tape for a nice, straight, caulk line, remove it right away. I let mine set up a little, and it peeled of to make a mess. --68.105.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by Blue [IL]) Posted on: Sep 2, 2017 6:18 AM
Message:

I agree, buy a better gun that has a trigger release, it's very helpful.

I too am messy! Rather than having a damp rag, I will take a stack of paper towels and dampen them and then squeeze them out (not dripping wet). I keep them handy and use them one by one as I am working.

--75.132.xxx.xxx

Using a Caulking gun (by tryan [MA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2017 6:15 AM
Message:

If using that much caulk pick-up the 29oz tubes with the larger gun. You'll still have the mess .... but it'll cost so little you won't care. --74.75.xxx.xxx

Reply:

Subject:	RE: Using a Caulking gun
Your Name:
Your State:

Message:

Using a Caulking gun

Would you like to be notified via email when somebody replies to this thread?
If so, you must include your valid email address here. Do not add your address more than once per thread/subject. By entering your email address here, you agree to receive notification from Mrlandlord.com every time anyone replies to "this" thread. You will receive response notifications for up to one week following the original post. Your email address will not be visible to readers. Email Address: