Search	Caulking Basics Problem Solution I find that too much caulk comes out at once - how can I stop this? This is caused by cutting off the tip of the tube too far down which makes the hole that the caulk comes out too large. Cut off only a little bit of the tip, test the bead size on a scrap of wood and if you want a larger bead, cut off a little more of the tip and test again until you get the bead size you need. When I let go of the caulking gun trigger, the caulk continues to flow and drips all over - how can I stop this mess? With the majority of caulking guns, letting go of the trigger only stops adding pressure to the caulk but does not withdraw the pressure that is already built up. You can solve this problem with a Dynamic Drip Free caulking gun. Its built in mechanism ensures that the pressure not only stops when you let go of the trigger but releases built up pressure too! The caulking I just applied to my exterior windows last year is popping off already - why? The cause is likely that the surface was not totally clean, preventing the caulk from bonding to the substrate, or, the surface was damp which prevents proper adhesion as well. Before caulking ensure surfaces are very clean and absolutely dry. That way, the product has the best chance to adhere to the surfaces to which it is applied. How do you make the bead of caulk look nice and even? This is one of the most common problems for most people. The first step is to make sure that not too much caulking is applied and next to ensure that the bead of caulk is applied right into or onto the surface and not just close to it. Once the caulk has been applied properly, the tricky part is smoothing it out. The most common method is to wet your finger and run it along the bead at an angle, with even pressure. Better still, get the same results without getting your hands dirty with Dynamic's Caulk Rite tool! When applying caulk on a vertical surface like around the bathtub or a window, how can I get the end of the tube close enough to the surface to get the caulk where I need it to go? Snip the end of the tube off at an angle and then set up the tube in your caulking gun so that the angle faces exactly where you need the caulk to go. This way, the caulk will be easy to apply right where you want it. I painted a surface that had some caulk on it and the paint peeled - why? Not all caulks are paintable. You will need to remove the caulk in place and reapply one that is paintable - always check the label. I have a big gap that I need to fill - what sort of caulking should I choose? In order to prevent any failure of caulking that is applied to fill a gap, you need to ensure that the gap size is not beyond the limits of the caulk you choose. It is important to note that not all caulks are intended for this application and the best ones are 100% silicone or urethane reinforced caulks. Both are available in the Dynamic line. The caulking around my tub/window needs to be replaced. How can I get the old caulking off entirely? Use a Dynamic Caulk Away tool. It is stiff enough to remove even the toughest caulks, sharp enough to get the job done (but not too sharp to scratch the surface) and angled just right to get all of the leftovers out of the right angle joints or off of any flat surface ! The caulking around my sink has turned black and needs to be replaced - how to do I stop that from recurring? This is caused by excessive moisture that is unavoidable in kitchens and bathrooms but can be compounded if the caulking used was not mildew proof. Make sure that the new caulking is guaranteed to be mildew proof such as Dynamic Tub & Tile sealant! I needed to caulk an area that is exposed to indirect heat from time to time. The caulk I put on peeled after only a short time - what should I do? Not all caulking is made to withstand high temperatures so make sure that the one you apply is rated for this situation. Dynamic 100% silicone caulking is rated to 450 degrees farenheit. Choosing and Applying Caulking Make sure you read the tube properly before buying a caulking product to ensure that it has the features you are looking for - exterior use, high temp application, flexibility, paintability, mildew proof etc. Also, make sure your surface is properly prepared to accept the caulking - clean, dry, structurally sound. Don't forget to cutoff the tip at an angle and only a little bit so that you can test the size of the bead. If the tip is cutoff too far down, you're unlikely to get a good result. And, do yourself a favour - buy a Dynamic Drip Free caulking gun. You'll have better results with less aggravation for years to come! White Acrylic Caulk - This Basic interior/exterior product is paintable and comes with a 10 year warranty. Siliconized Acrylic Caulk - This white, paintable product dries in only 30 minutes, shrinks minimally and has a 40 year warranty. Urethane Acrylic Caulk - This elastomeric caulk provides superior flexibility and elongation. It is white, paintable and has a 50 year warranty. All Purpose 100% Silicone - White or clear, this product is permanently flexible, tolerates high temperatures and has a 50 year warranty. Tub & Tile Sealant - This product comes in a project sized squeeze tube, is guaranteed crack & mildew proof and provides a smooth & shiny white finish. Caulk Rite Tool - The Dynamic Caulk Rite tool has a flexible head that caulking won't stick to and is angled just right to smooth out a bead of caulking perfectly every time. View Product Catalogue >> Click here for a printer-friendly version of this page
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