Mugwump's Fish World

Other topics and Interests => Do-It-Yourself Things => Topic started by: LizStreithorst on November 20, 2016, 11:50:24 AM

Title: Good tip on calking
Post by: LizStreithorst on November 20, 2016, 11:50:24 AM
I heard this on a locally produced call in program on my NPR affiliate.  They have experts giving advice on their area of expertise and sometimes folks call in with excellent tips.  A guy called in and said that when you caulk you can use plastic shopping bags to wipe the silicone off your fingers. 

This is the first resealing job I have ever done where I didn't end up with silicone all over my britches, a pile of paper towels and a mess still on my fingers.  My silicone smoothing finger is as clean as it would be had it never touched silicone!
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: Mugwump on November 20, 2016, 12:05:03 PM
Quote from: LizStreithorst on November 20, 2016, 11:50:24 AM
I heard this on a locally produced call in program on my NPR affiliate.  They have experts giving advice on their area of expertise and sometimes folks call in with excellent tips.  A guy called in and said that when you caulk you can use plastic shopping bags to wipe the silicone off your fingers. 

This is the first resealing job I have ever done where I didn't end up with silicone all over my britches, a pile of paper towels and a mess still on my fingers.  My silicone smoothing finger is as clean as it would be had it never touched silicone!

...dang....I gotta remember that...silicone can get messy even when you try to be careful using it....
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: wallace on November 20, 2016, 12:19:51 PM
I'll try that next time. Every year in October I have to go around and squirt about 8 tubes of silicone on the old window seams to keep the wind out. I use damp rags and my bare fingers and get it all over myself.

Then in the spring I take a knife and rip it all out again. Ahhh the joy of having an old house.
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: LizStreithorst on November 20, 2016, 06:21:56 PM
With an old house you get the beauty and charm of something unique.  You also get a new project waiting for you when you've finished the last one.  You need either deep pockets or know-how or both.  We have some beautiful old Southern houses down my way.  I'm glad that there are people who care about them.
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: BillT on November 20, 2016, 08:12:10 PM
Sounds like an interesting technique Liz.
Too bad our area doesn't do plastic shopping bags anymore.
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: LizStreithorst on November 20, 2016, 08:18:19 PM
Y'all are smart there in Oregon.  Plastics do a lot of harm.  You might try Saran wrap.
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: wallace on November 20, 2016, 08:22:51 PM
We had the plastic bag ban on the ballot last week and it passed. Took effect immediately.

In Ireland there were so many plastic bags stuck in the trees and bushes some parliament guy proposed making plastic bags the national flower.
Title: Re: Good tip on calking
Post by: waterboy on January 01, 2017, 10:41:53 AM
A plastic spoon works better than fingers.  Much more consistent seam and easier to clean up. Just toss it when you are done.