Key Takeaways
- Choose a dripless skeleton gun to prevent messy sealant run-on.
- Cut the cartridge nozzle at a 45-degree angle to match your gap size perfectly.
- Apply steady pressure on the trigger while moving the gun at a consistent speed.
- Tool the wet sealant immediately with a profiling spatula for a clean and watertight finish.
Choosing the Right Caulking Gun
Knowing how to use a caulking gun correctly dictates the neatness of your sealant work. Cheap applicator guns bend under heavy pressure and cause severe hand fatigue. You need a reliable tool that gives you total control over the product flow.
Our Dripless Skeleton Gun features an automatic pressure release system. This mechanical catch pulls the plunger back slightly the second you let go of the trigger. It stops the sealant from oozing out of the nozzle and ruining your clean surfaces. This saves you from constantly cleaning up messy blobs of silicone on your job site.
Preparing the Cartridge and Nozzle
You must prepare the sealant cartridge correctly before loading it into the gun. Cut the threaded plastic dome at the top of the tube with a sharp utility knife. Screw the plastic nozzle on tightly.
Cut the tip of the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. You want the opening to match the exact width of the gap you need to fill. A 45-degree angle allows you to press the nozzle flat against the joint for a much smoother application. Do not cut the hole too large or you will waste product and create a mess.
Loading the Caulking Gun
Loading the gun correctly prevents damage to the internal plunger. Press the thumb release plate at the back of the gun. Pull the long metal rod all the way back. Drop the cartridge into the steel cradle.
Push the rod forward until the flat plunger sits tight against the base of the sealant tube. Squeeze the trigger gently until you feel resistance. This means the gun is primed and ready to dispense the product.
Applying the Sealant
Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle to the wall. Squeeze the trigger slowly and move the gun steadily along the joint. You should always aim to push the sealant into the joint (moving the cartridge gun away from you), rather than pulling it towards you. Match your movement speed with the flow rate of the product to create a uniform bead without thin spots or messy bulges.
If you are tackling interior joints like skirting boards and cornices, load up a high-quality acrylic like Pro Gaps Fill & Paint.
For wet areas requiring dedicated sanitary joints, swap the cartridge for a mould-resistant Bathroom & Kitchen Sealant.
Release the trigger pressure completely as you reach the end of the gap to stop the flow cleanly.
Tooling the Joint for a Perfect Finish
Tool the joint immediately after you apply the product. Spray the fresh bead with a joint finishing solution. Run a smoothing tool along the joint to push the sealant deep into the gap and wipe away the excess.
This leaves a neat edge that looks highly professional. Remove any masking tape immediately before the sealant forms a skin. Waiting too long tears the fresh sealant when you pull the tape away.
Ready to grab the right tools for your next project? We do not sell directly online, but you can use our Store Locator to find your nearest Soudal stockist and purchase your products today.
FAQs
Why does sealant keep coming out of my caulking gun?
Pressure remains built up inside the cartridge after you release the trigger. You must press the metal release catch at the back of the gun to relieve this pressure manually. A dripless caulking gun performs this action automatically to save you time and mess.
How do I cut a caulking tube nozzle?
Cut the tip at a 45-degree angle using a sharp utility knife. Make the cut slightly smaller than the gap you are filling. A 45-degree angle allows you to press the nozzle flat against the joint for a much smoother application.
Do you push or pull a caulking gun?
You can do either depending on the joint location and your comfort. Pushing the gun forward forces the sealant deep into the gap for better adhesion. Pulling the gun backwards often leaves a smoother surface bead on flat joints.
How do I unblock a dried caulking nozzle?
Remove the nozzle from the cartridge and push a long screw or a piece of stiff wire through the tip. This forces the dried plug of sealant out through the wider back end. You can also simply replace the old nozzle with a fresh one from your toolbox.
How do I store a half-used tube of sealant?
Use the cap supplied with your sealant and recap the nozzle. This means that the cartridge should be good & ready to use next time, keeping the rest of the tube fresh for weeks.