If you are a DIY kinda gal like me, caulking is a job that you probably do all the time. It’s not the most fun job, but boy does caulking make a huge difference in the final look of your project!
Have you ever grabbed your caulk gun only to find out that the caulk in the tip has dried out? I know I sure have. Then I proceed to poke things into the end, while pulling the trigger of course. Eventually the pressure causes a bunch of caulk to shoot out, and I am left with a pile of goo. Not awesome.
I’ve tried several methods over the years for preventing the caulk from drying out, and I finally found a method that works for me. I thought I’d pass the tip on to you so that you can avoid the ever frustrating pile of caulk goo. 🙂
After you are finished with your caulk job, wipe off the tip of your caulk gun with a wet rag or paper towel. Then insert a nail with a large flat head into the end.
After that, wrap up the tip of the caulk with painters tape or masking tape. I use a couple of layers to make sure I get an airtight seal.
If you seal the end of your caulk this way, it will be ready to go for your next caulking job. Just peel off the tape and pull out the nail, and you are all set. Happy caulking!
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Kara, thanks for this wonderful tip! I’ve thrown away a ton of this stuff just for this very reason.
Caulk drying off is a significant headache and problem for many, but I’ve tried the method enlisted here, and it seems to work. It’s crucial to make sure that the caulk does not dry off, so keep this procedure in mind.
Thanks for the detailed guide, hardest part for me is getting a straight line.
Wow! Great tip!
Thanks
Good advice!
But we should also remember that it is best to keep the sealant in a dark and cool place.
Yes, that is a great tip!
Oh Thanks God Kara, I really needed this article, I have throw many caulk because they dry out.
Wow! Great article! at first, I did not have any idea about my caulking. Now I know all about caulking. and share it on social media.
thank you very much for sending this important article.
Very interesting tips you share in this article. I like it very much and share it on social media.
I have a question: How do I get perfect caulking lines?
I hope that you answer my question.
Either way, keep up the awesome work.
Thank you for your advice to try putting a nail in the tip of the caulking gun to preserve it. I am thinking that my tub could use a recaulking so that it stays waterproof. I hardly ever use caulk so I would love to look for a guaranteed way to preserve my caulk. I really appreciate your tips, but I think I should look for more permanent solutions.
Great tip. That’s how we do it in the painting trades. It seems common sense to us,but I guess if you don’t caulk every day how would you know? I see caulk sales going down.
Ohh, this is great! Pinned it!
Thanks so much Laura, I appreciate it!
Kara, thanks for this wonderful tip! I’ve thrown away a ton of this stuff just for this very reason.
I know how you feel. We’ve wasted tube after tube in the past. Wish I would have thought of this sooner! 🙂