Caulk finishing

[silverking]

Here's an oldie, but goodie.

Working on the boat the other day and had to re-caulk the seal around the transom cap. My maintenance mentor taught me to pour a small amount of liquid detergent (I use Dawn bought at the Dollar General) in a plastic bowl before you start caulking. After you get the bead down (don't use too much), dip a finger in the detergent and smooth out the caulk. The soap prevents the caulk from sticking to your finger. Keep dipping and smoothing and you'll end up with a professional finish. Wipe the excess off in a rag and use acetone clean up any stray mess.

My transom once again looks like new.

This trick also works around the house on tub and tile caulk, etc.

[Bailey]

Nice!

Bailey

[Reel Cowboy]

Cool deal.
Thanks for the info Capt. Dave.

[Bow'd Up]

Great tip....thanks

[tin can]

That's cheating. It's much more interesting, especially with 5200, to get it all over your hands.

[Reel Cowboy]

That's cheating. It's much more interesting, especially with 5200, to get it all over your hands.

Or my current favorite, 10 Minute Rod Bond. That stuff would hold a bumper on a Caddy.

[Dabbler]

Man, I love the forum. I have been caulking and wiping my finger every foot for years. I am ready to put my deck cover back over the gas tank and getting conflicting opinions (from dealers) on using 5200 or one that is not permanent. ????? Another tip I read was to use masking tape to protect areas along seam before caulking.

[tin can]

I am ready to put my deck cover back over the gas tank and getting conflicting opinions (from dealers) on using 5200 or one that is not permanent. ?????

Nothing is permanent. 5200 works.