Applying caulking and OEM

I too use the painters tape method to mask off the seam on both sides and then apply the caulk. I saves you from the messy over spread where you don't want it. Just peel off the tape and you have a nice neat bead.

I've visited the production lines of four different RV manufacturers, using four different types of RV construction, and at each one, humans did the caulking.

At two of the four plants, production line operations, the person doing the job was doing the same thing all day long. With practice, you get good at it.

If you tried playing the violin for a couple of hours once a year, you probably wouldn't see how anyone could do that task either.

Thanks everyone...Yesterday I picked up on of those Homex tools. We'll see of that goes.

No big secret but I have been asked by many friends how I get a nice bead etc...

First, I use a good quality polyurethane or polyether based sealant. I like the ProFlex and Dicor but find it difficult to work with compared to the polyurethanes. (Do not use polyurethane if sealing to EPDM)

Like someone else mentioned, only use enough sealant to do the job. A small bead goes a long way.

I use a lot of blue tape. I mask off the seam, apply the sealant, use the Homax tool, remove the tape and smooth anything needing it with my finger.

Biggest rookie mistake is cutting the caulk tube end too large. After cutting, the hole at the end of the nozzle should be no larger than a nail hole.

Apply the caulk by dragging the gun behind the bead applied, not pushing the sealant ahead of the gun.

After you have a bead applied, smooth with a plastic spoon or a wetted finger.

Using a power operated caulking gun with no experience will be a disaster. You have more control over amount dispensed doing it manually.

352 wrote:

path1 wrote:

DSDP Don wrote:
I have both a manual and a power caulking gun that do okay. The secret is to use less than you think and then a wet finger to smooth it out.

A couple of years ago, I replaced all of the silicone caulking along the body trim on my Diplomat. I found it easier to use the small silicone tubes that look like a toothpaste tube. It was easier to control and allowed me to apply a thin bead, then smooth with my finger.

Any hints on the power gun? I see they are not that much.

kaydeejay wrote:
You would be amazed at how good some guys can get with a caulking gun.
Ever seen a replacement window company caulk the seams after they have finished? Usually perfectly straight and even.

That being said, I doubt the RV manufacturers use a caulking gun such as you or I would, it is probably a gun on a hose pressure fed from a 55 gallon barrel of the stuff.

Yes, some folks can make it look like art.

352 wrote:
When you have your caulking ready to apply just keep a straight face. Any mouth movements will surely make you caulking job look like you should have taken it back to the manufacturer.

Thanks 352...That has to be the problem. The longer I see what I've done the more I frown, the more caulk job turns into frown.

(side note) I've been on pins and needles waiting for your shelf help video on unplugging black tank. When you going to release the video? :)

Actually, It has been said that my video is better than the RV movie segment about blank tanks with Robin Williams. When do you want one?

I think you should open a You tube channel and monetize it. Then post link here.

Would be a money maker for you!

Will probably be

path1 wrote:

DSDP Don wrote:
I have both a manual and a power caulking gun that do okay. The secret is to use less than you think and then a wet finger to smooth it out.

A couple of years ago, I replaced all of the silicone caulking along the body trim on my Diplomat. I found it easier to use the small silicone tubes that look like a toothpaste tube. It was easier to control and allowed me to apply a thin bead, then smooth with my finger.

Any hints on the power gun? I see they are not that much.

kaydeejay wrote:
You would be amazed at how good some guys can get with a caulking gun.
Ever seen a replacement window company caulk the seams after they have finished? Usually perfectly straight and even.

That being said, I doubt the RV manufacturers use a caulking gun such as you or I would, it is probably a gun on a hose pressure fed from a 55 gallon barrel of the stuff.

Yes, some folks can make it look like art.

352 wrote:
When you have your caulking ready to apply just keep a straight face. Any mouth movements will surely make you caulking job look like you should have taken it back to the manufacturer.

Thanks 352...That has to be the problem. The longer I see what I've done the more I frown, the more caulk job turns into frown.

(side note) I've been on pins and needles waiting for your shelf help video on unplugging black tank. When you going to release the video? :)

Actually, It has been said that my video is better than the RV movie segment about blank tanks with Robin Williams. When do you want one?

DSDP Don wrote:
I have both a manual and a power caulking gun that do okay. The secret is to use less than you think and then a wet finger to smooth it out.

A couple of years ago, I replaced all of the silicone caulking along the body trim on my Diplomat. I found it easier to use the small silicone tubes that look like a toothpaste tube. It was easier to control and allowed me to apply a thin bead, then smooth with my finger.

Any hints on the power gun? I see they are not that much.

kaydeejay wrote:
You would be amazed at how good some guys can get with a caulking gun.
Ever seen a replacement window company caulk the seams after they have finished? Usually perfectly straight and even.

That being said, I doubt the RV manufacturers use a caulking gun such as you or I would, it is probably a gun on a hose pressure fed from a 55 gallon barrel of the stuff.

Yes, some folks can make it look like art.

352 wrote:
When you have your caulking ready to apply just keep a straight face. Any mouth movements will surely make you caulking job look like you should have taken it back to the manufacturer.

Thanks 352...That has to be the problem. The longer I see what I've done the more I frown, the more caulk job turns into frown.

(side note) I've been on pins and needles waiting for your shelf help video on unplugging black tank. When you going to release the video? :)

I have both a manual and a power caulking gun that do okay. The secret is to use less than you think and then a wet finger to smooth it out.

A couple of years ago, I replaced all of the silicone caulking along the body trim on my Diplomat. I found it easier to use the small silicone tubes that look like a toothpaste tube. It was easier to control and allowed me to apply a thin bead, then smooth with my finger.

path1 wrote:
Anybody tour a RV manufacture and notice how they put on caulking?

Do they use some type of machine? I don't see how a person could get it as perfect as some look.

I've looked at about every video and tips for putting the stuff on.

I'm getting better but still not 100% happy with end result.

If your final result looks like you used a laser or some type of pressure gun,

What are your secrets?

You would be amazed at how good some guys can get with a caulking gun.
Ever seen a replacement window company caulk the seams after they have finished? Usually perfectly straight and even.

That being said, I doubt the RV manufacturers use a caulking gun such as you or I would, it is probably a gun on a hose pressure fed from a 55 gallon barrel of the stuff.