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.



