Caulking Frustration

How is caulking going under the tape ? Are you using so much thinner that’s it’s turning the tape loose?

Keep a bowl of water with a bit of dish soap in it nearby. After laying down the bead of caulk dip your finger in the soapy water and smooth the joint. You won’t need tape with this method.

3 tons wrote:
Does anyone have any tips for how to achieve clean, crisp, and uniform caulk lines using Dicor.

Using clear non sag lap sealant on vertical surfaces makes any inconsistencies less obvious.

What Westend said is what I do.

I do use self-leveling for everything so it levels itself. I've never had an issue with vertical runs. I put on the smallest bead I can and don't touch it until the next day (even if it is too much) so it has time to settle out and get a bit firm.

Once it's firm, I wipe it with a soft cloth that is very wet with mineral spirits.

When I wipe it wet with mineral spirits I can easily remove the excess and then when it dries the second time it smooths back out like glass.

I do spot touch up locations that need more and them wipe them the same as above once it has gotten firm.

If you wait more than a day to wipe it down, or maybe two depending on humidity, it will take work to get it done.

I have been able to apply it in the morning and then wipe it down that afternoon if it very hot dry weather.

If your caulking the roof, which I assume you are. Do not worry about uniform lines, just caulk it and let it level out, it does not need to be pretty.

The trick to making a good looking caulk seam is about how you cut open the neck of the tube. Most folks just slice it until it's a 1/4" or bigger opening. Cut the neck open on an angle with the opening at about 1/8", big enough to only slide the piercing wire on a gun through the hole. Aim the angle of the neck into the seam and dispense sealant slowly. You should have a 1/8" bead on the joint. Use your striking tool of choice on the sealant to compress it and flatten it out.

Yes, I’m using non-self leveling Dicor

Use frog tape not the blue painters tape

If you're using Dicor's self-leveling caulk, give their non-leveling, no-sag caulk a try.