Caulking tips please.

A

ahill

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I'll be replacing the small rear deck hatch in my 272 this week. I've already gotten good advice on products to use but what is the best way to obtain a level, not overfilled,smooth caulking bead. I will tape each side of joint.
I'm using 3M window door silicone.
Thanks
 
Mix some liquid dish soap and water in a small cup. Before the caulking sets, dip your thumb or finger in the solution and you can flatten / spread / indent the caulk as necessary to get a smooth bead.
 
You can also apply blue masking tape to both sides of the joint, and use a plastic teaspoon or soupspoon.

Work quick on the smoothing, then peal off the tape immediately.
 
I just use GE Almond kitchen/bath silicone and use a wet finger to smooth it out; works fine and looks great. Don't use too much caulk in the joint or it will be too difficult to remove when you need to. When you need to remove the hatch a razor blade easily cuts through the caulk and the hatch lifts right out.
 
Do it in sections as well. Don't try to caulk the whole thing and then smooth it out.
 
caulking

Don't forget, push the bead away from you, don't pull it towards you & the wet finger trick works really well.
 
I agree with all of the above (do it in sections, use painters tape) but for the factory perfect look, I use GE Silicone Sanitary 1700 Series Sealant in Almond. Exact same stuff they use in the factory. You'll need to use mineral spirits for that final wipe to get it smooth.
 
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