I'm building a greenhouse from a kit, and I'm about to start sealing all the edges of the plexiglass windows with silicone. To be honest, I'm really struggling with the silicone gun; I often make a mess with blobs that ooze out or I end up with gaps. Smoothing it with my finger usually either doesn't help or creates even more blobs. Plus, some of the guns feel tough to operate, and I can't get a consistent flow. Can anyone suggest a good tool for this task and point me to a solid DIY video that shows proper technique? Thanks a lot!
6 Answers
YouTube is a treasure trove for this! There are tons of videos on silicone application; I watched a bunch just the other night while getting tips for my own projects. Just dive in and you'll find what you need!
Hey there! I've definitely faced the silicone struggle before. A good caulk gun makes a huge difference—try the Dripless ETS2000; it has a super smooth trigger. Also, using masking tape on either side of the area you’re sealing can really help keep things neat! I recommend checking out the "This Old House" silicone application video on YouTube—it covers all the techniques you need to know. Oh, and don't forget to check if your local area requires any permits for your greenhouse. Better safe than sorry!
I was tired of struggling, so I switched to an electric caulk gun! Now my application is way more consistent, although sometimes I still go a bit fast and make a mess. But hey, at least I'm not battling with the trigger anymore!
Just a little tip—remember that it's "silicone" with an *e* at the end when you're using it for sealing! Silicone is different than silicon, which is used in electronics. For your greenhouse, stick with silicone caulk; it's perfect for sealing those gaps. Good luck with your project!
If you're looking for a great caulk gun, get one with a double steel plate clutch instead of the hard plastic kind! It really helps with control. And when you're smoothing the silicone, try dipping your finger in rubbing alcohol instead of water—it works way better! You can even spritz a bit of alcohol on the line to help smooth it out, then wipe it clean. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
Using painter's tape is a game changer for achieving smooth lines! Just tape around the area you're sealing before you start, and peel it off right after you smooth the caulk—it'll give you a clean edge.
Thanks for the tip on the rubbing alcohol! I’ll definitely give it a go.