Hey everyone! I've been doing a lot of painting lately, and I've run into a puzzling issue with my caulk gun. I'm using standard DAP paintable caulk, and I've noticed that when I press the release button, sometimes the caulk stops flowing immediately, while other times it just keeps gushing out no matter how many times I hit the button. It's really frustrating, especially since I've just wasted a quarter of a tube after laying down some really nice beads! I'm curious if this has to do with the temperature of the caulk, like if bringing a cold tube into a warmer space makes a difference. Has anyone else experienced this? What are your thoughts on why some tubes behave this way?
3 Answers
I think the combination of your nozzle size and the pressure from the plunger can affect the flow. If the caulk is too cold or you've stored it at odd temperatures, it might not perform as expected. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations on storage and usage temp!
From what I've noticed, the viscosity of the caulk plays a huge role. If it's thicker, it won't flow as easily, which makes it seem like it's still coming out after releasing the trigger. Keeping the tube warm can definitely help! You might want to soak the tube in warm water before using it to help with the consistency and flow.
It sounds like you're experiencing a classic case of caulk gun inconsistency! When you hit the release, make sure to pull the plunger back right away. Not all caulk guns are created equal, and I’ve found that cheaper models can sometimes lead to more issues. The ones I’ve used often stop flow perfectly after a button press, but some don’t. It’s a frustrating gamble for sure!
Yeah, I get that! It's weird how some tubes just have a mind of their own. Pulling back the plunger really helps more often than not!

Exactly! A warmer caulk means easier flow. Plus, if the nozzle is small, it can really hinder how well things work. Just make sure you’re working within the recommended temp ranges!