Caulking tip.

[Cliff_Johns]

When your caulking your siding in oddball spots, wrap you index finger in blue painter's tape and just spread the caulk with your finger. This works well on small cracks and splits that might later turn into large cracks and splits. You can work some caulk down into the crack this way. When you're done, you can just peel off the tape.

I just finished fixing a few bad spots on the car siding on my garden shed, replacing one board and doing a few Dutchmen fixes. I found this technique works well.

Cliff

 

[deerefan]

When your caulking your siding in oddball spots, wrap you index finger in blue painter's tape and just spread the caulk with your finger. This works well on small cracks and splits that might later turn into large cracks and splits. You can work some caulk down into the crack this way. When you're done, you can just peel off the tape.

I just finished fixing a few bad spots on the car siding on my garden shed, replacing one board and doing a few Dutchmen fixes. I found this technique works well.

Cliff

Yes it does. I did alot of caulking when doing renovations, mainly around tubs, counters, outlets etc. My finger gave better finish results than the caulk tool.

 

[Whitnel]

I have always just spit on my finger to keep the caulk from sticking. Saying that sounds gross but it was what I was taught.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

I did that too, but modern caulk has some disturbing chemicals in it. Also, once it's on your fingers, it tends to wonder around on other near-by surfaces and your tools and your pants. The blue tape reminds you it's there, and is easily removed and replaced many times without going to the sink or the hose and washing the dregs off. You can use a rag to wipe it off your fingers regularly, but then you have this rag with caulk on it and the rag will want to be used for other things -- especially wiping off things that were never meant to get caulk on them.

Cliff

 

[like2wheel]

I have always just spit on my finger to keep the caulk from sticking. Saying that sounds gross but it was what I was taught.

Soapy water in a spray bottle works just as well, without the risk of dehydration

 

[tractchores]

I do the same, but put on a latex glove which works really well.

 

[mikehaugen]

for silicone caulk I heard to use an ice cube to smooth it, I haven't tried it yet. Silicone is some messy stuff though.

 

[PILOON]

for silicone caulk I heard to use an ice cube to smooth it, I haven't tried it yet. Silicone is some messy stuff though.

I have and it works great.
Also works with most types of caulking.

 

[kenmac]

I haven't found anything that works well on Eternabond caulk.. Anyone got any ideas ?

 

[alchemysa]

Soapy water in a spray bottle works just as well, without the risk of dehydration

If by that you mean 'spray the line of caulk with water' thats actually not a good idea. Its a trick tilers sometimes use to save time and mess but it actually makes a lousy seal. Basically you are spraying water into areas where you want the caulk to stick. It looks neat but you'll soon find the caulk gets a grubby line underneath and starts to peel. If you want the joint to be water tight and long lasting, wet nothing but your finger.