[farmerjohn1324]

I've been using polyurethane sealant on exterior trim. I can't keep it from looking messy. It's not as easy as regular caulk. Any tips? Is it possible to clean it up the following day? Or once it's dried, it's permanently shaped?

 

[chandler48]

What was the product you used? Is it water based or petroleum based? It needs to be applied better and possibly tooled immediately after application either with a push tool or a wet sponge (if water based)

 

[farmerjohn1324]

What was the product you used? Is it water based or petroleum based? It needs to be applied better and possibly tooled immediately after application either with a push tool or a wet sponge (if water based)

I can't find on the tube where it says water or petroleum but it does say to clean it with mineral spirits when it's wet if that tells you anything. It just says cut it with a knife when it's dry.

 

[Marson]

That's an oil based caulk. Many of them can be fairly wicked to lay down a clean bead, esp for a beginner.



I looked at the instructions, and it said you can dry tool it within 5 minutes of laying it on. That's a pretty short window, so it must start skinning over right away. You can try putting on a nitrile glove, and dipping your finger in mineral spirits and smoothing it.


Or if you are painting over it, consider a high end latex caulk like Big Stretch. Much easier to deal with.

 

[farmerjohn1324]

That's an oil based caulk. Many of them can be fairly wicked to lay down a clean bead, esp for a beginner.



I looked at the instructions, and it said you can dry tool it within 5 minutes of laying it on. That's a pretty short window, so it must start skinning over right away. You can try putting on a nitrile glove, and dipping your finger in mineral spirits and smoothing it.


Or if you are painting over it, consider a high end latex caulk like Big Stretch. Much easier to deal with.

What does a drive to look like? Would that Big Stretch Caulk work just as well as in exterior sealant?

 

[carpdad]

Little late, but it is possible that polyurethane was sitting in the store too long. Urethane caulk has a history of curing in the tube and impossible to make a nice bead or use in the caulking gun. It should have expire or best use date on the tube.


Even polyurethane, you smooth it immediately with a wet finger. Spit will work. So you do one side, smooth, then go to next side. If straight bead, no longer than 3' or so that you can reach and smooth. Watch for splinters.:smile: I use osi quad caulk and although occasional work, I never had flawed caulk with it. Also smooth with spit and finger. OSI quad stinks and it is for outdoor only. I use it indoors, esp bath, because of very good adhesion, but ventilation is a must and no bedroom where you'll sleep that night.



Work you've done so far, I'd cut them off and apply again. Caulk for trim joints, remove best possible by slicing off with razor (paint scraper razor) and try again. But for trims, best is outdoor wood filler and sand later. Not the durham's wood putty which dries rock hard and difficult to feather.

 

[Marson]

What does a drive to look like? Would that Big Stretch Caulk work just as well as in exterior sealant?

Big Stretch is pretty darn good. Probably not as good as something like Quad or Vulkem, but it will definitely last as long or longer than your paint job. It has very good flexibility.