How to use sealant guns

Posted: 30th July 2023 | Author: Nationwide Supplies | Category: Silicones

How to use Sealant Guns

Whether you’re a total newbie to using sealant guns or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s never too late to learn some handy tips and tricks to help you wield these tools with confidence. Applying sealant can be a delicate project that requires patience and a steady hand - plus a good knowledge of how to use the equipment you need.

Want to learn more about using sealant guns? Keep reading.

What is a sealant gun?

You might have heard of sealant guns being referred to as mastic guns, caulking guns, silicone guns, applicator guns or skeleton guns, but what actually are they? Whatever you call them, sealant guns are handy tools for the application of tube sealants, making it easier for you to make a clean, straight line.

Typically, you can buy a sealant gun separately to the sealant itself, rather than buying them as one product. Then you can use the gun to apply various different types of sealants by buying the correct tubes, commonly referred to as ‘cartridges’. If you buy a cartridge of silicone sealant, you’ll be able to use that with your sealant gun. Then, if you need to use decorator’s caulk for another job, all you need to do is swap out the cartridges - you don’t need a separate gun to use a different type of sealant.

Sealant guns are made up of a ‘barrel’ where the tube of sealant sits, a plunger that pushes up against the bottom of the tube and a handle with a trigger attached. Some sealant guns also have a metal rod for piercing the nozzle. By squeezing the trigger, you’ll push the plunger up against the base of the tube, which in turn squeezes the sealant out through the nozzle of the cartridge. While it is technically possible to apply sealants and caulks without the assistance of a sealant gun, it’s much more difficult to do so correctly and get a result you’re pleased with.

How to load a sealant gun

The first step to loading a sealant gun, regardless of the type of sealant you’re using, is to prepare the cartridge. To begin, you’ll need to cut the nozzle at a 45° angle to create an opening. Your cartridge may have a cutting device included, but if not, use a sharp, clean knife. Make sure to cut the nozzle on a surface that won’t be damaged in the process.

Before you cut the nozzle, it’s important to decide where you’re going to cut it. This will depend in part on the nature of the job you’re going to do. The closer to the tip of the nozzle you cut, the smaller the bead of sealant will be. It’s best to start small and adjust if necessary - if it’s too small, you can make the opening wider, but you can’t make it narrower. Remember, a wider bead of sealant will make it more difficult to create a clean, neat line. After you have made the cut, you can use the metal rod to open up the nozzle.

Once you’ve prepared the cartridge, it’s time to slot it into the sealant gun. Pull the plunger all the way back and slide the cartridge into the barrel so that the base of the cartridge rests against the plate of the plunger. Then push the plunger forwards so that the cartridge is snug inside the barrel without sliding around.

How to use a sealant gun

Loading up your sealant gun isn’t the only part of the job that requires precision. Applying the sealant in a controlled, tidy manner is a skill, and it can be difficult to do if you’ve never tried it before. If you’re a beginner at using sealant guns, it’s highly recommended that you buy an extra tube of sealant or caulk and take some time to practise using it. This can help you to get comfortable with using the tips and techniques we’re about to explain before you need to actually use them on your project.

When you start a new tube of sealant, the first thing you need to do is to squeeze the trigger gently to fill the nozzle with sealant. It’s a good idea to have a rag or cleaning wipes handy so that you can wipe away any excess sealant before it becomes hard. Then, to start applying the sealant, hold the gun so that the nozzle is just above the surface and start to squeeze the trigger, moving along the line as you go.

The key trick to applying sealant well is to move the gun at the right pace as you squeeze the trigger. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the bead of sealant at a uniform size. If you move too quickly, the bead will stretch and thin out. Too slowly, on the other hand, and it will swell and distort in shape.

Applying sealant is a tricky task, and even the best of us often find a degree of ‘touching up’ is required. Use a sealant smoothing tool to run along the line you’ve created and smooth out the sealant. Once done, all that’s left is to clean up any excess sealant and allow your handiwork to set.