Is that an artificial finger used for spreading and smoothing caulk? Yep! Traditionally, caulk was applied using a caulking gun (that holds those specially shaped tubes of caulk with the pointy plastic end) and then smoothed out with a wet finger. Experienced tradies sometimes apply and then smooth caulk with one motion; a finger trailing behind the caulking gun as caulk is applied.
But for DIY renovators and those tradies who need to move between jobs, that can be a messy choice. And for those in higher-risk work environments, this method requires the removal of safety gloves, which might not be a safe option. Add to that the risk of injury involved in running your unprotected finger along timber, glass or tiles… there had to be a better way!
The Caulking Finger
Luckily, the folks at iQuip, Uni-Pro and Soudal (FWMM Products) have come together to create The Caulking Finger! The Caulking Finger was developed by a painter with 28 years of experience, who was tired of wearing out all his fingers caulking all day. Convinced that nothing would work as a finger, but keen to give his finger a rest, he created The Caulking Finger with the tagline, “Why wear out your finger? Just use mine!” Now you can have that same professional smooth finish and save your finger.
To help you even more, PaintAccess and paint industry influencer Harriet have made a video to show you exactly what The Caulking Finger can do.
What is caulk?
Let’s start with, “what is caulking?” and “what does caulking mean?” Caulk is a category of sealants used to fill gaps along edges of furniture, flooring, plasterboard, windows and doors. Specialist bathroom caulk is usually waterproof and is used to close gaps between cabinets and walls, baths and walls, shower frames and glass, and door or window frames.
If you take a quick walk around your own house you’ll find plenty of places where caulking has been applied during construction of your last renovation. And if you’ve done any DIY renovating yourself you’re probably familiar with calk already and you probably have a caulking gun in your toolbox somewhere.
Caulk is a quick and easy option, especially since the tools and supplies needed to apply caulking are minimal.
How do I apply caulking?
Here’s are some step-by-step for applying caulk:
- Remove the plastic cone-shaped spout from your tube of caulk. This usually has a screw-on attachment and is sometimes sold separately (in which case you can skip this step, but you will need one later).
- Install your tube of caulk in your caulking gun, pressing the trigger until the spring is applying full pressure to the back of the tube. Most calking guns come with instructions for use so if you buy one that’s a bit different, that’s fine.
- Remove the quality seal from your tube of caulk. This is usually a small, round seal made from silver foil but sealed plastic that you need to cut through is not uncommon. If in doubt, refer to the instructions that came with your tube of calk at purchase.
- Reinstall the plastic cone-shaped spout. Make sure you screw it on tight so that excess caulk doesn’t make its way out at the connection point.
- Aim the spout at the point where you want to start, press the trigger, and move the caulking gun along the gap to apply caulk smoothly.
- Wet your finger and smooth the applied caulk, removing excess caulk and leaving a smooth and even amount along the length of the gap. You should do this immediately after applying the caulking, as any delay will allow the caulk to dry and will make scraping or smoothing difficult.
But now I don’t need to use my finger?
That’s right!
When you get to Step 6 you can keep your finger safe and use The Caulking Finger instead. You wet it, just like you would with a human finger, and then use it to scrape away any excess while creating a smooth and even inverted curve along the length of your caulked gap.
Refer to the video above for tips on angle and technique.
Protect your fingers when caulking by using The Caulking Finger, a unique and innovative tool that reduces the risk of injury with every use. Each time you use The Caulking Finger you’re avoiding using your own finger, which means fewer chances of injuring yourself and a safer workplace.
The Caulking Finger isn’t trying to change the world. This is a simple solution to a not-so-serious problem. A splinter isn’t fun, but it’s not as serious as a fall from heights or a powertool malfunction. And The Caulking Finger doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is why it has a fun anatomical finger design.
Don’t want splinters or knicks from tiles or glass? Give ‘em the finger! The Caulking Finger that is!
How do I get one?
It’s a great new product from an international supplier, requested by DIY customers from around Australia… so of course PaintAccess has started shipping them already!
Remember how we said The Caulking Figer didn’t take itself too seriously? That’s reflected in the price too. Right now, The Caulking Finger is available for a finger-wagging $17.50. Outstanding!
If you’re in Sydney, come in and see us at St Leonards or Matraville. If you head to Matraville we can show you how The Caulking Finger works in person! At the moment, we also have some great deals on caulking guns too, so you can get everything you need for your project in one place!
Why wear out your finger? Just use mine, when you get The Caulking Finger from PaintAccess.
