"Silicone can be a pain to smooth out neatly compared to acrylic or hybrid sealants."
You're spot-on about silicone being tricky. I've installed countless sinks, and silicone always demands extra patience and finesse. Hybrid sealants are definitely more forgiving, especially if you're still getting comfortable with caulking. Also, totally second the dripless caulk gun recommendation—makes controlling the bead so much easier. Don't beat yourself up over it though; even seasoned pros have their messy silicone moments... trust me, I've had my share of redo afternoons too.
"even seasoned pros have their messy silicone moments..."
Haha, this hits home. Last year I redid my bathroom sink and thought I'd nailed the silicone bead perfectly—until I stepped back and saw the wobbly mess I'd made. Ended up scraping it all off and starting again. Definitely agree hybrid sealants are easier to handle, especially if you're particular about neatness. Silicone just takes practice and patience...and maybe a bit of luck too.
Haha, reading this thread makes me feel a bit better about my own silicone disasters. When I installed my kitchen sink last summer, I thought I'd watched enough YouTube tutorials to get it right the first time. But nope...the silicone bead ended up looking like a shaky line drawn by a toddler. I tried smoothing it out with my finger, then a spoon, then even a fancy silicone tool I bought specifically for the job. Nothing worked. Eventually, I had to scrape it all off and start fresh.
I agree hybrid sealants are easier to handle, but I still find myself reaching for silicone because of its durability around water. Maybe I'm just stubborn? Or maybe it's because silicone is what I've always seen plumbers use, so it feels like the "right" choice. Does anyone else feel like that?
One thing I've learned (the hard way) is that prep work makes a huge difference. Cleaning the surface thoroughly and taping off the edges with painter's tape has helped me get cleaner lines. Still not perfect, but at least now my sink doesn't look like a DIY disaster zone.
Also, does anyone else find that silicone tubes always clog up or dry out way too fast? I swear, half the time I spend on these projects is just trying to unclog the nozzle or cutting it open again. Maybe I'm storing them wrong or something...
Anyway, glad to know I'm not alone in the silicone struggle. Seems like it's just one of those DIY rites of passage we all have to go through at some point.
Totally relate to the silicone drying out in tubes—I end up tossing half-used tubes way too often. Has anyone found a reliable trick for storing leftover silicone, or do you just accept the waste as part of DIY life...?
"Has anyone found a reliable trick for storing leftover silicone, or do you just accept the waste as part of DIY life...?"
I've tried a few things—covering the tip with plastic wrap, sealing it with a screw, even duct tape—but nothing seems foolproof. Honestly, I've started buying smaller tubes if I know it's just a quick job. Sure, it's pricier per ounce, but less frustrating than tossing half-dried tubes all the time. Has anyone had luck with those silicone caps they sell at hardware stores? I'm skeptical but curious if they're worth trying.
