You can apply your sealant by either hand or machine. Applying with a machine is a great choice because not only is it faster, it allows for an even application of the product. Applying by hand could results in uneven application.
The quick answer to this question is yes, you can apply caulk without a gun. However, this requires a lot more effort and care than caulking with a gun. A caulking gun gun applies steady pressure on the tube so you can get a smoother and more even finish.
Using a Finger
It is best to dip your finger into white spirit to stop the sealant from sticking to your skin, then you want to run your finger along with the sealant bead with even pressure so that it smooths down whilst pushing it into the gap.
Just dip your finger into the liquid (make sure it's slippery) and then, with as little pressure as possible, run your finger along the line of silicone, smoothing it out as you go.
A silicon wafer breaks easily when not handled properly. But apart from that, it's hard and durable. You shouldn't also touch them with your bare hands, since the sodium in your perspiration will affect its quality, causing it to become unusable.
You can apply your sealant by either hand or machine. Applying with a machine is a great choice because not only is it faster, it allows for an even application of the product. Applying by hand could results in uneven application.
Improper configuration can cause a properly adhered sealant to tear itself apart. This is especially true in the case of three-sided adhesion or with sealant which is applied too thickly. Adhesive: Adhesive failure occurs when one or both sides of the joint loses adhesion to the substrate.
When the sealer is applied too heavily, the air displaced through the surface can't escape, and it forms a bubble in the sealer surface. Bubbling of a sealer can also occur if application is done in hot weather, or if the concrete is in direct sun.
Silicone sealants and adhesives are widely used to prevent the ingress of water. However, silicones must normally be cured in air, as excess water inhibits or prevents cure from occurring.
“Sealant” is the general and correct term for the chemical used to seal. “Silicone” is one type of sealant. There are also acrylic sealants, polyurethane sealants etc. Silicone sealants are the most prevalent type of sealant.
Quick tip: Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and lightly spray the silicone before smoothing. The soap and the water will stop the silicone from sticking to your finger and spreading out too much onto the surfaces, allowing you to remove excess with ease.
Silicone sealant generally cures within 24 hours. If it has been over 24 hours, check the silicone sealant “Use By” date on the package.
Insufficient sealant will mean that your seal is not strong enough to bond and may split along the joint. For this reason it's much better to push the caulking gun along the joint in order to ensure that enough sealant is applied to form a cohesive bond that is both air- and water-tight.
It is recommended to wait an absolute minimum of three hours, and up to 12 in some cases, before allowing water to come into contact with fresh shower sealant or caulk.
Although the job itself won't take long, you'll need to leave at least 24 hours for the sealant to dry before you can use your bath again. Before you start sealing, apply some masking tape above and below where you're going to seal, leaving a gap in the middle for the sealant.
There are three methods for applying adhesives and sealants onto body assemblies. The first application method extrudes a round bead of adhesive onto body surfaces. The second application method is streaming or spraying adhesives and sealers.
When the caulk gets wet, it will not cure properly. The formula that makes up your caulk will not be able to dry and cure or bond to the surface to that you have applied it. Not being able to dry in a timely manner will prevent the caulk from creating a proper seal.
Sealing joints on a damp surface should be strongly avoided, since silicone sealants generally do not adhere as well to moist substrates. If you want durable joints, never apply sealant in rain, freezing rain, snow or heavy fog.
It is fine to put another layer of silicone over an existing bead. The main consideration to remember is if the old bead is not fully cured you do not want to break the skin it has formed. Sometimes it is best to wait 2-3 days before putting any new product on so the old one has enough time to dry.