Application Questions

Product Questions

Troubleshooting Questions

The silicone caulk is hard in the tube. What should I do?

The silicone caulk will not cure. What should I do?

How do I remove uncured silicone caulk?

What if the silicone caulk skins before I can tool it?

The silicone caulk turned yellow. Why?

I used the product once. When I came back to use it again, the caulk had hardened and was unusable.

Why would the caulk not dry or harden?

What happens if the caulk freezes?

How do I remove silicone caulk?

1. The silicone caulk is hard in the tube. What should I do?

The silicone caulk has cured (dried completely) and cannot be used. If the silicone cartridge or tube was recently purchased, it should be returned to the hardware store or retailer for a refund.

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2. The silicone caulk will not cure. What should I do?

Check the "Use by" date on the bottom of the cartridge or the top of the squeeze tube. If the product is older than the "Use by" date printed on the product, safely dispose of the product. It is too old and will not cure. If the product is within the "Use by" date printed on the product, simply call a customer service representative , 1-866-275-4372, for a complete refund.

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3. How do I remove uncured silicone caulk?

Remove (scrape, wipe, dig out, etc.) the uncured caulk and then scrub the area down with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any remaining oily residue. Only use solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label or as otherwise provided by the manufacturer. Material Safety Data Sheets regarding GE branded caulk product are available upon request from us at 518-237-3330. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed.

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4. What if the silicone caulkskins before I can tool it?

Work with smaller sections. For example, run a two-foot bead, stop, tool it, and continue by applying another two feet.

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5. The silicone caulk turned yellow. Why?

A silicone caulk may slightly yellow if used in an exterior application (where it receives sunlight or UV light) or due the substrate. This slight yellowing will not impact the performance of the silicone caulk.  

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6. I used the product once. When I came back to use it again the caulk had hardened and was unusable.

Once silicone comes in contact with air, it immediately begins to cure (dry) and there is no way to stop this process. When not actively using the silicone, replace the cap no matter how short the time.

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7. Why would silicone caulk not dry or harden?

Silicone caulk generally cures within 24 hours. If it has been over 24 hours, you should determine what the silicone caulk "use by" date on the package is. If the product was used prior to that date, contact a customer service representative at 1-866-275-4372 with the information on the tube that follows. .

• Stock Number- (the stock number is most easily found near the last 4 digits of the UPC. It is located on the cartridges at the very bottom line of text, to the right of the UPC.)

• Batch Code - ink jet printed on the bottom of the cartridge, or stamped into the top of the squeeze tube.

• Description of the type of caulk

8. What happens if the caulk freezes?

GE Silicone II and Silicone I caulk can freeze. If the caulk freezes before you use it, simply thaw at room temperature and test before application. The caulk should "skin over" in 15 minutes. GE acrylic caulk cannot be frozen and should be stored at temperatures between 40°F and 100°F.

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9. How do I remove silicone caulk?

It is difficult to remove silicone from a surface, as it is designed to be a lifetime seal. However, if you must remove it, follow the suggestions below. First, remove as much as possible by cutting/peeling/scraping excess caulk from the surface.

• For ceramic tile, marble, Formica, fiberglass, etc., use 100% mineral spirits (turpentine) and a non-abrasive scouring pad. Test the mineral spirits on a hidden area of the surface to ensure that discoloration will not occur. If discoloration does occur, contact the manufacturer of the surface for further assistance.

• For glass surfaces, use a razor blade to remove as much as possible, then apply mineral spirits. Remove excess with a towel or other suitable cleaning utensil that will not mar the surface (such as a non-abrasive pad).

NOTE: For surfaces that are hard plastics or painted, including cars, use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. Do not use mineral spirits. Only use these solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed.   

On Rough, Porous Surfaces

To remove caulk from a porous/rough surface, (concrete, brick, wallpaper) remove as much of the caulk as possible (same as smooth surface). If necessary, use a wire brush in conjunction with mineral spirits.

NOTE: We do not recommend use of a wire brush to remove caulk from wood surfaces, as doing so could damage the wood. Also, mineral spirits should not be used if the wood has any type of finish on it. Test solvent on a hidden area before applying.

Mineral spirits are flammable and should be used away from sparks, flames and other sources of ignition. Only use these solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed.

Special notes about silicone caulk: There is nothing that will dissolve silicone. If reapplying silicone to the area, remove the old caulk, then clean the area with a disinfectant. If mold or mildew is present, apply rubbing alcohol. Let the area dry before re-applying silicone. Do not use soap to clean surfaces to be sealed because silicone will not adhere to surfaces covered with any soap scum present.

Home Sealing Checklist

Top reasons to seal your home.

1. Reduce Energy Costs - Air leaking through tiny holes and cracks accounts for up to 40 percent of the energy used to heat and cool a typical home. The average home can be sealed with up to four tubes of waterproof caulk (Silicone) for less than $25, saving up to $100s.

2. Prevent Water Damage - Water leakage from rain, ice or snow through cracks and gaps, can cause water damage to the interior or exterior of your home.

3. Prevent Unwanted Mold - Improperly sealed sinks, faucets, bathtubs and other water sources can be a breeding ground for mold growth, causing an unpleasant appearance as well as health risks and odors. Use a waterproof caulk (Silicone with BioSeal*) to properly treat mold growth on caulk. Unproperly treated mold can spread throughout your home and even weaken the home's infrastructure in extreme cases.

4. Avoid Allergens - Proper sealing means there are fewer holes for pollen, dust and pollution to infiltrate the house, reducing your risk of allergies.

5. Breathe Easy - Proper sealing helps keep indoor air clean. Mild to moderate levels of household mold can exacerbate asthma or cause flu-like symptoms and skin rashes.

6. Prevent Air Leaks - Air leaking through gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window.

7. Seal Out Bugs in the Home - Water bugs, mites, ants and other pests can find their way into your home through small holes.

8. Keeping Your Home Quiet - Proper sealing helps reduce outside noise, making your home quiet and cozy.

9. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels - Air leaks in the home allow warm humid air to escape, drawing in drier air and changing the humidity levels in the home. Maintaining proper humidity levels protects your furniture and home from drying out.

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