TIL a trick for cleaning up old caulk lines from a painter at a job site

I was working on a storefront window replacement in Toledo last month, and the painter on site saw me struggling with some dried silicone. He said, 'Try a plastic putty knife you've heated with a heat gun for ten seconds, it'll peel right up without scratching the frame.' I gave it a shot on a stubborn section, and it worked like a charm, saving me at least twenty minutes of scraping. It made me realize how much we can learn from other trades working on the same project. I've been using that method ever since. Has anyone else picked up a good glass-related tip from another trade?

3 comments

3 Comments

sean_murray24d ago

That's a solid tip. @olivia_chen35's story about the alcohol trick is another perfect example. I had a tile guy show me how to use a drywall knife to lift a pane just enough to slide a new setting block under it. You'd never think of it in the shop, but on site, those little tricks from other crews save so much time and hassle. It's the best part of working around other trades.

amyc221d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, that drywall knife trick is brilliant. It's exactly like @sean_murray said, you learn the best fixes from watching other people work. Those little tricks make a tough job way easier.

olivia_chen3524d ago

My buddy Jake in Cleveland had a glazier show him how to use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a razor blade to get sticker residue off store glass. Said it came off in one swipe.