A Third Process - Worked For Me

[Mach1FatherFigure]

I've used this a couple of times on cars and 4X4's Ive owned. Might also work for house projects.
Getting a Smooth Finish on Silicone Sealant:
I had to fill in a small (drilled) hole on the inboard side of a mudguard (fender/wheelwell). Dunno why the PO made it but I had to fix and refit the carpet. Underside was no problem. Only has to match the stone chip stuff.
On the inside I blobbed on the stuff. Then with the metalised foil from a biscuit (cookie) wrapper I spread out the stuff. I kept it flat, metal side down, over the area I thought appropriate (1" over a 1/4" hole).
When the sealant had set I pulled off the foil and the finish was smooth as and the sealant sticks to the paint/metal rather than the plastic foil.
The little bit of oil from the chips or buscuits also seems to help.

[Steven Harris]

Another good tip!

Every little trick helps.

[Mustangmike]

I will have to give that a try next time a situation arises. On a similar note, I used waxed paper to prevent fiberglass resin from sticking to my work area. Foils and waxed papers work excellent when you don't want an adhesive/bonding type material to stick to an area outside of what you are working on.

Thanks for suggestion...sometimes we just don't think of things like that when we are caught up in a project.