I didn't believe it until I saw a contractor do it right in front of me. No blobs, no gaps, no changes in width, didn't even need to run something down the line to smooth it out.

Caulking is an art.

Applying the correct pressure and moving at the correct speed is a skill that can be learned only through exhaustive experience.

Two tips I learned that I will pass along.
#1: Always cut the tube at an angle, and make damn sure the longer part of the tip is away from the direction you're moving (i.e. it is going over where you've already applied). This allows you to control the flow better.
#2: Go slow. Harder than it sounds.

#1 will help with #2, because when you have the angle correct, you put down less wasted product, and don't feel a need to move as fast.

As a bonus, using a silicone finishing tool to scrape away excess will give you a perfect line. The finger method works well, but those tools are totally worth the price. But you do have to put on what looks like a little bit more than you need for them to work correctly. Always have paper towel on hand.


Hope you have better luck with it in the future.