Caulking for Cast Iron Stove

Today I went into town and bought a tube of cast iron and fireplace caulking. To my surprise the stuff cleans up with water. I clipped the end off the tube and applied it with my finger.

The directions say to remove all loose debris first, wet with a bit of water, then use a putty knife. I found it easier to smear it into the grooves with a finger. After it cures, it directs you to use a low fire to help it solidify rock hard. The manufacturer claims it withstands temperatures of 1,000 degrees. You may not think so, but wood burning stoves can generate some serious heat, so this rating isn't as overkill as one might imagine.

The finish of this caulking is a grainy blackness, much like the stove itself. I made circular motions to improve the randomness, and found it very pleasing. The old cast iron lid was used as my palate, and intentionally became black as well. Sort of a two birds with one stone.

The simple tools I always keep around help in these projects. Metal shears, needle nose pliers, hammer, both kinds of screw drivers, a caulking gun, and scraps of pliable metal. Outdated licence plates are ideal.

Tomorrow we will lay the cement blocks I also bought today. Each one is 12 x 12 and my protective area will measure 2 feet wide by 3 feet deep, a lovely terracotta. Stay tuned.