Caulking is very important to seal a home as well as to make a home attractive! ---but what caulk?

It may not be pretty and possibly could cause problems if you let just anyone caulk!

If someone wishes to caulk they can.  I cannot say that for glazing.  With glazing you either can or cannot glaze.

One needs first to understand that the right caulk gun should be chosen as well as the correct caulk and that

putting too much caulk on will make the project ugly!

St Louis House Painting 314-520-4440

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How do I select a caulk?

Silicone usually performs best.  It last the longest.  It is not easy to apply and it isn’t paintable.

Silicone “Tub and Tile” caulk has a mildewcide.  It is used in areas that will get wet.  It does not air dry but has an agent that dries it.  It can take 24 hours to dry and that is why you might be asked not to shower or bath for a period of time to allow the caulk to dry. Silicone should be used to seal around bathtubs, showers, toilets, and kitchen counters.

If silicone does not cure it makes a terrible mess.  You must remember that you cannot paint over silicone paint.  You can use an oil primer, let it dry, and then paint those areas.  It must be dry before you paint.

Elastomeric latex caulk comes next in durability and it is paintable.

Latex caulk with silicone and acrylic is the most used caulk.  The problem is that there is a lot of variation in quality within and between brands.  The time between being manufactured and sold is a big concern as well as the submission of the product to low temperatures. 

We suggest that you do not use old caulk (over a year) or caulk that has been opened.

The variations in caulk is the consistence, air bubbles, and thickness

If you caulk you may find that it shrinks and you need to caulk twice; it is not uncommon even when the product says it does not shrink.

If you use caulk on new work and the temperature of the home is not kept above 60 degrees you fill find that within a year the caulk will have shrunk.  This is very common in new home construction and if you know the temperature will not be kept properly you need  use elastromeric latex sealant.

You can find articles on How to caulk around a tub, and laying down a perfect bead, and caulking windows at the website for this old house.

If you have questions about your project, we'd be happy to answer them promptly for you!

St Louis House Painter