Your Guide to Caulk

Whether you’re an avid DIY-er or embarking on a one-time project, you may have heard of caulk. This versatile and well-used material has long been favoured for its ability to help homeowners finish off rooms on their homes. But, with so many different products available on the market, you may be wondering what caulk even is. And, whether it’s essential for your next project. That’s where our guide comes into play, giving you all the information you need about caulk.

What Is Caulk?

Also known as decorators caulk, this flexible filler is used to fill cavities, cracks and gaps around a room. It is used to ensure that the end results in clean and neat, giving a professional edge. Many decorators choose to use caulk after they have fitted features such as skirting boards or before painting on imperfect walls. This flexible compound dries hard and allows the surface to be worked with quickly. It provides a reliable, pest-proof and dust-proof seal.

Pros and Cons of Caulk

Pros

  • Good elasticity allows it to spread throughout a long crack without breaking.
  • Quick-drying to reduce downtime.
  • Ideal for areas where there is little movement.
  • Can be painted or varnished over to match the surrounding decor.
  • Easy to remove when wet, if applied by mistake.
  • Much harder than other alternatives.

Cons

  • Less flexible than other alternatives - shouldn’t be used with materials that expand and contract due to temperature.
  • Can shrink during drying, meaning a second application is needed.
  • Not suitable for use around sanitary ware.

Caulk vs Sealant

On the market today, the terms sealant and caulk have become interchangeable. And, while both materials offer a similar service, there are significant differences between the two. The biggest one is elasticity. Sealants remain flexible, even after they have dried. The most popular ones are manufactured from silicon which makes it ideal for areas that are prone to expansion and contraction. On the flip side, caulk dries rigid and is best used for decorating purposes and locations with consistent temperatures and low humidity. While this makes them perfect in locations where downtime needs to be kept to a minimum, it also makes them more susceptible to cracking over time.

Choosing the right product will depend on where the gaps, cracks or cavities are that you need to fill. For use around sanitaryware, in bathrooms or kitchens, a silicone sealant will provide the watertight seal you need with the flexibility to withstand the high temperatures and water content in these settings. For cracks in ceilings or to finish off skirting boards/coving, opt for caulk which makes for the perfect prep solution before painting and decorating.

Types of Caulk

Like sealants, caulk products come in a range of types with the 3 main types being acrylic, silicone, and rubber.

Acrylic Caulk

The most popular and well-used option, acrylic latex caulk is low cost and dries very quickly. It can be painted on top of and is commonly used with wood parts that will eventually be painted.

Polyurethane Caulk

Used as a heavy-duty adhesive as well as a caulk, polyurethane versions are manufactured from a blend of glycol and isocyanate. They provide good moisture and corrosion resistance but are prone to UV degradation if continually exposed to extreme sunlight.

Rubber Caulk

Used to seal exterior pipework, metal siding, flashings and downspouts. Rubber caulk offers good insulation, water protection and durability - even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

We recommend speaking to a professional when making your purchase, to ensure that the caulking product you’ve chosen is suitable for the project you’re working on.

Applications for Caulk Use

We’ve mentioned some of the jobs that caulk can help with. But let’s take a look at other issues and applications that this versatile product can help with:

  • Fill in cracks and gaps in walls/ceilings before painting.
  • Seal up air leaks in doors and windows.
  • Seal cracks and gaps in concrete, brick and stone to keep pests at bay.
  • Fill the gap between skirting boards and the wall.
  • Seal holes around plumbing or electrical conduits.
  • Finish trimming and moulding.
  • Repair holes in timber.

Common Challenges With Caulk

The application process with caulk is much the same as a sealant. As such, it is easy and quick - in most situations. However, some common caulking challenges arise regularly and can produce less-than-perfect results.

Caulking Over Old Caulk

You’re looking for a quick solution and can’t see how two layers of caulk would be less efficient, right? However, it never pays to caulk over top of old caulk. It won’t fix the initial problem and means you’ve done a sub-par job. We always recommend removing old debris before applying a new product to get the best results.

Applying Caulk Without a Gun

For the smoothest application, we always recommend using a caulking gun. This is especially true if you’re working with cartridge caulk (the most common type available). These tailor-made guns allow you to apply the product accurately, neatly and to the exact spots, you need to.

Pressing Too Hard When Caulking

You want to apply even and consistent pressure during caulking for the best results. Pressing too hard against the surface will give an uneven and bumpy finish which may not offer the protection you’re looking for.

Not Smoothing Out Caulk After Application

For the best results, you need to tool or smooth out the caulk after it has been applied. This is a really simple process - simply wet your finder and run it along the bead to ensure it’s neat and fills the gaps.

Exposing Caulk to Water Too Soon After Application

While it is fast-drying, caulk also washes away easily with water. This is great if you’ve made a mistake but does mean you need to allow ample time for it to dry before safely exposing it to water.

Any one of these challenges is easily rectified. And, the best way to get high-quality, professional results is to enlist the support of an experienced and reliable team. At Sealant & Tools Direct, we have used our own experience to bring together the widest range of caulk and sealant products in one place. Offering you cost-effective prices and a range of products to suit your specific project, browse our website or get in contact with our team for advice and information.