Using caulk is the norm nowadays when it comes to creating those seamless spaces between molding, windows, and doors.  The process is fairly simple, decide which type of caulk and the color you want to use, then go use it.

Only thing you might find, especially if you don’t have much practice apply caulk, is that it can be messy your first time out.  You might want to have plenty of rags on hand to clean up any accidental mess that you make.

Most people will find that once they get their technique down, apply caulk to just about anything is really simple.

Though, when you go to the store, you are going to be overloaded with the amount of options you have.  Like any good product, caulk comes in all shapes, sizes, textures, and colors.  Be sure to know what you’re looking for before you leave the house.

Types of Caulk:

* Acrylic latex caulk is slightly longer lasting than similar, less expensive vinyl latex. It is easy to apply, but degrades in direct sunlight and adheres poorly to porous surfaces. It dries in about 30 minutes and takes about 1 week to cure, but it will last for 5 to 10 years.

* Butyl, also called butyl rubber, has better adhesion and stretching ability than acrylic, but costs more and takes longer to cure (about 6 months). It’s good for sealing masonry joints, and after about 24 hours its outer layer has formed a skin. Although it degrades in sunlight, it can last 5, 10, or even up to 20 years.

* Polyurethane caulks are expensive and more difficult to apply than latex and butyl, but they last longer, can cover a wider gap (up to 3/4 inch), and will stretch farther. It takes about 2 days for the outside to skin over, about 1 month to cure fully, and it can last more than 20 years.

* Silicone caulk–not to be confused with paintable siliconized acrylic–has good stretching ability and can cover a 1-inch gap, but it can’t be painted and it adheres poorly to plastic and wood. Its outer skin forms in about 1 hour and it takes about 1 week to cure. Silicone caulk can last over 20 years.

* Oil-based caulk is inexpensive and you can use it almost anywhere. But oil-based caulk tends to “dry out” in cracks and when dry, it falls out, or it shrinks in the cracks when the oil in the caulking disappears. It can be painted, but if you use this product, plan on recaulking within 3 years.

Tags: Do it yourself // Add Comment »