If you’re like most people, caulking probably isn’t something you worry about on a regular basis. With all the other responsibilities on your plate, who would blame you? So, when it does come the time to update the seals in your home, you find yourself at a loss. You’re not alone and we can help! The world of caulking is vast and often confusing without the right guidance. Fortunately for you, we are here and we know just what you need.
There are many different types of caulking available. Most of them are some sort of proprietary blend that is specific to the manufacturer who makes it. For this blog, however, we are going to be focusing on three of what we consider to be the standard types of caulking, Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk, Ultra Performance Latex Caulk and Silicone Caulk.
When getting started, the first thing I ask a customer about their caulking project is “Where will this caulking be applied?”. Normally, this question is all you need to make the proper recommendation but sometimes a little more clarification is needed.
For example, if you are going to be caulking indoors and NOT around moisture, the Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk by ColorFast Industries, AKA Latex Caulk for short, would be your best bet. Latex Caulk is easy to apply and easy to clean up. It’s great for indoor fixes such as windows, doors and counters. Latex Caulking is often referred to as Painters Caulk due to the fact that it can be painted after the caulking cures. Latex Caulk can be weakened by extreme temperatures and sunlight. You would NOT want to use Latex Caulking in places that see a lot of direct sunlight or places that accumulate moisture such as bathrooms and sink areas. Moisture can be absorbed into Latex Caulking, deteriorating the adhesive and ruining the seal. Also, standard Latex Caulking doesn’t flex as much as other caulking. As such, you wouldn’t want to use Latex Caulk in places where the joints move and settle. Fortunately, that’s where the Ultra Performance Latex Caulk comes in.
Ultra Performance Latex Caulking is an incredible product also made by ColorFast Industries. It’s made with some of the same components as Latex Caulking but it’s proprietary blend allows it to be used indoors, outdoors and in high moisture areas. Places that would require this kind of caulking would be exterior windows and doors as well as around places that accumulate moisture such as bathrooms, tubs, sinks and laundry rooms. Ultra Performance Caulk is also highly expansive and flexible. It will expand up to 500% the rate of standard Latex Caulking. This is perfect if you need to apply a thicker bead or if the joint you are caulking needs to remain flexible while still holding it’s seal. One thing to note about the Ultra Performance Caulk is that although it is highly resistant to moisture, it is not waterproof. If too much water collects on the caulking, the beads will erode over time. The best way to avoid this would be to make sure that you are drying off any caulked surfaces with a towel before dangerous levels of moisture build up occur.
The final type of caulking that we’ll be talking about today is the 100% Silicone Caulking available from Color Rite, also referred to as Color Sil 100% Silicone Caulk. The biggest selling point to Color Sil is the fact that silicone is completely waterproof. Silicone caulking is perfect for virtually any caulking needs. From indoors to outdoors and even around water. One of the only limitations to Color Sil is that it cannot be use in a submerged area. Silicone Caulking is highly flexible making it great for movable joints or areas that are prone to shifting. Silicone Caulk beads can flex about 5x more than standard Latex Caulk. Silicone caulk can leave a residue that makes painting over it difficult. But as long as you are cleaning your beads after applying, there shouldn’t be an issue.
On the subject of painting, we also offer the option to ColorMatch any of these three type of caulking to meet your exact color needs. This removes the need to paint your caulking which can save you lots of time and expense. To start the ColorMatch process, send in a sample of the color you’d like your caulking to be identical to. We process the color and either match it to one of our many existing colors or make a custom batch of caulking just for you! Color matching can involve fees that differ depending on the type of caulk and just how custom the color is. We offer a very wide ranging variety of in stock colors as well that are available for purchase at any time.
Hopefully I was able to answer some of your questions about which caulking would work best on your project.
Still need help? Give us a call! 866-258-1554
Our associates are standing by to help you with anything you need!
-The ColoredCaulk.com team
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