Choosing the Right Caulk for the Job

Tweet

There are many types of caulk available for your home, including 100% silicone, acrylic latex, and siliconized latex. Here are some tips on how to choose caulk for different caulking jobs around your home:

• Silicone Caulk: Use 100% silicone caulk around tubs and showers, since it adheres well and resists mold.
• Latex Caulk: This caulk works well in interior applications, such as caulking around trim before painting.
• Siliconized Latex Caulk: Unlike pure silicone, this caulking is paintable and last longer than plain latex caulk for exterior caulking around windows and doors.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• Homeowner’s Guide to Caulking (article)
• How to Caulk and Seal Around Windows and Doors (video)
• How to Caulk Around a Tub (video)
• How to Caulk Cracks to Prevent Air Infiltration (video)

Please Leave a Comment

We want to hear from you! In addition to posting comments on articles and videos, you can also send your comments and questions to us on our contact page or at (800) 946-4420. While we can't answer them all, we may use your question on our Today's Homeowner radio or TV show, or online at todayshomeowner.com.

Choosing the right caulk for the job at hand makes all the difference in the success of the project. For tubs and showers, a 100% silicone caulk is usually best because it doesn’t need to be painted and is less prone to support mold growth.

To seal trim for indoor painting, a latex painter’s caulk will usually do the trick. For outside applications, a siliconized latex caulk will last longer and can still be painted over.