| DIY Basics: Caulks and Sealants |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-603 |
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Caulk is a versatile product for patching and sealing holes and gaps of all descriptions. But a trip to the home center can bring confusion with the myriad of different types of caulk. DIY Home-Impromvement expert Brad Staggs provides some basic information about caulks and caulking. - For outdoor projects, look for sealants that are 100-percent silicone (figure A). Note that some silicone sealants can be painted; some cannot. If you're going to have to paint the area being repaired, check the caulk label to make sure it's the paintable type.
- Also, check the adhesion chart on the back of caulk products (figure B). This chart will tell you which surfaces the particular sealant will stick to and will not stick to.
- Standard silicon sealants are typically white or clear/translucent, but note that some come already colored (figure C).
- Some caulks are specially formulated for brick and concrete repair. The product labels should clearly identify these.
- For indoor projects -- such as filling in drywall or plaster gaps before you paint -- look for an acrylic-latex caulk (figure D). These are easy to use since cleanup can be done using water. They also can be painted over as soon as they cure.
- Acrylic latex sealer used for ceramic tile such as in the bathroom or kitchen usually come color-matched to blend with grout or tile-work. Check the label for the color sample. These sealers are formulated to resist mold and mildew.
- Application of sealant can be done from a tube or from a cartridge (figure E). Cartridge-style caulk requires a caulk gun. Avoid cheap caulk-guns. It's best to use one of the better quality ones, costing around $10.
Recap:
- Use 100-percent silicone sealant for outdoor projects.
- Use mold- and mildew-resistant caulk in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Buy a quality caulk-gun.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
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