Talk the talk, walk the caulk!

The best painter's caulk

for your project

Painting can be a time-consuming job, but don’t cut corners! Applying painter's caulk is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Our handy guide will explain why.

Why is painter's caulk necessary?

Caulking your borders is an important part of painting that’s sometimes overlooked. It’s a small detail that makes the difference between adequate and great work. When painting indoors, painter's caulk is mostly important for aesthetic reasons. It provides a smooth, gap-filling bond that adds a professional look on wall joints, baseboards, and crown molding. Paintable caulk is also used for countertops and other wooden trim. Without sealing the joints, the finished work looks rigid.

On the functional side, latex painter's caulk is also used to lock out water and prevent damage from leaks, humidity, and mould. This makes it the perfect sealant for windows, doors, bathrooms, and other indoor/outdoor areas. 

Where can painter's caulk be used?

Painter's caulk can be used on almost every building material. Here’s a list of the most common surfaces:

  • dry wall
  • brick
  • wood
  • masonry
  • plaster
  • metals
  • concrete

Not every painter's caulk can withstand harsh elements. For tough outside jobs, make sure you’re using an exterior painter's caulk designed to stand up to extreme weather conditions.

How to apply painter's caulk to wall joints

Preparing your wall joints is simple with the right know-how. Here’s how you do it.

  1. Remove old caulk and clean the borders where the new caulk will be applied.
  2. Apply painter's tape to both sides of the joint to achieve neat and even bead lines.
  3. Cut the tip off the caulk tube to the desired bead size and puncture the cartridge.
  4. Insert the cartridge into the caulk gun and test your bead on a disposable surface.
  5. Starting in a corner, apply the caulk in a steady stream along the joint.
  6. Smooth the bead with a wet finger or tool.
  7. Immediately remove the painter's tape and allow the caulk to fully dry before painting.
  8. Clean up tools and excess caulk immediately with warm soapy water and a cloth. Cured caulk can be gently removed with a tool.

Want to achieve a beautiful paint finish?

Check out the best paintable caulk for the job.
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