What Is Paintable Caulk?

Acrylic caulk, also known as paintable caulk, is an acrylic-based caulk that's ideal for indoor applications. The caulk bonds to paintable surfaces, allowing the painter to apply paint on it for a unidirectional look.

How to Use Paintable Caulk

Do not skimp on the caulking! It might cost you a bit more and take an extra amount of work; however, it's the only way to be sure of a flawless and stunning paint job.

We suggest caulking all the interior as well as exterior joints and seams on trim as well as door molding prior to painting. If the trim was painted prior to installation, we recommend applying the caulk with paint to achieve the best look. (You may try to color-matched caulk that you want to keep from painting; however, from our experiences, we find that the extra cost and time aren't worth the effort.)

Best Uses for Paintable Caulk

Paintable caulk is perfect for indoor applications where use and wear are low. If exposed to the environment, caulk can get cracked and be brittle. If you are working outdoors, it is best to choose an item made of silicone as they are more resistant to the weather.

Can I Use Paintable Caulk Outdoors?

There are some caulks which contain a mixture of silicon (outdoor caulk) and acrylic caulk (interior paintable caulk) and are known as siliconized acrylic-latex clogs. These caulks are a bit waterproof and are able to be coated. For a project that must be completely water and moisture-resistant, 100% silicone caulk is suggested. However, silicone caulk isn't paintable without the use of a bonding primer.

The professionals on our team primarily use siliconized acrylic-latex for both jobs on the outside and inside. While this caulk costs a little more, it is more durable, adheres much better, and lasts for longer as it is also more flexible.

Since 100% exterior silicone caulk cannot be painted, you must find one that won't stand out against the exterior paint color. "White" silicone caulk can be a good choice when you're unable to decide. If you've caulked your house using 100% silicone caulk, it is necessary to prepare the caulk prior to if you intend to apply paint to it. To avoid this issue altogether, just use an external silicone-based acrylic-latex caulk and then paint over it to be a perfect match.