When shopping for caulks and sealants, you may feel there is a seemingly endless and overwhelming variety to choose from. They are all designed to fill gaps and cracks around the home and they all claim to be the best - so how do you select the right one? This guide walks you through the process of choosing the best sealant for your job.
What are Sealants used For?
Sealants have a variety of uses around the interior and exterior of your home, preventing costly damage from the entry of water, pests, drafts, and more. They are also commonly used to seal joints, bond building materials, and to give projects a finished, polished appearance.
Learn More: Reasons to Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Your Home
What to Consider When Choosing a Sealant
To choose the best sealant for your project, first consider the following:
Temperature Range:
Sealants are designed to perform only in set temperature ranges and may crack, peel, or be otherwise comprised at extreme highs and lows. Consider where you will be using your sealant and the temperatures it will be exposed to as a result.
Water Resistance:
Are you using your sealant outside where it will be exposed to rain and snow or inside near a sink or tub? If so, you will need a waterproof sealant.
Reliability:
How long is this sealant designed to last under certain conditions? You want to avoid redoing the job more often than you have to.
Paintability:
Would you like to paint over the sealant so it matches? If so, be sure to choose one that can be painted. Color matched caulks and sealants are also available.
UV Resistance:
Some sealants turn yellow over time when exposed to sunlight. If this is a concern for you, look for a UV resistant sealant.
Once you know what you are looking for, do your research by consulting product descriptions online or by reading the tube itself.
3 Main Types of Sealant: What They Are & What They’re Used For
The EFI Wholesale Marketplace offers three main types of sealant - latex, silicone, and polyurethane, as detailed below.
Acrylic Latex Caulk
Acrylic latex is a water-based sealant that is commonly used on windows, doors, flashing, trim, moulding, and baseboards.
Advantages:
- Easy to work with, shape, and smooth
- Easy to clean up with wet rag
- Paintable
- Indoor and limited outdoor use
Disadvantages:
- Limited water resistance - May crack or disadhere with repeated exposure to water
- Rigid when dry
Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealant is commonly used where waterproofing is necessary such as near bathtubs, backsplashes, and exterior window casings.
Advantages:
- Works in a wide variety of temperature ranges
- Durable and long-lasting when used outdoors
- Flexible and expandable when dry
- Doesn’t discolor in UV light
- Paintable
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
Disadvantages:
- More difficult to work with - tacky and harder to shape
- Harder to clean - must use mineral spirits
Polyurethane foam sealant is waterproof, flexible, expandable, and great for sealing large holes and cracks around vents, ducts, wires, and pipes.
Advantages:
- Flexible and expandable, great for quickly sealing large gaps
- Easy foam spray application
- Great for exterior use
Disadvantages:
- Not paintable so it must be color matched
Sealant Removal and Application
Once you find the right sealant, here are some quick tips for removing any old sealant and perfectly applying the new.
How to Remove Sealant
For best results, you want to start with a clean surface, so remove any old sealant that remains.
- Use a knife or scraper to remove old sealant, paint, or debris
- Use rubbing alcohol or a cleaning agent to remove any remaining residue, dust, and dirt
- Be sure the surface is completely clean and dry before you apply any new caulk or sealant
How to Apply Sealant Like a Pro
Begin by cutting the tip of your sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, then follow these steps for a clean, smooth, professional-looking bead.
- Place the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle over the crack/joint
- Squeeze the tube with firm, even pressure to dispense the sealant
- Guide the tip along the joint in one direction, keeping your pressure and hand as steady as possible
- When done, smooth the line with a finishing tool or the tip of your finger, being careful not to remove any sealant
- Clean up any excess sealant with a damp cloth (or mineral spirits, if using silicone)