What Is Paintable Caulk?

Acrylic caulk, also known as paintable caulk, is an acrylic caulk, which is ideal to use indoors for projects. The caulk bonds to paintable surfaces, allowing users to color over the caulk to create a unidirectional appearance.

How to Use Paintable Caulk?

Do not skimp on the caulking! It could cost a bit more and requires an extra amount of work, but it's the best way to ensure a flawless and beautiful paint job.

We recommend caulking all internal as well as exterior joints and seams on trim as well as moldings for doors 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 finding the color-matched caulk that you want to keep from painting; however, in our opinion, the extra cost and time aren't worth the cost.)

Best Uses for Paintable Caulk

Paintable caulk is great for indoor projects where damage is not too severe. When exposed to the environment, caulk can be damaged and cracked. When working in an outdoor setting, it is best to choose an item made of silicone as they're more durable against the weather.

Can I Use Paintable Caulk Outdoors?

There are caulks that contain a mix of silicon (outdoor caulk) and acrylic caulk (interior paintable caulk) that are referred to as siliconized acrylic-latex caulk. These caulks are a bit water-resistant and are able to be painted or not. For a project that requires complete water and moisture-resistant, 100% silicone caulk is suggested. However, silicone caulk isn't paintable without the use of a bonding primer.

Our professionals use siliconized acrylic-latex caulk to work on the exterior and interior. While this caulk can be a bit more costly, it holds much better and lasts longer; it is also more flexible.

Since 100% exterior silicone caulk cannot be painted, make sure you locate one that doesn't stick out against the exterior paint color. "White" silicon caulk is a good option when you're not sure. If you've caulked the home with 100% silicone caulk, it is necessary to prime the caulk in case you plan to paint over it. To avoid this issue altogether, you can use an external silicone-based acrylic-latex caulk and paint it over to make it look like it.