Most professional painters get it – to best guarantee a quality paint job it is absolutely essential to follow the four steps highlighted in the schematic below. Picking the right product and doing the necessary surface preparation are essential. And so is picking the right application tools to complete the job. But how many of you pay attention to picking the optimum caulk to ensure the best looking and most durable finish.

Choosing the Right Caulk
Choosing the right caulk is one of the most important decisions you can make. Properly applied, this simple-looking product helps protect the entire home from moisture damage, all the while increasing its energy efficiency. While exterior caulking helps keep the outside air where it belongs, it also keeps in costly heat and air conditioning.

Although certain caulks are formulated for specific applications, a top quality, water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk will perform well almost anywhere.

The acrylic polymer in these products enables them to adhere tightly to most surfaces, so they have excellent durability both inside and outside the home. They also are very flexible, which permits them to tolerate some movement without cracking, thereby maintaining a watertight and airtight seal over time.

Top quality water-based all-acrylic and siliconized acrylic caulks also are formulated to have excellent resistance to dirt pickup and mildew. They have low odor, are paintable and are easy to apply.

Then there is the question of appearance.

Few homeowners ever notice their caulk until it becomes soiled or full of mildew. When it does, they realize how caulk can make or break the aesthetics of a bath, kitchen, family room, or the exterior of their house.

Top quality all-acrylic and siliconized acrylic caulks are specially formulated to maintain an attractive appearance even after years of service. They are resistant to dirt and mildew. They are bright white or clear and remain so over time. And, unlike silicone caulks, they can be painted with all types of paint.

What about Caulks for Specific applications? New acrylic caulks formulated for special applications have advantages over general purpose caulks: • On areas where you need “invisible joints” such as crown moldings, choose an acrylic caulk labeled Acrylic Urethane “No Shiners”.

• To reduce spider-web cracking of a paint film over the caulked area – frequently observed on window and door frames – choose an acrylic caulk labeled Paintable in 30 minutes.