Hey everyone! We're prepping for an exterior paint job on a property and the painters will be pressure washing the surfaces before applying caulking. I'm trying to figure out what type of caulk we should specify for this project. I've heard that 100% silicone might not be the best choice for this. So far, I've gathered a few suggestions including Big Stretch, Sikaflex sealant, OSI Quad Max, and Dynaflex 230. I know OSI Quad Max is highly recommended, but I also heard it shouldn't be tooled. Is this product tricky to work with, especially for a crew that's never used it before? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Big Stretch has become my go-to after having some issues with Alex products failing. Just a heads up though, you will need to paint it since silicone isn’t paintable. I’d recommend avoiding silicone for places where you need to paint. It’s just a hassle!
Honestly, I think you should wash, paint, and then caulk with a color-matching silicone afterward. It makes more sense to wait on the caulking until the paint job is done. I've always trusted 100% silicone for outdoors—it’s reliable! Why do you think they want to caulk first?
I think OSI Quad Max would be a solid choice for your needs, even if it’s recommended not to tool it. OSI suggests avoiding feathering when the caulk isn’t going to be painted, as that might affect its UV resistance. But honestly, most DIYers I know, including me, tend to tool it anyway! Just keep in mind, it can be a bit pricey and might be more than necessary. But it works great under various conditions!