Caulk vs. Silicone

Recently we told you about filling the gaps around the picture rail in our bedroom and redoing the silicone seal around our bath (You can read about it here and here). There is a huge selection of different sealants available and choosing the right one can be difficult.

Hopefully our quick guide will make choosing the right product a bit easier. Basically both acrylic caulk and silicone do the same job but there are some significant differences.

Silicone

Positive:

• Is highly elastic and will adhere well to any smooth surface
• Because of its elasticity, any movement in the joint should be tolerated and the silicone won’t tear. That’s why it’s better than acrylic for larger joints.
• Ideal for rooms with higher moisture levels (like kitchens and bathrooms) as it is water resistant
• Ideal for sealing around baths, showers and other sanitary ware
• It’s cold and heat resistant as well as non-yellowing
• Available in different colours
• In bathrooms only use sanitary silicone, which contains fungicide

Negative:

• You can’t paint over silicone
• When it’s dry, you can’t apply another layer

Acrylic Caulk

Positive:

• Dries quicker than silicone
• Less tolerant to movement than silicone – should only be used in areas where there is little or no movement
• Ideal for filling gaps in living areas like between skirting boards, picture rails and built-in furniture
• You can paint over it with any paints or varnishes
• While it’s still wet, it can be easily removed with a damp cloth
• When completely dry, acrylic is much harder than silicone

Negative:

• Acrylic tends to shrink slightly when drying, so the application of a second layer may be necessary
• Not for contact with water

Really it depends on what you want to do and where you are planning to seal, but as always check the manufacturers instructions and check the suitability for your project and any application guidelines. We hope our little caulk vs silicone guide makes it easier for you to choose the right product.