Hi all-
I may be out of line here but, anyone ever make their own exterior caulk to match their siding color?
I need to touch up some caulk to some FC lap siding. I have a custom colored SW Duration on the house. I would like to try to avoid having to caulk then touch up the paint.
Anyway to do this on your own without paying $$$ to have caulk custom made?
Replies
Some paint stores will sell you the caulk base which you then colorize with your paint color. Single tubes. This is of course for latex caulk.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
thanks calvin and jaime. Ill check with the local SW store and see what I can find.
Edited 8/23/2006 10:49 am ET by Jg
Edited 8/23/2006 10:49 am ET by Jg
Buy acrylic caulk in the usual tube. Buy a bunch of universal colorants at any good paint store. Play around coloring until you get what you want.
Find a caulk that is paintable, first. I say this because some will not mix well. Next, get a colour that is near to your extg, then add tints until you get what you want. Lastly, you may be able to push the plunger out of a spent caulking tube - if so, load up with the new stuff, then keep what's left over well wrapped/sealed for the future.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
I would think that you would want to paint the caulk after it's been applied. Paint is intended for exposure, caulk really isn't.
AND, even if you got an exact color match, you would still have the issue of matching the sheen.
So, I would just plan on painting it.
-Don
Thank you all for your responses. I can always count on great advice with a mix of opinions. The more I have thought about it, I think I will caulk and then touch up paint. I checked the house more thoroughly last night and given the amount of siding joints, it will be quickere (and cheaper) to get my butt on the ladder twice to caulk then paint.
Thanks again to everyone who responded.
You won't find the really good caulking in a hardware store or a big box. Dow Corning makes all kinds of colors. I have to order their 791 from my supplier. Of course, you could use a clear to avoid re-painting. Pick one that is paintable for later.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hammer,
Never thought about using clear. Thats not a 1/2 bad idea.
I had the same experience a couple of years ago, trying to match caulking color to an odd light green natural stone. I went to a craft store and picked up a couple of tubes of artists oil paints and mixed them with PL Premium Ureathane white caulk. I only use Ureathane caulk for exterior applications. Great adhesion, tools nicely, and VERY UV stable. I got a near-perfect color match And after 9 years, still looks good as new! Hope this helps, good luck!