Is caulk like silicone sealant? Am I thick of what...

[attractivebrunette]

I'm a real whizz using silicone sealant and a wet finger.

But what is caulk? I've bought some to fill the gap between new skirting board and my walls. Is caulk the same as silicone sealant? is it the same to apply? does it look the same??

 

[Kes]

Well, I'm no chemist, but I've found that caulk can shrink a little, dries hard, and can be overpainted, so no, it isn't the same as a silicone sealant. Caulk is generally used for filling those little gaps during internal decorating. Silicone sealant is used where a little movement may occur, and a waterproof seal is required.

 

[attractivebrunette]

yeah but what is it? is it shiny like silicon or is it just polyfiller in a tube?

 

[Trazor]

yeah but what is it? is it shiny like silicon or is it just polyfiller in a tube?

No its not polyfiller, when dry it still allows a bit of movement without cracking, ideal for the top of skirting boards.
And can be overpainted.

 

[Zampa]

Caulk is a water based flexible sealant/filler..its intended to be painted over and shouldnt be used in gaps any wider than about 5-6 mm...much more than that and it will take ages to dry and it will shrink