CAULKING vs. SILICONE - Let us briefly tell you the main differences.

[@tccoggs]

Caulking is a general term like paint. There is 100% silicone caulk, siliconized latex caulk, polyurethane caulk etc. just like there is latex paint, alkyd paint, etc. Just choose the right caulking for the job at hand.

[@microcolonel]

​@@willromaine2252 Why are you being such a prick? The video did a poor job explaining the topic, and the comment did a much better job.

[@arkay7112]

I came here to say this exact thing. Probably not as detailed though. Thank you for this :)

[@shericreates]

Probably a stupid question. So use silicone around the tub? And spray with windex first or after? Whatever the person used before me has yellowed. So I am going to redo. But you are right. Go get your “caulking” and there are so many options. I just picked up a tube of 100% silicone but I used it to make craft molds to fill with epoxy. Totally different subject.

[@tccoggs]

@@shericreates Yes 100% silicone is best around a tub due to its mold resistance. If you don't use it much, I recommend the use of painters tape, tape down both sides of the corner, maybe 1/8 inch back from the corner to leave room for the bead. Work quickly, lay down the bead, smooth it with your finger or tool to remove the bulk of the excess, then immediately remove the tape while the caulk is still wet, and run your finger back over it one light past to finish. I don't use soapy water or Windex, it's just a lubricant but I never found it necessary. For cleanup, lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol usually work well for silicone, so make sure you have some on hand. If you are caulking on acrylic fixtures or any type of plastic, be careful with these solvents as they can strip the glossy finish off of plastics.

[@shericreates]

@@tccoggs I will definitely try that. It’s in my main bathroom that is hardly ever used. Now that grandkids are older they don’t spend much time here anymore, at least bath time . 😢But needs to be redone. Thanks for the tips!

[@boris9305]

Caulking is the umbrella term for multiple sealants. Silicone caulk is caulking.

[@stevel2407]

Point to note , acetic cure silicone is great for porcelain items and tile . Most natural stone or cement or concrete products you will need neutral cure silicone .

[@tinaforster]

Thanks. That's the clearest explanation and demo. 👏💯😊

[@AMPLEDOCK]

Rookie error sealing the bath tub while it’s empty. Ypu need to fill it with water and then seal it. That way the weight of the water + a person getting in won’t split the seal apart. You’re welcome 🤙

[@Tactical_Manatee]

They definitely didn’t do that in my bathroom.

[@Druain]

Then it splitts when it empty instead

[@DevilHunter55]

If the weight of a filled tub sags your floor enough to stretch sealent to the point of breaking, you've got bigger problems.

[@georgewilliamsiii4677]

​@@DevilHunter55exactly.

[@predatorysage1]

That doesn't happen

[@stephenhartup6119]

Using dish soap or glass cleaner is an error straight away on silicone. As you spray the liquid on, it will stop the adhesion as the liquid runs behind the silicone and prevents it from sticking.

[@JamieVauxnut1]

I do silicone on a daily basis, very wrong . You over lead the dry area with more silicone than needed it's is already adhered to the surface at this point. The soap is only to stop adhesion to the smoothing tools you choose to use

[@TrickyTree84]

This

[@TrickyTree84]

​​@@JamieVauxnut1 you might do it on a daily basis but you are still wrong. I'm glad I'm not one of your customers. It's no wonder silicone seals are forever failing with this being a common place as it is.

[@JamieVauxnut1]

@TrickyTree84 the failures occur between the tile and silicone if it hasn't made proper contact prior to being smoothed . Improper initial application is the problem not the soapy water. Nozzle cut to the correct size and shape , applied at the correct speed and slightly over volume needed properly adhered to the tile . Soapy liquid can not run behind the silicone at this stage if done properly . If you think it can't be done it's purely a lack of practice or technical ability on your part .

[@TrickyTree84]

@@JamieVauxnut1 you are spraying water on before it's been pressed in the joint. Of course it can get behind. Best to just do without the soap. The same result is achievable if you are competent. You won't ever know that joint has failed. The customer will

[@inkstain7193]

Silicone is caulking. There are many types of caulking.

[@Porsacha]

Thank you! I asked at home depot what silicone versus regular caulking. They said its all the same

[@tavarisjones551]

They make paintable silicone... It has been available at the big box stores for years...

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

For sure they do, but that’s not the point. We could complicate this conversation even further, but we’re starting at the beginning for those they don’t know 👍

[@1Aplease]

What is the name and what brand. I've tried 😮

[@tavarisjones551]

There are several. Just look for one that explicitly says "paintable" on the label.@@1Aplease

[@michaelwheeler6264]

They make more printable silicones than before. You can paint most of them with the right primer.

[@natepolly6753]

Big stretch is a paintable silicone

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

No, it’s an acrylic latex caulking product. Not a silicone👍

[@ATerriblepurpose]

Anyone in the UK. My favourite silicone is an all in one. It’s an insane glue, a good sealant and it’s overpaintable. Get one and find out for yourself. It’s called OB-1. Same company as CT-1. I was doing some basic panelling for my mum and used some on some 46mmX12mm strips. I’m 90kg, I could stand on it affixed to the wall within 5 minutes. I had to reach the ceiling for something. I’m a diyer not a pro. It’s about £10 per tube.

[@bellad1063]

Thank you!!!! I had this lingering question yesterday!

[@Bmspaeth]

Might be labeled Siliconized acrylic in stores for the paintable “caulking” as well

[@PeterGriffin-924]

I was actually wondering this thank you

[@MNpale]

Good thing I buy it based on the application specified on the label 💡

[@kashfortheking]

Good explanation for the beginners

[@mememajor2346]

This video I have been waiting for

[@michaelmcgee2026]

He's wrong

[@boris9305]

Except hes wrong with most of what he said. Caulking is the umbrella term for sealants. All sealants are caulking but not all caulking is silicone.

[@bryanchrist8876]

It's really funny that this video popped up on my feed today. I am going to re cauck around my upstairs backtub.. And I was going to look up some "hints". Thank you. 🙂

[@michaelmcgee2026]

He's wrong. There is paintable silicone.

[@Roberob1189]

I never use water with any caulk/silcone. Never ever. You are weakening the bond. Also once you’re gone and everything is dried there’s silicone residue visible. You should use a small amount always. And take your time removing with finger and always remove access as it builds up. I’ve done probably thousands.

[@bilingualblondie4347]

This is very helpful!! Thank you

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dynysis]

I needed to know this

[@terencetomasik3630]

Thank you for the information

[@bengunnett3432]

There is paintable silicone. Check home depot.

[@ezekieo32]

If silicone is paintable, it is not 100% silicone.

[@watcherbd45]

@@ezekieo32not true dude !!!!

[@Joey_Schy]

This makes sense that if it's paintable, it's not 100% silicone. I'm sure ya'll are the type to slap somebody if they say "silicone valley" instead of silicon valley.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

​​@Joey_Schy ur joke was kind of a fail. You can do a quick Google search to see that there is 100% silicone thats paintable.

[@Joey_Schy]

​@michaelmcgee2026 my joke had nothing to do with 100% silicone. My joke was that us people who get a little obsessive with details are the same type of people who make a stink about when someone says "Silicone Valley." And, sure, I'll google. But let me ask you how 100% silicone can be both paintable and non-paintable?

[@barrymarson9658]

Thank you for the knowledge

[@danbartstow9829]

Silicone traps moisture behind it and turns black….water based siliconized caulking actually can distribute moisture and can breath…..

[@Capthrax1]

If you're putting silicon on a wet surface your doing it wrong.

[@sfstucco]

For the last 10-20 years of renting, every place I rented had silicon used in the tub-showers & at the faucets, and they all quickly trapped the mold behind them. That never was the case in all the years previous. Whether done improperly or not, it's been a disgusting and frustrating experience.

[@Capthrax1]

@sfstucco it was probably caulk. A lot of rented places use it because it's easier to apply. Silicon or not you still have to clean it. Stainless steel will grow mold if you're dirty and don't clean

[@sfstucco]

@@Capthrax1 - Thanks for the input, but like the above post states, the silicon traps moisture. You can’t get behind it without ripping it out. And it doesn’t matter how frequently or effectively the area is cleaned if you can’t get behind the silicone barrier. The best you can do is squeegee everything down and use a towel to dry the side walls, corners… anything to minimize the moisture near the corners. And, no, I actually am sure it is siliconized material being used in the rentals I am referring to.

[@Capthrax1]

@sfstucco I couldn't say for sure if your experience is bad because of poor/improper installation. The point of it is to seal surfaces and prevent water from getting through, so it shouldn't be used anywhere where it holds water. I've seen really nice installed glass shower enclosures were the interior is siliconed , however the outside should have been siliconed(it was but it should have only been the outside) this let water collect between the siliconed bottom and quickly mold as weep holes were about half a inch off the bottom. You can use the foamer bleech that comes in the cleaning isle but I use the bleech that comes in the gallon containers in a trigger bottle. The key is to let it soak for 2 or 3 hours before reapplying . Gotta let it soak and a chance to work. This will also work if you have a font loader washer with a moldy washer boot. Though they tend to need more time

[@Servin_Utah801]

It is paintable, use Killz first then paint

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

It’s not supposed to be painted. You can paint anything you want with the appropriate primer. Tiles, melamine cabinets, bathtubs, etc. but silicone is not a “paintable” product and it would be better to avoid painting it👍

[@veronicapadovani4243]

Thank you!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You're welcome!

[@shandoe7gw867]

Solid information there.

[@user-oz4cc8hk4r]

Thank you.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You're welcome!

[@emutko8179]

2024 there's paintable silicone

[@james10739]

I prefer silicone for everything but if it needs to be painted it is what it is

[@gromkin]

council house builders will strongly disagree that silicone is not paintable 😂😂😂😂

[@michaelmcgee2026]

There are paintable silicones. They say it on the tube. You can easily Google it.

[@michaelwheeler6264]

Well it is paintable if primed correctly.

[@caravann26]

Its all caulk just different types ,like paint

[@satanzmoma]

The finger!!!!! 🫡 Too cute. Where did you get it... 😂

[@berusbogzniszczenia4359]

Good video. you did it nice, regards.

[@edmessina8392]

try using rubbing alcohol instead of windex or dish soap. Much better and smoother cut.

[@maxfarmer2068]

This was great advise and a great explanation. I've been using sticky silicone because I'm a mechanic and used to working with it (no I'm not using mechanic silicone to seal my nath tube). I tried the water trick for smoother lines and did not have any luck so this really is great advise. I did use clear silicone around my shower and it looked great at first but has turned yellow over the past year. Any advise on that?

[@my2centz196]

I like a 50/50 dishsaop and water mixture

[@suzannehofer2541]

So grout to granite would be silicone. I need to redo behind my Kitchen sink!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

- correct. Silicone or similar!

[@juarezcustombuilds]

Caulking is the method of using sealants , it’s not a product

[@beckbarnhardt3637]

This explains why my caulking dissolved I’ll use silicone this time

[@peterwalker5413]

Why oh why do people think that it’s alright to spray a caulk bead before it tooled and assume that it adheres to the surface correctly. 😂

[@jordanbiird]

Thanks!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

No problem!

[@Pain4yourmind]

Top tip, don’t ever spray silicone just use the forming tool. Any small gaps like where crossing grout so on will not bind properly if you have sprayed anything behind. Same applies whether using water, chemical or even dish soap. You also don’t need masking tape. Real professionals don’t use either.

[@ProudZionist12]

If you are painting a wall in a color and a baseboard in white, when do you caulk between the baseboard and the wall?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Caulk the baseboard to the wall first as neatly as possible. The sharper the edge of caulking the sharper you’ll be able to paint your line. Then we prefer to paint wall first and trim second. You view the baseboard from above and don’t want wall colour on the horizontal plane of the top of the baseboard👍

[@ProudZionist12]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements thank you!!!

[@werallfools]

Had no idea lol

[@bmanfubmanfu8595]

Using the soapy water like that and then spreading the caulk is such a terrible idea, it gets behind where it’s supposed to stick, yeah looks good now, but not properly sealed! Don’t let your installer do this, no matter how much they have a fit about “ it’s fine, I do it all the time!”

[@mickeyyoung9233]

Finally an American with a PhD explains it to the rest you. Simple rule of thumb calling is for skirting to wall gaps or small 3mm gaps when decorating. Mastic is for water proofing around sanitary or windows and external doors. Simple in the uk we call it as is

[@creature_of_the_undergroun261]

Seal master👏

[@sydneyluna]

Used the plus to fill the gaps in my trim. Looked great but days later it turned clear as if I didn't put any. Any ideas?

[@user-in7kd7dh5y]

They do make silicone that is paintable.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Kinda…yes. For instance, Dap’s AMP contains silicone but is a hybrid product that is also paintable.

[@sleddi98]

I have a question: What would you recommend to use for exterior use? I am looking for something that is paintable as well as protects against water damage.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Dynaflex Ultra is great! 👍

[@Dwayne_Bearup]

I use SikaFlex a lot.

[@Somebody-2223]

How do you remove the silicone tyoe? I need to replace mine I even bought a special tool to try and get it peeled out of there and it just will not come apart it just stretches and you can't get a hold of it. Help I need some advice

[@BonBon770]

Please don't silicon showers or any wet areas. It never looks the same. It changed his color stretches out and as harder to replace. Then regrouting, neither is a failure. But a maintenance and its way easier to maintain growut than it is silicone in a shower. Have a good one..... Also, you'll have a problem at your tubs that are silicone because the water gets behind the tile into the finnsset down the substrate and then get stuck at the tub, flange and mold will happen.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

Ur not supposed to grout any change of plane or where 2 different materials meet. This has been the standard for a long time.

[@BonBon770]

@michaelmcgee2026 Yes, I know, but if you're in a warmer climate, you can't always go by what you're construction code or law is and no forever people grouted. And just until recent years with all the silicone and color matching caulk that has came People just go ahead and do it. But you'll never get the water to come out at the bottom of a tub. And you'll never get silicone to stay. Looking the same so like I'd said and like I've said again. Grouting is the best way and most old school tile guys will agree. Not all construction laws or codes are correct that something that people have to learn

[@lloyd4011]

​@@BonBon770Silicone/Sealant is a really easy job for a DIYer. Grouting will fail with any movement between the floor/wall.

[@BonBon770]

@@lloyd4011 No, it won't and I have proof and not only does silicone not look good, but it doesn't stay the same. It pulls apart it never matches the same color forever. And ever we have been grouting showers. I go back to showers that I recently have done for more work and look at my work and none of my showers crack even if they did. We tell the homeowner it's just settling and we'll come back and regrout it in under an hour for free. It's, it's much easier to fix grout than to get silicone off. plus all the other reasons that I already stated. And with tubs, it's really important what I said. That's why it always molds at the bottom when people silicone because the water cannot get out, water does not get through silicone unless there's a crack in it or a hole, water is supposed to get through grout, and that is the whole point. You do what you wanna do, but I've been building showers and doing tile for 25 years. I do not silicone my showers. The only silicone should go on a frameless door. Silicone, that matches grout color is good for threshold. S going into garages or front door areas where there is movement. It has its place. You have a good night.

[@sfstucco]

@@BonBon770 -- Thank you for documenting your experience here. I am no DIYer in this area, but I have been a renter in places that use silicon. I had decades before that living in places with grout (including the home I grew up in). I never used to have mold problems with grout. But for the last 15 years or so my tub/showers and faucet areas where the silicon is have been disgusting, and it makes me not want to clean! And, yah, you can't scrub it, because it tears & creates a hole. Even without holes, the mold is trapped. So I express my appreciation, because it helps to read a mirror of my understanding from someone that has good, solid, experience-based knowledge of the materials and processes of tiling.

[@stevebengel1346]

Or you can buy GE 100% paintable silicone caulk and have the best of both worlds 👍

[@beaujo]

What about Polyurethane based sealants? Can they be used in wet areas?

[@rossdelgado1268]

Silicone a form of caulking. Caulk is made from flexible polymers such as latex, rubber, silicone, or a combination of polymers. It can be used to seal cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1-quarter-inch wide. Caulk is commonly used to seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical wiring. It can also be used around sinks, bathtubs, and toilets to keep moisture out of the floors, ceilings, and walls. I think you're confusing the word caulking with latex. Furthermore it is not pronounced cock-ing it is pronounced call-king C A U L K I N G.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

👍

[@DSRTSLA]

What about to seal the windows from the outside? Silicone?

[@drewbush6535]

Why does silicon turn yellow

[@Jon.Nyberg]

Silicone sealant doesn't' turn yellow. Urethane based sealant does turn yellow through light exposure, however.

[@IamMeHere2See]

My landlord, who painted my tile: 😐

[@creativesuit1930]

It's so cute how you just made up your own definitions 😂

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

You know, I get accused of caulking every single day 😉

[@monicahawkins1388]

Thank you. God bless you in Jesus name Amen. As a single mom I have to learn to do the manly things so thank you so much.

[@lilsdon]

whats cocking?

[@artificiallyunintelligent4537]

Caulking.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

​@@artificiallyunintelligent4537caulk. Caulking is an action

[@trn8061]

What's with the window cleaner ? It stops the silicone bonding properly. Caaues leaks. Which defeats the purpose. Terrible method.

[@Fixin-To]

Exactly.

[@ppskidmarks4379]

It’s all going to turn yellow in a year. Never spay the caulking just wet your finger

[@jacobward4524]

I bet he uses the finger tool alot.

[@NSeaBear]

You can't say silicone is stretchy because it has silicone. That's no information at all

[@user-lr7ds3we7k]

This video fell from the sky lol

[@A6Legit]

Also the silicone stiff stanks like hell

[@matthewkane8403]

They have paintable silicone lol

[@nothing0062]

Bad form wetting it before running your finger down it.

[@americansweetheart5597]

It's caulk-ing not COCKing. There's an L in there and it ain't silent.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Okay. You get the rest of the world on board and then we’ll pronounce it correctly👍

[@arthurwallace3232]

I don’t feel like this is a very hard topic… unless you’re brain dead. Silicone for water then caulk everywhere else. Pretty standard stuff

[@puleshi]

I didn't know you could use cocaine for DIY

[@tomanthony2326]

Rubbing alcohol works best

[@jeremylunning654]

Silicone isn't toolable but we use glass cleaner or dish soap to tool it? Lol

[@jonathonfrederick2062]

except Silicone is a caulking

[@willromaine2252]

Your're not covering all types of chaulking here with your explaination.

[@tomorichard]

Caulk is not a sealant in any way at all

[@bobwhelk2115]

You got it backwards.

[@Dtoons53]

So where there is water and paint you’re screwed 😂

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Well kinda… but where exactly are we talking and we can help you out

[@dubblewrap]

Your wrong. Silicone is very easily tooled. Its the easiest of all!!!

[@Big-mac24]

Dont use spray on silicone 😂

[@Bari_Khan_CEng_CMarEng]

This soap technique for silicon/e sealant is crap.

[@jerseyveg1]

Wrong wrong wrong caulking is a process, not a product!

[@Obshowersyndicate]

Every woman needs a good caulk Or these days that woman might already have a caulk

[@alexouretski115]

Awww, another amateur who has no freaking idea on how to correctly apply silicone🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Using ANY liquid to assist in clean up of silicone basically is a recipe for undoing all the work, since the liquid (be it soapy water or the beloved glass cleaner) will inevitably get under the silicone and will prevent the adhesion. Not to mention that you should not use concave beads, as they are not strong enough and create more surface area for the water to sit in and for mould to take hold (no silicone is 100% mould proof). And finally professionals push the bead, not pull it🤷‍♂️

[@jasonritzman7622]

Please don’t explain what you don’t know

[@Zacharythorsen]

Jesus Christ died for all of our sins. He died the death we all deserved. He was the perfect one who never sinned once, but he loved us so much he decided to die for us so our sins would be paid for and we can enter the Kingdom of Heaven before God the Father blamelessly. He is the living son of God who wants to know us and have a personal relationship with us. No matter what you have done no matter how far gone you think you are Jesus can and will save you. All you have to do is confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. Believe that he died on the cross for your sins and had a bodily resurrection 3 days later. We cannot be saved by our works but by faith in Christ alone. Repent and turn to Christ. You will have joy, happiness, love, and peace beyond understanding.

[@TheScary79]

Water diswashing liquids in a spray bottle to clean up silicone dont spread misinformation ive been using it for 30 years hassle free and it makes it toolable as well.

[@C_Laughy_Taffy]

You know so much, but your beads look bad

[@LgbtqrstuvWTF]

Wrong my caulk can be very stretchy that’s when I use a latex😂

[@notdickcheney2902]

What's that silicone tool called? The blue one?