On the other hand, caulk is terrible for filling nail holes and other holes in wood because over time it will shrink and cause a divot. And wood filler is a terrible choice for filling gaps in trim – it would take forever to apply and sand. But either one in the right situation can be magical!
If you have a wood element (painted or not) in your house silicone should never be applied there either. Most any other application is usually fine for silicone caulk though I use it sparingly.
Paintable caulk is used for gaps and cracks in woodwork where you want a seamless finish which you will paint. It should be used instead of wood filler because of its flexibility, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Sometimes known as acrylic latex caulk, this type is best for use with drywall, wood and masonry. It's often called "painter's caulk." This caulk is inexpensive, easy to use, seals well without odors and cleans up easily with water.
Perhaps the most common type of caulk you will encounter is latex caulk, sometimes called acrylic latex. It adheres well to wood, stone and drywall, which makes it ideal for interior uses.
However, it is important to be aware that silicone caulk is almost never the right choice for wood. If you are looking to seal wooden joints such as those around many types of windows, here are the problems you will face if you opt to use silicone caulk instead of other options like vinyl latex caulk.
There are all kinds of useful DIY products you can have in your home, but one that shouldn't be overlooked is wood caulk. This type of product gives you so many options, with some coming as a clear caulk for wood and others that are paintable caulk for wood to match any surface.
Use white caulk to seal up gaps and cracks in materials around the home, such as wood trim, door and window frames, tiles on backsplashes and in the shower, around the sink, and more. It will help to prevent water leakage and damage, as well as increase the insulation levels in your home.
When treating wood, you have the option of water-based polyurethane or oil-based polyurethane. Oil-based sealant takes longer to dry than water-based, but it doesn't require as many coats. It's also higher in VOCs than water-based polyurethane.
The most commonly used type of caulk for general-purpose projects around the home is acrylic latex caulk because it's well suited for sealing joints and gaps in wood trim.
We do not recommend using caulk to fill nail holes.
Caulk is also fairly messy, so it's a risk to use caulk to fill a small nail hole. Lastly, caulk is more likely to shrink over time rather than wood filler or spackle.
You can't caulk with silicone when a surface is wet or damp, and it can be hard to ensure that porous materials like wood are truly bone-dry when they often retain moisture for long periods of time.
Best Caulk for Wood: DAP Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk. There are several different kinds of caulk on the market and some are better for furniture than others. For wood furniture, I like to use Dap Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk because it is waterproof but also dries pretty fast on the wood surface.
Not only is Pure Tung Oil natural, food-safe, water-proof, and easy to apply, but it helps bring out the natural beauty of the wood. We plan to try more “green” sealing products in the future, but for now, Tung Oil is our favorite natural wood sealer.
Oil and Vinegar
And, believe it or not, a bit of canola oil (3 parts) and vinegar (1 part) makes a dandy wood sealant, protecting wood from borrowing insects, wear, and water. Plus, this can be reapplied to revitalize the wood, something that doesn't work without sanding off the varnish.
Firstly you need to understand that silicone does not stick to anything other than the adhesive system or the PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive). This means silicone does not interface directly with wood or metal or any other material, instead it interfaces with the PSA itself.
Caulk makes your surface airtight and watertight. Silicone sealants, on the other hand, remain flexible for years which make them ideal for areas that are prone to expansion and contraction. Silicone has strong binding properties that can be applied to almost any surface both indoors and outdoors.
Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl. Plus, it won't sag or drip in the summer heat, and it won't crack or peel in the winter cold.
Wood: For sealing gaps in wood, a silicone caulk such as DAP 100% Silicone Window, Door and Siding Sealant is a great choice. It's waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it ideal for use around windows, doors, and siding.
There are no guarantees with silicone - it is almost impossible to remove. If the silicone has migrated into the wood through cracks in the old finish, you may not be able to get it all removed.