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.
Caulk is a more common choice for sealing smaller cracks and holes that experience minimal expansion and contraction, while wood filler is better for filling larger holes and cracks. Incorporate both for your projects, and you'll be able to remedy any situation.
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.
Run a line of caulk directly into the gap to patch the hole. If you don't have enough caulk you can treat the area again, but if you use too much, you may have a difficult time removing it and making a clean line.
Use wood caulk to seal up those cracks and gaps in wood, or even to fix damage and wear and tear. There are plenty of uses. Not only that, but it will give the wood strength and integrity at those points.
We do not recommend using caulk to fill nail holes.
The downside of using caulk to fill nail holes is that caulk is not sandable, so you can get it as smooth as wood filler or spackle.
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.
Silicone caulk is excellent at water sealing and flexibility so it has its place in construction. There are two main places it never should be installed, wood or any painted surface.
Caulk: Generally made of flexible acrylic, mastic caulk has a smooth plastic type texture. Best used for filling gaps between skirting boards, doorframes or the edges of shelves and the wall.
Acrylic latex caulk takes three hours to dry, while polyurethane and vinyl adhesive caulk take 24 hours to dry. Asphalt caulk takes two to three days to dry. The curing time for caulk will exceed 24 hours for most types of caulk.
Since it hardens and does not remain flexible, wood filler is an option for repairing damaged interior walls but not a good choice for exterior repairs. Filler can crack as it shrinks and expands in response to significant temperature changes.
In general, caulk should be applied before painting if the caulk line will be visible once the paint job is complete. This includes caulk lines around windows, doors, and baseboards. On the other hand, caulk can be applied after painting if the caulk line will be hidden by trim or molding.
Do not caulk bare wood surfaces. Caulk adheres best to primed or painted wood. The wood should at least be primed before applying the caulk. Cut the tip of the caulking tube to small opening.
In order to fill a large gap, it is best to work in single, well-done layers one at a time. Instead of filling a gap from bottom to top all at once and in a vertical orientation, lay down one excellent line of caulk, then another above it and so on until the gap is one layer shallower.
So, can you paint over caulking? The answer is yes, as long as you follow the best practices suggested by our experts in this guide. Allow the caulk to dry, use a suitable paint and caulk combination and use a good quality caulk to avoid paint failing when applied to the caulk.
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.
In general, sealant is the prefered sealing solution for bathtubs and showers, as it is more water resistant than traditional caulk. Silicone sealant forms a watertight seal that is resistant to heavy temperature changes.
For a neat and professional-looking finish, “tool” or smooth the bead of caulk after sealing the joint with a caulking finishing tool or caulking edger. Some professionals will use their finger to smooth caulk while others go back over their work with a damp rag.