Is It Right to Caulk Before Painting?
Caulking is a necessary step in remodeling your home, as it enhances the aesthetics and energy efficiency. Correctly performing the job depends on several factors, including the timing. Many people caulk before painting their property, but is this the right approach?
Should caulking precede or follow painting?
In most cases, homeowners should caulk their homes prior to painting. It closes gaps on windows, siding seams, or other areas and creates a strong barrier. When the house expands and contracts due to the weather, the caulking flexes to keep the place airtight. Applying the material before the paint is vital, as the paint serves as the top protection layer that ensures all gaps are sealed.
Choose the right kind of caulk
It’s essential to choose the right type of caulk. There are three popular options:
Latex – Expanding easily with temperature fluctuations, latex caulk works great for indoor areas. It comes in various colors, requires minimal maintenance with water, and can be painted.
Silicone – Silicone caulk works great for tough jobs, such as areas exposed to regular wear and tear or extreme weather conditions. However, the material isn’t easy to clean, so make sure to avoid drips.
Acrylic latex – The last type is a mixture of latex and acrylic resin. The combination is strong and an excellent choice for long-term projects. It’s also flexible and suitable for outdoor areas.
When working with a painting specialist, make sure they use a caulk that can endure the weather conditions in your region. The substances should also come with a warranty and data sheets that show why the material was chosen. Bear in mind that different types of caulking shouldn’t be combined. Each kind has a particular purpose, and mixing the materials renders them ineffective.
What else should be done before painting?
Preparation is an essential part of a successful paint job. The bulk of the work comes down to removing any chipped or flaked paint, as painting over it will ensure that it will need to be repainted soon. A seasoned contractor will scrape and prime the surface to prepare it for paint.
Before applying a topcoat, painters also need to replace any rot-damaged areas with durable cedar or PVC. Sometimes, water damage may come from a faulty window sill or gutter leak. Whatever the problem, it needs to be fixed before painting.
Detail-oriented experts will also perform the following steps to prepare for each project:
Power-washing
Bare wood repairs
Masking and taping to cover areas prior to the job
Final inspection
Ultimately, a trained painter is much more thorough in their work than an average homeowner. They don’t cut corners at any stage, including the caulking, to ensure the coat lasts for years to come.
M & B Painting, a Father-Son family-run business, has a proven record of Service Excellence in residential and commercial interior and exterior paint projects. Call us at 623-289-3366 for all of your painting needs!