Decorators Caulk

Ianwzzz

I know decorators caulk is supposed to be flexible and not shrink but all the brands I have tried always shrink, which leaves a dirt trap along the top of skirting boards. Does anybody know of a brand that does not shrink. Thanks.

olias

Try using a flexible paintable silicone sealant instead.

Olias

rob7475

I've tried the wickes own brand stuff which shrinks really badly.

I've used soudall (cheap trade stuff from B&Q) a couple of times lately and it seems quite good for the money. Doesn't seem to shrink and I've had no problems painting over it. There are some poor reviews for it around the internet though so they may have improved it recently.

I've also heard that everbuild stuff is good too.

Myser

There is a brand which I can't remember the name of that many in the trade use - the tube is green in colour?

With regards to shrinking, this thread may be useful:

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=212539

nickj_2

soudal is king, allow it to go off for 24hrs , then give it a coat of zinsser bullseye 123and then paint as required .... job done

goodmorningsunshine

Maybe mad, but I just use any make (usually quite cheap) but after using in all the corners down the wall, cornicing and round the skirting I usually take a straw and run it down to give a nice smooth rounded finish and have never found any shrinkage. Sounds mad, I know.

leveller2911

+1 for Soudal.......I've tried a lot of different makes over the years and Soudal has come out top. Not tried the "cheap trade stuff from B&Q" Rob mentions but the one below. Which is still pretty cheap and other companies sell Soudal too..

http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/products/sealants_and_adhesives/foam_and_fillers/56057/soudal_decorators_caulk

nickj_2

leveller2911 wrote: »

+1 for Soudal.......I've tried a lot of different makes over the years and Soudal has come out top. Not tried the "cheap trade stuff from B&Q" Rob mentions but the one below. Which is still pretty cheap...

http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/products/sealants_and_adhesives/foam_and_fillers/56057/soudal_decorators_caulk

looks the same stuff as b&q

leveller2911

nickj wrote: »

looks the same stuff as b&q

I will have to pop in and have a looksy.....Is it cheaper at B&Q Nick?:D

Just had a look Nick, B&Q one says its internal and the other one is exterior/internal.

Only makes a difference if the house gets flooded..

nickj_2

leveller2911 wrote: »

I will have to pop in and have a looksy.....Is it cheaper at B&Q Nick?:D

b&q hvae a trade only retail dept called tradepoint ,which is a bit cheaper thyan the stuff they sell to public , the 300ml box of 6 is £6-78 inc vat , the 380 ml is £1-58 inc vat per tube , so the ironmongery direct is a bit cheaper , but i guess you would have to add a bit of postage to that ?,

southcoastrgi

you need to finish it off in the same way as you do with silicon, wet your finger or spray it with soapy water & run your finger across it