Polycell Flexible Gap Polyfilla 290ML

Product Information

In most cases you will find it easier to work from top to bottom or left to right depending on whether your gap runs horizontally or vertically. Flexible filler also known as decorators caulk comes in external and internal grades. Caulk, by definition, means to make water or air-tight by filling or sealing, so decorators caulk is ideal for sealing any gap such as around windows and doors, between skirting and walls and the similar.

Perimeter gap filling around window and door frames; ideal for timber frames where woodstaining is required. There are smoothing tools available for decorators caulk but most pros use the wetted their finger technique or a rag and smooth the filler down. The rag can also be used to wipe the excess off the surface of the project. As we have discovered above it is essential that you use the correct type of filler or sealant for the job at hand and although acrylic-latex caulks are great for the afore mentioned jobs, they should not be used in areas of humidity and moisture, high expansion and contraction or extreme temperature changes e.g. kitchens and bathrooms, silicone-based sealants should be used here. When choosing a caulk or flexible filler, opt for a Acrylic Latex-based caulk (also known as general purpose caulk) as these can be used for a variety of different jobs around the home, are cheap to buy, are fairly fast curing (some in under 60 minutes!) and as mentioned can be painted over with pretty much all paint-types.

Finally use an old cloth, piece of kitchen roll or similar to remove any excess caulk and all that’s left to do now is to leave it to fully cure, good work!

In short the answer is no, caulk is not quite the same as silicone sealant. The main difference between the two is their flexibility or elasticity as silicone sealants tend to be more flexible than caulk-based fillers.

How to apply

In general a single application caulk can be used to fill gaps around 6-8mm (roughly 1/4 an inch) in width, however for any gaps wider than this a layer of caulk should be applied below the final surface level and allowed to fully cure before a final flush fill layer of caulk is applied. Position the nozzle at the point you want the caulk to fill the gap and start squeezing the trigger of the caulk gun gently. As the caulk starts to flow move the gun and nozzle along the gap ensuring that the caulk is fully filling the gap as you move. Work slowly and methodically.

When it comes to flexible filler or caulk these tend to not be quite as elastic as their silicone counterparts but still retain a decent amount of flexibility, more than enough to cope with the general amount of movement encountered in most rooms in the home.As with applying the caulk, move your finger slowly down the gap at roughly a 45° angle, gently pressing the caulk into the gap as you go. Caulking a building or property correctly can have a dramatic affect on how efficient it is in terms of keeping it water tight and air tight to prevent water and moisture creating mold, cold air entering and hot air escaping. When done correctly this can dramatically reduce heating costs and associated maintenance costs. Gap around window and trim fully filled with decorators caulk Step 4 – Smooth Caulk and Remove Excess EVERBUILD® Weather Mate® is a multi-use elastic filler that can be applied in wet weather and to wet surfaces, even under water, remaining permanently flexible. Intended for external use only it can be overpainted with most paints and woodstains when cured. Adheres to most common surfaces.

So as you can see the two differ quite a lot with each being suited to a specific area of application and these should not be confused. What Type of Caulk Should I use? This two-part epoxy comes in an 8.6-ounce tube that fits into a standard caulking gun. An innovative mixing nozzle frees you from worrying about mixing the two parts correctly. The cured epoxy is waterproof and fully submersible, and it works on sidewalks, driveways, basement walls, foundations, and other concrete surfaces.

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Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.