How To Paint Non-Paintable Caulk - EHow

Share

1. Home Sweet Home
2. Carpentry & Remodeling

How to Paint Non-Paintable Caulk By Ryan Lawrence eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure washer

• Rags

• Oil-based primer

• 2- to 4-inch natural-bristled paintbrush

• Mineral spirits

• Latex paint

• 2- to 4-inch nylon paintbrush

• Acrylic latex paint

Acrylic caulk is appropriate for painted surfaces, because it is well suited for adhesion. Unfortunately, inexperienced do-it-yourselfers often choose non-paintable caulk instead. Non-paintable caulk is made of clear silicone. If you apply paint directly over untreated silicone caulk, peeling will inevitably occur. Fortunately, you can paint non-paintable silicone caulk as long as you treat it with a special base primer. Employ the right preparation procedure, or you will have little chance at paint adhesion.

Advertisement

Step 1

Rinse exterior non-paintable caulk with a pressure washer. Use damp rags if the silicone caulk is located indoors. Allow at least two to four hours of dry time.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Purchase an oil-based primer that is compatible with latex topcoats. Coat the non-paintable caulk with the oil-based primer. Apply the primer, using a paintbrush that has natural bristles and is engineered for use with oil finishes. Wait two hours for the primed caulk to dry.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Home Sweet Home DIY Garden Globes Get Crafty Can You Paint Slate Tiles? Get Crafty What Happens if I Mix Oil & Acrylic Paint?

Step 3

Wash the brush with mineral spirits. Do not use tap water, as this will damage the brush.

Step 4

Coat the primed non-paintable caulk with latex paint, using a nylon paintbrush engineered for water-based finishes. Finish exterior non-paintable caulk with acrylic latex paint. Wait two hours for the finished caulk to dry.

Step 5

Wash the brush with water. Do not use mineral spirits, as this will damage the brush.

Tip

Kilz manufactures an oil-based primer that is compatible with latex topcoats.

Warning

Most oil primers will reject water-based latex paint. Examine the label to ensure that the oil primer you select will work with water-based topcoats.

Do not paint over unprimed non-paintable caulk, or adhesion problems will result.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

you may like

1

How to Paint Trim With No Brush Marks

2

How to Connect Roof to Concrete Block Wall

3

How Can You Protect Buildings From Weathering?

You May Also Like

1

How to Remove Latex That Was Painted Over Enamel

2

Can Old Shower Panels Be Painted?

3

Types of Metal Paint Primers