Paint isn't covering the caulk - what's the problem?

[joefinan]

I've boxed-in some pipes in our kitchen and put a bead of caulk down the edges where the boxing meets the wall.

After two coats of emulsion, however, the caulk still seems to be showing through. What's the problem?!

Photo:

Caulk

• joefinan
• 23 Apr 2011
• 1

 

[digdilem]

It'll be silicone that's been used instead of acrylic or normal caulk.

Paint won't stick to it, needs to come out and be replaced with a paintable caulk.

 

[joefinan]

Really?! It's Soudal Trade Decorator's Caulk from B&Q. Says it's paintable.

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.j...aulk&fh_eds=ß&fh_refview=search&isSearch=true

 

[TheDec]

Another method you could try here would be to apply an oil based undercoat over the caulk before your emulsion.

Dec

 

[misterhelpful]

With the area looking so dark, is it possible that the caulk wasn't/ isn't dry?
I know they say paintable in 1 hour, but if it is applied in thicker than the recommended beads it can take a lot longer to be dry enough to accept paint.
If it is dry, then the oil based undercoat is usually a good option.

 

[joefinan]

With the area looking so dark, is it possible that the caulk wasn't/ isn't dry?

I thought this myself before I painted - the caulk tube gives no indication of drying time. I actually left it three days before painting (mainly because of work, not because I was being over-cautious!) so it really must have been dry.

I'll try the suggestion of an oil-based undercoat.

 

[digdilem]

Sorry, I jumped to an assumption - but that really does look like silicon that's been overpainted and not a paintable caulk.

I'm thinking faulty caulk - 3 days should be plenty, especially in the warm weather we have now, and it shouldn't need an oil undercoat - although certainly worth a try now you have the problem.

 

[nordberg73]

That Soudal stuff is absolute rubbish. I bought some after being horrified at what B&Q were charging for more well known makes (£6.50 for a tube of calk) when I got stuck one Sunday afternoon.

It doesn't like being painted and looks awful, almost translucent, if left.

Do yourself a favour and get some Everbuild 1hr caulk. Never fails and cheap as chips....