Your project’s success hinges on choosing products best suited for the job, including caulks and sealants. BEHR^® Caulks and Sealants offer uniform flow and superior flexibility without forming air pockets. Plus, they’re easy to apply. When you understand the difference between a caulk and a sealant, you can select the best option for each application you encounter.

What is the Key Difference between a Caulk and a Sealant Anyhow?

Many use the terms caulk and sealant interchangeably since both products are used to fill joints and seams. However, the most significant difference between the two is elasticity. Typically made from latex and acrylic materials, caulk dries harder than sealant and is prone to cracking due to its rigid nature. Because it primarily contains silicone, a sealant offers more flexibility and is more suited for applications prone to expansion and contraction. However, BEHR Acrylic Caulks have the right balance between hardness and flexibility, offering no shrinking and non-cracking performance. Learn about the unique properties and advantages of each BEHR Caulk and Sealant below, which will help you to select the best product for your residential and commercial projects.

BEHR^® Premium-Grade Caulks

BEHR® Multi-Purpose Siliconized Acrylic Caulk

BEHR® Multi-Purpose Siliconized Acrylic Caulk is suitable for a wide variety of interior and exterior applications. It offers consistent flow with no air bubbles, won’t shine through paint, and resists shrinking and cracking. And it’s ready to paint in 30 minutes. BEHR MULTI-PURPOSE Caulk adheres to most common building materials, providing 55 linear feet of coverage with a 3/16” bead. Its low odor makes it suitable for indoor application, especially for the following applications:

• Trim
• Baseboards
• Molding and doors

BEHR^® Rapid Dry Siliconized Acrylic Caulk

BEHR® Rapid Dry Siliconized Acrylic Caulk is a caulk that combines silicone’s sealing and elastic properties with the easy use and clean-up of an acrylic-latex caulk. Its low odor makes it suitable for indoor application and it’s ready to paint in as little as 10 minutes. BEHR RAPID DRY Caulk offers consistent flow with no air pockets, resists shrinking and cracking, and won’t shine through paint. In addition, it helps provide a water-resistant seal and adheres to the most common building materials, including concrete, metal, and stone. Ideal for interior and exterior uses, BEHR RAPID DRY Caulk provides 55 linear feet of coverage with a 3/16” bead and is best suited for the following applications:

• Trim
• Baseboards
• Molding and doors

BEHR^® High-performance Sealants

BEHR^® Total Flex^™ Elastomeric Sealant

BEHR® Total Flex™ Elastomeric Sealant is an elastomeric sealant that’s paintable in one hour. Its weather resistance and high elasticity make it suitable for flexible joints without cracking or separating, . BEHR TOTAL FLEX Elastomeric Sealant gives you 55 linear feet of coverage with a 3/16” bead and is ideal for sealing around door and window frames, trim, and siding. In addition, it provides excellent adhesion to the following surfaces:

• Ceramic tile
• Natural stone
• Concrete
• Plywood
• Drywall
• Brick
• Marble

BEHR^® Weatherstrong^™ Advanced Hybrid Sealant

BEHR® Weatherstrong™ Advanced Hybrid Sealant is a hybrid sealant that provides excellent adhesion and flexibility, Both weatherproof and waterproof, (Do we have substantiation for these claims?) you can apply it in both wet and dry conditions but not underwater. And it seals active leaks up to 1/4″. When applied with a 3/16” bead, it covers 55 linear feet on the most challenging substrates. Designed for sealing around exterior windows, door frames, and siding, WEATHERSTRONG is also ideal for the following applications and substrates:

• Vinyl siding
• Fiber cement
• Aluminum
• Most metals, in addition to asphalt and Kynar®
• Expansion and control joints
• Roofing and flashing applications
• Sealing joints

BEHR^® Window & Trim Advanced Hybrid Sealant

BEHR® Window & Trim Advanced Hybrid Sealant is a hybrid sealant that combines the stretch of silicone with the ease of use of latex. It’s suitable for both wet and dry conditions, though not underwater. And, it can seal leaks up to 1/4″. Durable on the most difficult to adhere substrates and covering 19 linear feet with a 3/16” bead, BEHR WINDOW & TRIM Advanced Hybrid Sealant is recommended for the following applications and substrates:

• Vinyl siding
• Fiber cement
• Aluminum
• Most metals
• Expansion and control joints
• Roofing and flashing applications
• Sealing joints

Best Practices for Applying BEHR® Caulks & Sealants

Before applying any interior or exterior caulk or sealant, ensure the surface is clean and dry. Remove all dust, rust, or other loose material, oily substances like grease and wax, mold and mildew stains, and other foreign substances.

Apply product according to the listed application temperature on the label. Do not use if rain or freezing conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Cut the tip of the tube at a 45° angle to the desired bead size. Then, apply the product using conventional hand or air-powered caulking equipment. Apply with continuous pressure to fill the joint. Use a flexible foam backer rod for gaps larger than 1/2″ x 1/2″.

If needed, smooth the product with a dry tool or a slightly wet spatula. Cut or scrape away excess dried sealant.

How to Clean Caulk and Sealant

Immediately after use, clean your tools and equipment with soap and water. Use Mineral Spirit to clean Hybrid Sealants. Then, properly dispose of empty containers, unused products, and soiled rags.

For every project, BEHR^® Caulks & Sealants offer unmatched quality you can trust. Our caulks are perfect for many interior applications, and our sealants withstand fluctuating temperatures and harsh weather conditions. In addition, all are low VOC and GREENGUARD® Gold certified, making them compliant in all 50 states.

Contact your BEHR PRO^® Rep for more assistance choosing from Behr’s line of caulks and sealants.