Can You Caulk Drywall Joints? (Explained!)


Drywall joints are the seams between sheets of drywall. They can be finished in several ways, but most commonly, they are either taped or covered with a joint compound. But is it possible to caulk Drywall joints? Let’s find out.

It’s technically possible to caulk Drywall joints, but not recommended because it doesn’t bond well with the gypsum panels, and it’ll cause cracks. If you still want to caulk Drywall joints, the acrylic latex type is probably best as it’s also flexible and less prone to cause cracks. 

Caulking drywall joints is not a common practice, but it is possible. You wouldn’t want to caulk drywall joints because it can create a surface that is difficult to paint. Joint compound and tape create a smooth surface that is much easier to paint over. 

Can You Use Caulk to Fill Drywall Joints?

Even though it’s possible to caulk  Drywall joints, there are better options to choose from. But if you must caulk, you can if cracks repeatedly appear (because you installed your floor first) where the ceilings meet the wall. It’s important to note that before applying caulk, Drywall tape to cover the joints is highly recommended, and use a primer and remove additional Drywall dust to get a smooth finish. That is, of course, if you haven’t decided to hang your Drywall backward, which makes smoothening out an extremely difficult task.

Remember that caulking drywall joints instead of using old joint compounds and drywall tape does not offer a superior bond. So, it’ll eventually crack loose, especially if you’ve tightened your joints too much. In addition, paint does not adhere to caulk (even if you use paintable caulk) effectively. The paint might chip, look lumpy, and become more discolored over time. This is especially the case when you don’t remove Drywall dust before painting.

That said, using caulk to cover joints is not a lost cause. With a stable and well-conditioned home environment, caulked drywall joints can last for decades. To get the most out of your drywall, set the temperature to 68-degree Fahrenheit, and leave it as it is. 

Can You Silicone Drywall Joints?

Silicone caulk is not an ideal pick for drywall installation. This is because it’s nearly impossible to paint and may also lead to unpleasant slip-ups. 

This type of caulk is extremely adhesive and normally used to seal gaps or waterproof a surface. So, if you use silicone caulk to fill drywall joints, it would be impossible to remove it without tearing the drywall sheet or ripping the paint off. 

Keep in mind that drywall may expand or contract as the weather changes. Silicone caulk is highly adhesive and not at all flexible, leading to cracking during drywall expansion and contraction. In addition, it will put unnecessary pressure on drywall joints as well.

What Kind of Caulk Do You Use for Drywall?

For drywall, acrylic latex caulk is the best possible option. It’s an all-purpose workhorse that is fairly inexpensive. The best thing about the acrylic latex caulk is that it dries quickly. So, if you are in a hurry and want to fix drywall quickly, the acrylic latex caulk is the way to go.

Also, acrylic latex caulk is nothing if not versatile. You can use it to fix almost everything: from drywall cracks to metal joints. It’s perfect for drywall joints that may move due to expansion and contraction.

The acrylic latex caulk can be painted, which is also why it’s commonly known as “Painter’s Caulk.” Simply use this material to fill drywall joints and blemishes that you want to paint. Although you can use acrylic latex caulk on wet surfaces, it’s recommended to stick with dry areas to get better results.

What Is The Best Caulking For Drywall Joints?

In the market, you can find hundreds of caulks with a variety of features and specifications, making it hard for you to pick a single product. To help you out, below, we have mentioned 2 of the best caulks that are perfect for drywall joints:

  1. GE GE012A Caulk

When it comes to the best caulk for drywall joints, no other product can beat the GE GE012A Caulk. Even though it’s a silicone caulk, so it should be used for small repairs, it’s also permanently flexible, meaning you don’t have to worry about extraction and contraction.

The GE Caulk is for both indoor and outdoor use. To use this caulk, remove the old caulk, moisture, grease, and dust from the drywall joints, which are potential health hazards. Afterward, use a caulk gun to apply a sealant to the gap. Although this material won’t shrink or crack, you must use drywall tape and enough Drywall mud beforehand.

  1. Loctite Construction Adhesive

Another product that deserves a spot on our list is the Loctite Construction Adhesive. This one is also a general-purpose caulk, perfect for drywall, plywood, metal, and much more. It is re-positional and fast-grab, making it ideal for DIYers.

Loctite Construction Adhesive is a fairly convenient caulking gun (even in cold weather). It is flexible as well. So, you don’t have to worry about extraction and contraction. 

How To Caulk Drywall Joints?

First of all, keep in mind that caulking the entire drywall is not good practice. Alternatively, you should use it in low-priority areas, such as closets. Moreover, as silicone caulk cracks easily and is harder to paint, it is recommended to use acrylic latex caulk for your drywall projects.

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide explaining how to caulk drywall joints:

  1. Hang drywall sheets like normal
  2. Apply two layers of drywall mud
  3. Cover the drywall joints using drywall tape
  4. Use primer to get a smooth surface
  5. Use a caulk gun to fill the drywall joints
  6. Sand the joints to eliminate imperfections

Not everyone likes caulked drywall joints. Critics will consider you a lazy slouch. So, the trick is never telling anyone, and they’ll never notice it! 

FAQs:

Can You Use Caulk to Fill in Drywall Seams? 

Absolutely not. Caulking might initially seem convenient, but it doesn’t bond efficiently to the gypsum panel. So, if you use caulk to fill in drywall seams, it will begin to crack within a year. You can use drywall mud and tape to create a stronger bond to overcome this issue. 

Can I Use Caulk Instead of Spackle?

No. Caulk and spackle compounds are two different things. You can use caulk to fill in gaps and corners between two drywall sheets. Alternatively, a spackle compound should be used to fix cracks and holes on the flat surfaces. In addition, caulk cannot be sanded, and spackle compound can! 

Is It Ok to Caulk Drywall Corner Joints Rather Than Taping?

You should never skip taping and mudding drywall corners. The caulk will eventually crack without applying at least 2 coats of joint compound and a layer of drywall tape. This will create gaps between two drywall sheets. In addition, you won’t be able to paint your drywall without tapping and priming the drywall corners first.

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