Painting Over and Under Silicone Caulking

Ask Danny, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation by Danny Lipford

“I am recaulking the area where a shower insert meets a wall that is painted with semi-gloss latex paint. Will silicone caulk stick to the paint? If not, can I use a different type of caulk around a shower insert?” -Kathy

Hi Kathy,
While 100% silicone caulk will stick fine to paint, paint won’t stick to 100% silicone caulk. If you plan to paint over the caulking, use a paintable caulk that contains silicone and resists mildew. If not, 100% silicone caulk is fine to use.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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2 Comments on “Painting Over and Under Silicone Caulking”

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  1. Julie Says:
    June 14th, 2009 at 11:11

    How do you clean outside caulking? The seal around windows that are ten years old have discoloured i.e. are black and sooty.

  2. Official Comment:

    Ben Erickson Says:
    June 15th, 2009 at 07:42

    Julie,
    Sounds like mold or mildew. If so, there are several products on the market that will kill it, or you can use one part bleach to four parts water with a little detergent added to reduce surface tension. Apply using a pump-up sprayer, allow to remain on for 10 to 20 minutes, then hose off.

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