Dunlop caulk is a high-performance filler, available online by clicking here, and can be used inside or out. It’s perfect for filling gaps in skirting boards, architraves, around windows, or any other bits of trim.
You can paint over Dunlop caulk after an hour, which is a pretty good turn around. Expect to pay around £6 for a 310 ml tube (half the size of some of the other brands).
My Dunlop Caulk Review
As a decorator, I have used many different caulks over the years. I know it isn’t the sexiest product in the world, but the performance differs greatly from brand to brand, so it’s worth having a little bit of insight.
Dunlop caulk is the most expensive caulk I’ve ever used, so I’m going to be very critical in this review. Although it’s expensive, decorators do hold Dunlop caulk in high regard, so it must be worth it, right?
The reason decorators hold Dunlop caulk in high regard is because paint does not craze or discolour over the top of it. You can apply a thick bead of Dunlop caulk, wait an hour, then paint over it with contract matt, and still avoid issues. It’s quite impressive to be honest.
There is a drawback though. I don’t like using Dunlop caulk. It feels too thin and slightly sticky, which makes it messy. You will need a wet cloth handy so you can keep your finger clean. Dunlop is also difficult to shape into the corners. It’s just a faff to be honest.
I can’t really claim Dunlop isn’t quality caulk, because it is. I just can’t justify the price, especially when it’s a headache to use. It’s almost twice the price of HB42 or Red Devil, and you get half the amount! For me, Dunlop does not justify its price tag. Click here to see current prices.
Review Summary
Dunlop Caulk Review - a Decorators' Opinion - Decorator's forum UK
A decorators’ caulk used to repair cracks when renovating a room.
Product Brand: Dunlop
2.2
Pros
- Readily available.
- No crazing.
- Other Decorators seem to like it.
- Can be used outside.
Cons
- Dry and difficult to use.
- Expensive.
- Small tubes.
FAQs
Why does Decorators caulk go yellow?
Decorators caulk is designed to be painted and won’t withstand prolonged exposure to UV. So, if you don’t paint caulk, then it will start looking grubby after a few weeks.
Can you paint over caulk with emulsion?
You can paint over caulk with emulsion, providing you use a good quality caulk and a relatively flexible emulsion. Otherwise, your emulsion will crack.
Should you caulk between a wall and a ceiling?
You can apply a thin bead of caulk between wall and ceiling. This can hide imperfections and creates a sharper line.
Should you caulk the bottom of skirting?
Ideally, you’d leave a little expansion gap between skirting and a hard floor, but I understand this doesn’t always look tidy. If you are going to seal it, wait until the painting is complete, and then use silicone. You will need to remove the silicone again before you next paint.
Can I use caulk to stick skirting boards?
Not really. There are certain polymer hybrids on the market that you can use as a caulk and adhesive, but normal caulk isn’t up to the job.
Hi Mike
I too also found the Dunlop caulk to thin & messy to work with due to it furring up whilst striking a line, compared to say Johno’s Fat Hog. Forever flaffing about cleaning your caulking finger & then having to re-strike a line or tidy it up. Haven’t bought any since, disappointing – I was hoping this to have been the go to caulk!
I changed to Dunlop caulk after seeing posts on the Decorator’s Forum. It’s good but it cracks under durable emulsions. I’ve now switched to HB42 which I use all the time now.