HB42 Caulk is a premium product available from several different stockists. You can use this product indoors or outdoors, and it boasts 12% flexibility. This means it can cope with movement very well, and you can use it to fill deeper gaps.
Another quality of HB42 Caulk is that it is resistant to mould, which makes it perfect for use in bathrooms and kitchens where condensation can be an issue.
My HB42 Caulk Review
I’m not going to start churning out hundreds of words about a caulk because I know how unsexy it is compared with other decorating products, but as far as caulk goes, this is the sexiest. I prefer using HB42 Caulk over other brands for a few reasons.
The main reason I like this product is that it does not crack or craze, which is a massive issue with some comparable brands. Even when you paint over it with contract matt or a cheap retail emulsion, it stands up well and looks great.
HB42 Caulk is very quick and easy to use too, which is a step up from some of the more expensive caulk products. You can apply thick beads and still keep everything nice and neat. Clean-up is also quick and easy.
The flexibility gives me confidence when using it on stairways or around windows. There is nothing worse than making a repair before decorating, only for it to open up again further down the line. It makes more sense to use something you know will last. The flexibility also helps when using it on the exterior of a property.
A quick caulk demo
Mike Cupit explains some of the benefits of HB42 Caulk.
Review Summary
HB42 Caulk Review – Everything You Need - Decorator's forum UK
Pros
- Smooth.
- Isn’t too thin.
- Easy to apply.
- Repaint after a short period.
- Paint doesn’t craze over it.
- Reasonably priced.
- Readily available.
- Can be used inside or out.
- Is widely regarded as ‘the best on the market’ by Professional Decorators.
Cons
- I genuinely can’t think of any.
FAQs
What is the best caulk for skirting boards?
Most decorators would tell you that HB42 Caulk is the best caulk on the market for skirting boards and other woodwork. It is reasonably priced, easy to apply, easy to smooth, and does not craze paint.
Do you paint over caulk on skirting boards?
You should always paint over caulk. It is not designed to withstand UV light, so it will discolour if you do not. Unpainted caulk soon starts to look grubby.
Why does decorators’ caulk crack when painted?
This only really happens when you use a low-quality caulk and a brittle paint. It is a problem that only started occurring a few years ago but has become quite common. Try HB42 Caulk instead. If you need to fix cracked caulk, apply a thin coat of Zinsser Peel Stop.
Can you paint straight over decorators’ caulk?
You need to allow your caulk to dry first. This is because caulk shrinks as it dries, so if you paint it too soon, your paint is likely to crack. Drying times vary between products, but they can range from one to four hours.
Cheaper Caulk Products
Price-wise, HB42 Caulk sits just below some of the other premium products, but there are plenty of very cheap alternatives. You should avoid cheap caulk at all costs because it only causes headaches. Cracking and crazing are the main issues, but it can also discolour your paint. You will find it messier to use, and repairs generally do not last when thick beads are applied.
Could I or should I pva before applying?