DESCRIPTION

The cracking of the paint film over a caulked area.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

• Some caulks are not paintable. Before using caulk, make sure it indicates paintable on the packaging.
• When paint is applied over a partially dried be ad of caulk, the paint dries first, forming a film. As the caulk continues to dry, it shrinks causing the paint film to stretch and crack.
• Applying caulk when the air, surface, or caulk temperature is below 40 F and the caulk is not designed for these conditions.
• Joints in excess of 1/2 “in width of depth. If the opening is ¼ “or greater, for maximum
• performance, prevent three-point adhesion with backer rods or bond breaker tape. Three –point adhesion problems occur in cracks when the sealant
• adheres to the walls and the bottom of a crack, and a significant amount of flexibility is lost. Two-point adhesion – wall to wall in a crack – using backer rods or bond breaker tape offers the maximum flexibility and performance.

SOLUTION

• Prime first, then apply caulk only when temperature of surrounding air, surfaces to be caulked, and caulk are all above 40 F. Do not apply when rain or freezing temperatures are expected.
• Joints more than 1/2 “ should be filled within 1/2 “ of the surface with polyurethane rod or closed cell urethane foam. Fill the remaining joint with caulk, and tool within five minutes’ of application.

SYSTEM

INTERIOR

• Primer, if needed PrepRite Classic Primer, or PrepRite Wall & wood Oil
• Primer/Undercoater, or PreRite Masonry Primer ProSelect 1230A, 1100A, or Kitchen & Bath
• Finish Refer to our Interior Paint Rating Chart to determine which product best fits your needs.
• Suggested Finishes Cashmere, SuperPaint, ProClassic

EXTERIOR

• Primer, If needed A – 100 Exterior Primer, or Loxon Masonry Primer, or all Surface Enamel Primer
• Caulk ProSelect 1550A, 1230A, 1100A, window & door, or ConSeal Elastomeric Sealants
• Finish Refer to our Exterior Paint Rating chart to determine which product best fits your needs.
• Suggested Finishes Duration, SuperPaint, A-100, WoodScapes