The most common reason for cracking in caulk is excessive movement of the substrate. If the application involves conditions where a significant degree of joint movement may pose a problem, it is important to use a caulk with maximum flexibility such as DAP EXTREME STRETCH, DYNAFLEX 230 or DYNAFLEX ULTRA.

There can be more than one reason for the appearance of cracking. In many instances, it is not the caulk that has cracked, rather the paint film on top of the caulking that has cracked. In a project or job where a brittle coating (flat latex paint) is applied over a more flexible substrate (caulking product), exposure to significant joint movement may result in the appearance of cracking in the less flexible surface coating.

Clear acrylic and latex caulk and sealant such as DAP ALEX PLUS, DYNAFLEX 230 or DYNAFLEX ULTRA, Kwik Seal, Kwik Seal Plus and Kwik Seal Ultra apply white and turn clear in 7 to 14 days (depending on joint depth, temperature and humidity). The DAP 3.0 Line of Sealants, 100% Silicone Rubber Sealants, Sidewinder and DAP Ultra Clear Flexible Sealant apply and dry clear.

Most acrylic latex caulks can be painted approximately 2 hours after application (depending on joint depth, temperature and humidity), clear acrylic and latex caulks should be allowed to turn completely clear before painting. Please reference the product label for specific recommended dry time.

In general no, but if there is adequate air penetration yes. IMPORTANT: most caulks and sealants dry by evaporation of water or solvent, thus if there is no air contact/circulation, the caulk or sealant will not dry properly.

Most caulks and sealants will have good adhesion, however caulks formulated specifically for bath applications are preferable because they are designed for high moisture contact and have more resistance to mold and mildew.

When joints are filled with too much caulk or sealant (in excess of ½” width or depth) the product tends to shrink as it dries resulting in cracks. A foam backer rod must be used for joints deeper than ½” inch. When joints are filled with too little caulk or sealant (less than 1/8” in width or depth), the product tends to have little ability to accommodate for joint movement, which makes it prone to crack. When properly applied, caulk or sealant should bridge the joint with attachment to 2 sides of the joint. When the caulk or sealant attaches to 3 sides of the joint preventing the caulk or sealant from moving freely. When the joint moves the caulk or sealant could fail to bond on one or both sides, or “split” within the bead.

The ASTM C 920 tested products, typically labeled as “elastomeric”, or highly flexible, are our family of high performance caulks and sealants and have the most flexibility. These products include DAP EXTREME STRETCH, DYNAFLEX 230, DYNAFLEX ULTRA, SIDEWINDER, DAP Premium Polyurethane, DAP 100% Silicone.

The only product that DAP offers for under water applications is the DAP All-Purpose 100% Silicone Adhesive Sealant. This product must be cured prior to underwater exposure, and is only designed for use on aquariums of 30 gallons or less.

The non-paintable sealant must be completely removed and replaced with a paintable sealant. Note: Paintable latex caulks will not adhere to 100% Silicone products or their residue.

Before curing, the DAP 100% Silicone Sealants can be removed with mineral spirits (paint thinner). After the sealant has dried it must be physically cut, scraped away or scoured away (plastic no-scratch scouring pads).

No, in order for most stains to perform properly, they must be able to penetrate the surface. Most caulk will allow paint to bond as a paint lays on the surface in a film, however they will not absorb stain because the surface of the sealants will prevent the stain from penetrating.

One year from the date of manufacture, when stored properly.

DAP Tub surround adhesive is the recommended product for tub surround installation.

No, use only for the exact materials that the container label specifically recommends.

Depending on temperature and humidity, it can take 7-14 days for the product to Dry, and longer in cooler and more humid conditions.

DAP '33' Glazing is recommended for wood or metal sash windows. When installed according to label directions, and with paint coat maintenance, it will exhibit good service for approximately 15-20 years.

DAP Latex Window Glazing can be painted after just 3 days with a latex paint, or 7 days with an oil-based paint.

Yes, primarily for UV protection and water resistance, but also to protect against outside contaminants.

No, oil-based primers and paints have the best adhesion to the glazing; latex paints do not adhere as well.

No, DAP does not currently manufacture a Glazing Product for those applications; those applications require very specialized glazing compounds. DAP Glazing Compounds are designed for use to install single pane glass in wood or metal sash windows. We do not recommend our glazing compounds for windows that exceed 48 inches in any one direction.

40 degrees F. or greater.

Dip the putty knife blade in mineral spirits, then wipe the blade off with a cloth, and draw the knife over the glazing to tool it as you normally would.

DAP Plastic Wood Solvent Wood Filler (which is the fastest setting) or DAP Painter’s Putty ‘53’. DAP Plastic Wood Solvent Wood Filler can be stained or painted after it has dried thoroughly (1-2 hours for shallow fills, up to 24 hours for ¼” fills and greater). DAP Painter’s Putty ‘53’ can be painted in approximately 24-28 hours depending on temperature and humidity.

Yes, provided that the application temperature is above 40 degrees F. and the product is painted over afterward to protect it from the elements.

No, stain the wood before finishing the holes or surface defects with Plastic Wood Solvent Wood Filler, choose a Plastic Wood Solvent Wood Filler color closest to the finished color of the wood, fill the hole, and let it dry, then sand it smooth if necessary and apply the same stain with a cotton swab to the filled area to match the finished wood color.

The company headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in the United States with headquarters based in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, the company owns and operates manufacturing plants and distribution centers in Baltimore, Maryland, Dallas, Texas and the St. Louis region of Missouri, and also operates a manufacturing plant in Tipp City, Ohio. DAP also has a strong presence in Canada and Mexico and ships products to over 70 countries and territories around the world.

DAP stands for the entity Dicks-Armstrong-Pontius, the founders of our company – Robert H Dicks, George Pontius and the Armstrong Company. Visit our historical timeline to learn more about our company founders and how our great company originated.

DAP products can be purchased just about anywhere home improvement products are sold in home centers, hardware stores, as well as mass merchants and on-line. If you have a particular product in mind you would like to purchase, please visit the product page and click on the Where to Buy to find a retailer convenient to you.

Reach out to our Customer Service department, they would be happy to help you.

If you do not see your question addressed here, we recommend using the Live Chat function within hours of chat operation. If outside of chat hours, please call 1-888-327-8477 or visit the ‘Ask the Expert’ page to submit your question online.