The best caulk for filling drywall cracks is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your walls. Drywall cracks are common in homes, whether due to settling, temperature changes, or moisture. Choosing the right caulk ensures a durable, smooth finish that can prevent further damage and prepare the surface for painting.
In this guide, we will explore the top caulks specifically formulated for drywall, focusing on their adhesion, flexibility, and ease of application. Whether you’re dealing with minor hairline cracks or more significant gaps, the best caulk can seamlessly blend into your drywall, providing a professional-looking repair.
We’ll also discuss types of caulks and tips for applying caulk effectively, ensuring that your repairs last and your walls look flawless. By selecting the right product, you can restore your drywall to its original condition, keeping your home looking well-maintained and structurally sound.
Types of Caulks for Filling Drywall
Here’s a table showcasing different types of caulks commonly used for filling drywall cracks, including their features and best-use scenarios:
| Type of Caulk | Features | Combines flexibility and paintability, good adhesion, moderate water resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Latex Caulk | Easy to apply, paintable, water-resistant, cleans up with water | Ideal for minor drywall cracks and gaps, especially in low-moisture areas like living rooms or bedrooms. |
| Silicone Caulk | Highly flexible, waterproof, mold-resistant, not paintable | Best for areas prone to moisture like bathrooms or kitchens. Use for sealing joints where flexibility is required. |
| Acrylic-Silicone Blend | Combines flexibility and paintability, good adhesion, moderate water-resistance | Suitable for areas that require both durability and a paintable surface, such as baseboards and trim around drywall. |
| Polyurethane Caulk | Extremely durable, strong adhesion, remains flexible, weather-resistant | Ideal for exterior drywall repairs or areas with high movement. It’s also effective in high-traffic interior spaces. |
| Vinyl Latex Caulk | Easy to apply, paintable, moderate flexibility | Best for small to medium drywall cracks, especially in areas where a smooth finish is required. |
Each type of caulk has specific properties that make it suitable for different applications, ensuring that your drywall repairs are both effective and long-lasting.
The Best Caulk for Filling Drywall Cracks
Here are the top considerations from our side:
1 – Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098-U Fix it Fast Wall Hole Filler – Overall Best
This amazing product can be rightly regarded as a one-stop solution for all the filling purposes. It consists of a compound, applicator, and spreader making it all-in-one repair tool for small holes. The product can be used to repair scratches, holes, or other imperfections (less than 2 inches).
It comes with a resealable top that increases its effectiveness and makes it suitable for multiple uses. This is easy to use as the compound uniformly releases from the tube with minimal manual effort. Once opened, it remains suitable for use for up to years. It normally takes twenty-four hours to get dried completely.
Pros:
- It is all one repair tool.
- Comes with a unique resealable technique.
- Easy to use and has a premium formula.
- Excellent for its cost
- It is thick enough to be used on the ceiling.
- It does not require sanding.
Cons:
- Mono colour
2 – Dap 18425, White Caulk, 10.1 oz, 10.1 Fl Oz – Best Value
Dap promises a fast-drying white caulk is an amazing option in the adhesives and sealants market. It is paintable and dries in almost forty minutes. This caulk is widely regarded for interior and exterior applications.
It comes with a 35-year guarantee for durability. The product allows the applicants to get fast and the best results in almost no time. It has excellent adhesion and serves the job with supreme quality.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose, flexible and durable
- Paintable, made in the USA.
- Application lasts for years and needs no redone.
Cons:
- Not 100% good for extremely moist areas.
3 -DAP 18001 Kwik Seal White 6Oz – Most Effective Wall Chaulk
This promising latex polymer caulk is a go-to option for DIYers to get phenomenal results. It is reported to have excellent sticking and sealing properties.
The caulk is specially designed to be 100% waterproof. It is highly recommended for interior use. This comes with a mild odour, making it more suitable for people vulnerable to strong irritating smells.
This cured caulk is paintable and highly commendable for filling cracked or damaged surfaces. It provides fantastic adhesion and flexibility.
Pros:
- Provides professional, solid, and stain-free filling.
- Resealable.
- Inexpensive and durable.
- Does not need a caulking gun
Cons:
- Semi mushy structure is reported.
- Sometimes, the surface needs re-caulking.
- Hard to squeeze.
4 – 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair – Best Quality Drywall Chaulk
This amazing caulk from 3M is commended to be one of the most suitable options for walls. It works supremely well on holes up to 3-inch diameters.
The product is regarded as a three times faster and more easily usable item as compared to ordinary vinyl spackling. It resists all sorts of flashing and no shrinking, cracking, or sagging is observed.
This lightweight compound comes with a primer-enhanced spackle, putty knife, and a sanding pad. It makes it a one-stop solution for caulking the damage caused by nails, nicks, and holes.
Pros:
- It is easy to squeeze, smooth to apply, and sand.
- Highly recommended for plaster, drywall, stucco, wood, etc.
- A perfect addition to the drawer for quick fixes.
- Cost-effective and all-in-one tool.
Cons:
- It warns of a cancer-causing ingredient (titanium dioxide) used in it.
- Not recommended for anything more than 3 inches.
5 – Color Fast Caulk Matched – Cheaper Option to Fill Cracks
The stunning caulk comes in a 10.3 oz tube. It is a sanded caulk that can work exceptionally well on floors and wall joints. It takes almost one hour to dry completely. The surface must be left in carefully controlled moisture surrounding for 3-5 days for excellent results.
It is intricately synthesized to match CBP / polyblend sanded grout. This siliconized acrylic latex caulking compound aims to repair approximately 25 linear feet at ¼’’ bead.
Pros:
- Easy and a quick fix option.
- Can easily match grout texture and hardness.
- Sable brown coloured.
Cons:
- Colour can vary slightly. Keep monitor settings in mind while selecting the colour.
- You may need a gun for the best results.
6- U S GYPSUM 380270072 – Reliable Chaulk Drywall
This ready-to-use GYPSUM quarter is made in the USA. It is best used for caulking holes, chips, nicks, etc. It requires minimum sanding due to the moderately thick texture. This compound applies in a dark grey color that eventually dries to white. The compound is greatly regarded as one of the best choices for filling drywalls as it dries solid and sand extremely well.
Pros:
- Zero shrinkage.
- Fills the hole without drip or crumbling.
- Exceptional for filling drywall screw holes.
- Splendid structural integrity.
- Great spread, adhesion, and coverage.
Cons:
- Takes a bit longer to dry completely and give the desired results.
- Wet than usual compounds.
7 – Dap 18128 Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone 5.5-Ounce
This stunning Acrylic Latex caulk is made in the USA. It is best used for caulks and sealants for exterior as well as for interior purposes.
The amazing product comes with a 35-year durability guarantee. This cure caulk is mould and mildew-resistant. It is paintable and has a sturdy multisurface adhesion.
It has a moderate odor making it more suitable for people allergic to strong and irritating smells.
Pros:
- Becomes ready to paint in 30 minutes.
- Do not cause paint discolouration.
- Provides excellent and supremely finished results.
- Highly flexible and stunningly durable.
- Recommended for DIY, small projects.
- Easy cleanup with super-fast drying.
Cons:
- Not recommended for use in showers.
8- Dap 12276 Elastomeric Patch and Caulking Compound
This amazing caulking compound comes in white. Made in the USA, the high-performance caulk aims to treat all the cracks with a permanently flexible fill. This is best recommended for interior as well as exterior purposes.
It can provide the desired results on drywalls, plaster, bricks, masonry, and any surface that requires a permanently perfect and flexible seal. This caulk has a superior paint absorption tendency that gives a surface a final finishing touch without a flash paint effect.
Pros:
- Elastomeric caulk is supremely flexible.
- Easy to use and paint.
- Do not crack upon drying.
- The tube stays wet for a considerable amount of time.
- Usable for a week between uses.
Cons:
- Hard to sand and may shrink requiring multiple applications.
- Require a careful reading of instructions for better results.
So these were some of the most highly rated caulks for filling drywalls out there. These caulks are undoubtedly capable of producing excellent results. All you need to do is to make a smart selection and choose the best caulk for your project.
Things to Consider Before Buying Drywall Caulk
Caulking can be tricky at times and extremely tricky when you are dealing with drywalls. A variety of caulks may confuse you in selecting the right compound but make sure to consider the following things before making a final decision.
Nature of Caulk
Some caulks can be sanded while others are hard to sand. Some are paintable while others may be paint resistant. It is important to consider these specifications. Your caulk must be paintable, easy to fill, dry use, and clean up.
Quantity
We would suggest you choose the caulk while keeping the nature of your project in mind. This help will help you save money and prevent any drying up in caulk tubes. Choose small tubes for simple DIY projects and a large caulking squeeze for a major project. A dried-up caulking compound in a tube shall be good for nothing.
Handling
Select a caulk that you can handle with the least manual fatigue. Too runny or too thick caulk may not produce the desired results for you.
Dry
Some caulks take millenniums to dry. If you want work to be done immediately, choose the one that dries faster. However, the wait is always credited with the best results. So make a smart choice based on your time availability.
Application
Some caulk work best in kitchens and on drywalls while others are ideal for bathrooms and showers set up. It’s not the caulk but its suitability that can make or break things for you. Read well before choosing the one for your project.
Process of Applying Caulk On A Drywall
Proper drywall repair is essential for a flawless paint job. Whether you’re tackling minor cracks or significant holes, understanding the repair process and using the right materials can make all the difference. If you’re unsure or the damage is extensive, hiring a professional painter with drywall repair expertise is advisable.
Essential Tools and Materials
The tools and materials you need for drywall repair depend on the damage. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you’re prepared for various repair scenarios:
- Putty Knife: For applying and smoothing compound.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the surface post-repair.
- Carpenter’s Knife: For cutting drywall or trim.
- Drywall Saw: For cutting larger sections of drywall.
- Broad Knife: For applying joint compound over large areas.
- Trowel: For smoothing compound and texture.
- Dust Mask: To protect yourself from dust and debris.
- Drill: For installing screws or anchors.
- Drywall Tape: For reinforcing joints and seams.
- Patch Kit and Screws: For patching holes and securing drywall.
- Spackle: For filling small holes and dents.
- Caulk: For sealing gaps and cracks.
- Elastomeric Filler: For flexible repairs on cracks and joints.
- Furring Strips: For reinforcing areas with significant damage.
Repairing Small Imperfections
Minor drywall imperfections, like small cracks or dents, can be efficiently repaired with spackle or joint compound. For more extensive damage, such as larger holes, a drywall patch kit or a custom-cut piece of drywall may be necessary. To achieve the best results, especially for larger repairs, consider consulting a professional to ensure a seamless finish.
Tiny, long cracks on ceilings or walls often signify structural issues, such as the expansion and contraction of wooden studs. These cracks can be addressed with elastomeric filler, which combines the properties of spackle and caulk. Apply it with a putty knife, and once dry, prime the area before painting.
Addressing Nail Holes
Nail heads that pop through drywall can create unsightly cracks. This usually results from drywall movement. To fix this issue, secure the drywall with a drywall screw, then either pull out or hammer the nail back in. Use a drywall patch kit to fill the holes, sand smooth, and repaint for a uniform appearance.
Sanding for a Smooth Finish
Sanding is crucial for preparing drywall for painting. An even surface ensures that the paint adheres properly and looks consistent. After repairing, sand the area thoroughly and remove all dust.
Wear a dust mask to protect yourself and use a drop cloth to catch debris during sanding. Once the area is clean and smooth, apply primer and then paint for a professional finish.
How to Caulk in Inside Corner Spots?
To effectively caulk inside corner spots, follow these guidelines:
- Use Flexible Caulk: For ceiling corners or areas with movement, opt for a flexible caulk rather than a standard painter’s caulk. This allows the caulk to handle shifts and expansion without cracking.
- Prepare the Area: Ensure the corner is clean and dry. Remove any loose material or old caulk before applying the new caulk.
- Application Technique: Apply caulk carefully into the corner, smoothing it with a caulk tool or your finger for a clean finish. Ensure the caulk is evenly applied and fills the gap.
- Allow Proper Drying: Caulk may take longer to cure compared to quick-setting mud. Allow adequate drying time before painting.