Caulk reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 225 Reddit reviews across 30 subreddits and 73 posts to rank the best Caulk brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/paint, r/HomeImprovement, r/HomeMaintenance, r/Homebuilding, r/Plumbing. Top-rated brands include Silicone (4.6/5), DAP (3.2/5), Lexel (4.0/5).
Stats
Reviews225
Subreddits30
Posts73
Brands87
Products30
225 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Silicone
4.6
(25)
"Silicone, transparent white."
"Put clear 100% water tight silicon around the drain."
"This is the only thing I’ve use that’s worked on a semi permanent basis."
"To seal thing you want to use 100% silicone."
"I would use clear silicone, has always worked best for me"
"I use the silicone because it creates a better water barrier."
"Anything that is purely silicone will work just fine."
"Gotta get that new 300% silicone."
"Always 100% silicone."
"White 100% silicone."
#2
DAP
3.2
(25)
"Big Stretch is the best."
"Big stretch is king, def worth the cure time"
"[DAP AMP - this is what you want](https://www.lowes.com/pd/DAP-AMP-9-oz-White-Paintable-Advanced-Sealant-Caulk/5013370589)"
"DAP 3.0 for kitchen, bath, plumbing."
"I like this product personally but I have never used the Sikaflex so can't offer an opinion on that one."
"I use big stretch. Love it. You do have to wait before painting though. A drawback but worth it."
"Big stretch, give it more than a week to cure as if painted too early youll get cracking"
"I would choose big stretch over DAP all day."
"Big stretch, and give it 24hrs until you paint it."
"I prefer to use Big Stretch for my paintable needs"
#3
Lexel
4.0
(13)
"Lexel"
"I either use what the manufacturer recommends or I use Lexel."
"Lexel will work on acrylic tubs no problem."
"I'd use Lexel in this case as it doesn't have to be painted and sticks to multiple surfaces."
"I also recently tried Lexel and while it’s smelly it does seem to stick well and stays nice and clear."
"Lexel. Smells awful for about half a day but lasts at least five years."
"I would remove the duct seal and use Lexel."
"Another vote for lexel."
"Lexel."
"Lexel is legit."
#4
Sashco Big Stretch
4.9
(8)
"Big stretch."
"The best product by far is Big Stretch (acrylic latex high performance caulk) by Sashco."
"I like Big Stretch because it cleans up so well with water."
"Big Stretch."
"Anything from Sashco- either Big Stretch if its going to be painted, or Lexel if it’s hidden"
"I’ve grown to like Big Stretch. It’s workable, and I’ve done a bunch of demo on things that were caulked with it and it’s shocking how well it adheres, even after 15 years."
"Sacho Big Stretch (Lowes) or Dap Extreme Stretch (Home Depot)"
"One of the best is Big stretch and its not even close."
#5
OSI
4.3
(9)
"Quad max is the only thing I use outside. Best on the market now."
"I've used hundreds of cases in the last 25 years installing replacement windows.....best stuff ever."
"OSI"
"Quad and use a surfactant like windex on your finger to smooth it out."
"OSI Quad
Lay it on and don't try and mess with it after it's applied."
"Quad max for outside although it’s a pain to work with"
"The Hardie recommended installer we had do our house used that pretty much exclusively"
"OSI Quad Max."
"OSI Quad"
#6
Sikaflex
4.3
(8)
"Sika flex 1a. It won’t shrink back and it will stay ridged."
"We always used sikaflex."
"As others have said, backer rod and sikaflex"
"Any sikaflex product will work."
"Sikaflex."
"Sikaflex is a polyurethane caulking. It should not have any reaction with aluminum."
"Sikaflex A1, or volkem."
"Sikaflex, I think their 522 range is for outside of the caravans."
#7
OSI Quad Max
4.8
(6)
"Seconded quad max. Dries fast, very little smell, apply in nearly any weather."
"Quad max, or Mulco - any really. It adheres to everything, dries flexible so it wont crack."
"OSI Quadmax if you’re in North America."
"It’s what my company uses."
"Osi quad max."
"OSI QUAD MAX worked well for me!"
#8
GE
5.0
(5)
"I recommend opting for a high-quality silicone caulk. Brands like GE Silicone 2, DAP Alex Plus, or Gorilla Silicone Sealant offer excellent waterproof and mold-resistant properties."
"I (now) always use GE silicone on the advice of a plumber friend. It’s pricy but worth it imo."
"Use GE paintable silicone if you are caulking next to a painted wall."
"Go to Home Depot and GE 100% clear silicone from the bottom shelf."
"GE silicone"
#9
Alex
4.0
(6)
"I use a brand called Alex and I like it a lot."
"I'd go worh the Alex flex that usually paint ready within 30-45mins"
"That alex flex has been good for me"
"Alex. I only use big stretch for windows"
"The ALEX is a painter's caulk."
"Either will probably be fine for your application, but I've never been a big fan of the Alex Flex"
#10
Tower
4.4
(5)
"Tower is my favorite. We had a big job with an inspector that reallllly loved his job, he wouldn't let shit slide."
"Was introduced to Tower a few years back, really does sell itself. Great product."
"Tower is the only sealant that vacuum seals their cartridges so you won’t get air bubbles"
"Tower sealants"
"Used Tower products for years before I went to work for someone else. Sadly they would rather not change products."
#11
100% Silicone
4.5
(4)
"100% silicone, run a decent bead and use the cheap caulking tool sprayed with soapy dish water."
"That's not silicone, use a 100% silicone with caulk backer rod, and you will not have this issue."
"100 % Silicone . Scrape it clean wipe down with acetone."
"Then reapply with 100% silicone."
#12
Caulk
3.2
(5)
"You can do clear, or get a grey one, or buy a color matching for matching the wall."
"The shower surface needs to be 100% dry, and the old caulking has to be removed before recalling."
"This probably was the right stuff but looks like it was applied to a dirty/wet surface."
"Hard to say if it was the right caulk poorly applied or the wrong caulk."
"Caulk likely won't look great. Mud is preferable - retape where necessary."
#13
Phenoseal
4.0
(4)
"Phenoseal is by far my favorite."
"I like Phenoseal caulk."
"I use phenoseal on my plaster cracks."
"Would not hold up like phenoseal or a silicone based caulk."
#14
Dynaflex
4.0
(4)
"If you want to use caulk I would use the dynaflex from hd."
"If you’re new to caulk I’d start with something water based like Dynaflex, much easier water cleanup if you mess up."
"Personally, dynaflex 230 for anything that isn't kitchen or bath related."
"Dynaflex is 40."
#15
Top Gun 400
4.7
(3)
"Top Gun 400. It has crazy flex and can fill massive voids without failure."
"Top Gun 400 OR Sikaflex 1A."
"I love top gun 400 ppg."
#16
OSI Quad
4.7
(3)
"OSI quad all day."
"OSI quad is fantastic"
"OSI Quad would be a good choice for that crack."
#17
Dap
4.7
(3)
"Dap dynaflex 230 is great"
"Dap Dynaflex 230 or Big Stretch"
"Dap230 plus invest in a good set of silicone caulking tools"
#18
Quad
4.3
(3)
"Quad. You can get it in hardie colors for the pre-finished hardie."
"Quad is a great product but It's not the best choice if you're going to paint over it."
"I'll say quad as well. They have color match, which is what I used on my night Grey."
#19
Top Gun
4.0
(3)
"PPG Top Gun Big Stretch or Sherwin Williams MaxFlex."
"We use top gun 400 I liked the stuff they used to sell at ppg better."
"I like TopGun 250 its very thick, easy to make look nice, dries fast."
#20
Big Stretch
4.0
(3)
"If the weather is good during the install I like to use big stretch."
"Big stretch, water based, easy clean up."
"Big stretch or xtreme stretch will work fine."
#21
Latasil
5.0
(2)
"Latasil is excellent stuff if you want a premium product."
"Latasil is where it’s at."
#22
CT1
5.0
(2)
"CT1 is considered one of the best, flexible and can be painted."
"I’ve just discovered CT1 sealant and adhesive, it’s pricey but well worth it."
#23
DAP 230
5.0
(2)
"Plus invest in a good set of silicone caulking tools."
"Another vote for Dap 230 or Alex Flex."
#24
Vulkem
5.0
(2)
"Vulkem or Quad. Don't cheap it out."
"Absolute best way to handle this."
#25
Sashco
4.5
(2)
"Look into the brand sashco it’s a bit more expensive but that’s the only brand I use"
"Sashco makes a color match caulk."
#26
Red Devil
4.5
(2)
"Red Devil 3989 is about the best you'll get without spending too much."
"In Ontario we have ‘red devil’ its tintable and paintable."
#27
Pristine
4.5
(2)
"White lightning caulk, never had it Crack or do anything that your about to experience painting it wet."
"Now all I use is pretty much just White lightning which I believe dries in an hour and it's paintable.. inside and out."
#28
Silicone Sealant
4.5
(2)
"I always use silicone sealant. Get the tube that says bathroom/kitchen. Lasts for like 5 years or more."
"Go out and buy a white kitchen & bath silicone... Use a soap spray and popsicle stick (look up on YouTube) to apply.."
#29
Silicone Caulk
4.0
(2)
"Use silicone caulk instead. Might be a tad messier than the 'normal' stuff but it holds up much better."
"I would use a silicone caulk after cleaning all the other caulk off."
#30
Dynaflex 230
4.0
(2)
"I usually use dynaflex 230 for my DIY projects."
"We like the Dynaflex 230 for workability, paintability, and flex."
#31
DAP Dynaflex 230
4.0
(2)
"Dynaflex 230 for interiors and sw powerhouse for outside."
"I like DAP Dynaflex 230 or DAP big stretch for my house."
#32
Toupret
4.0
(2)
"Toupret is my go to for most stuff so I'm happy with that."
"Toupret for filler. Any caulk should do - I like the nemesis stuff."
#33
Sherwin Williams
4.0
(2)
"Powerhouse by Sherwin Williams is pretty good."
"Powerhouse caulk from sherwin williams."
#34
Mono
5.0
(1)
"You'll want something silicone based, I use mono kitchen and bath."
#35
Acrylic
5.0
(1)
"Acrylic caulking. Keeps the tracks in place and is easy to remove."
#36
Dow
5.0
(1)
"I like Dow 786. It's 100% silicone and has mildew resistance. Super nice to work with."
#37
Geocell
5.0
(1)
"Geocell is excellent"
#38
White Lightning
5.0
(1)
"I used White Lightning silicone on my tub a while back and it's done great"
#39
Lavalock
5.0
(1)
"Yep, Lavalock rtv selant. Works great."
#40
Paintable Silicone
5.0
(1)
"Paintable silicone."
#41
Osipro Caulk
5.0
(1)
"Osipro.com to match caulk to any of your stuff."
#42
Everlast
5.0
(1)
"Use Everlast and not worry about caulking."
#43
High Quality Caulk
5.0
(1)
"Backer rod and high quality caulk."
#44
Max Flex
5.0
(1)
"Max flex anyone using siliconized latex at this point is wasting their time."
#45
Alex Plus 1050QD
5.0
(1)
"Alex Plus or 1050QD"
#46
TopGun 250
5.0
(1)
"TopGun 250
Thick and tool-able."
#47
Butyl Tape
5.0
(1)
"Butyl tape to be exact. Urethane for caulk tubes."
#48
Color Matched Caulk
5.0
(1)
"Go to the tile aisle at home depot. That's where they sell all the color matched caulks for counters."
#49
CRL
5.0
(1)
"I love CRL."
#50
Alex Plus
5.0
(1)
"Alex-plus."
#51
Cheap Latex Painter's Caulk
5.0
(1)
"Will work best."
#52
PL Premium Caulk Tube
5.0
(1)
"I would probably use a PL Premium in caulk tube."
#53
Vulkem Dymonic 100
5.0
(1)
"Any exterior polyurethane or thermoplastic sealant."
#54
Pro Flex
5.0
(1)
"All pro pro flex is what we use."
#55
NP
5.0
(1)
"These were recommended to me by a guy who managed for many years a sealant speciality company"
#56
All Pro
5.0
(1)
"All pro elastomeric caulking"
#57
Thermoplastic
5.0
(1)
"Thermoplastic caulk is what siding contractors use."
#58
Lexce
5.0
(1)
"Big Stretch by Lexce"
#59
Tx-1
5.0
(1)
"But it’s by far the best in my opinion when it comes to hardi."
#60
Mildew Resistant Silicone Sealant
5.0
(1)
"Mildew resistant silicone sealant is what needs to be installed."
#61
100% Silicone Bathroom Caulk
5.0
(1)
"100 percent silicone bathroom caulk with mold resistant needed"
#62
Mapei
5.0
(1)
"I recommend mapei color march silicone works great and you can match the color of the grout."
#63
Nemesis
5.0
(1)
"I started using nemesis. Instantly paintable. Super easy to get a clean bead."
#64
Bostik Simson
5.0
(1)
"Bostik simson isr 70-03 - it’s the gold standard."
#65
Bostik V4
5.0
(1)
"Bostik V4..did my Jayco expanda 2 years ago and it’s all good still."
#66
Clear Latex Caulk
4.0
(1)
"Clear latex caulk. Wipe it clean with a wet finger and wet rag if needed."
#67
Silicone Caulking
4.0
(1)
"Use silicone caulking. You can try to color match but it would be much easier just to use clear."
#68
Duct Seal Compound
4.0
(1)
"Plug duct seal compound, you can find it Ace or one of the big box stores."
#69
Duct Seal
4.0
(1)
"Yeah. That's not caulk there mate. It's duct seal aka gorilla snot."
#70
DAP AMP Sealant
4.0
(1)
"Old timer at Kent recommended this AMP sealant over silicone, worked well for our tub caulking job."
#71
Colored Caulk
4.0
(1)
"Go to your local Home Depot. Go to the tile aisle, *not* the caulk section in the Paint Department."
#72
Solar Seal
4.0
(1)
"I switched to Solar Seal, it has the same amount of color matching as Quad."
#73
Home Depot
4.0
(1)
"Waterproof. Weatherproof mold resistant."
#74
Squeeze Tube Caulking
4.0
(1)
"This brand caulking is easy to work with compared to 100% silicone, water clean-up."
#75
Siliconized Acrylic Tile Caulk
4.0
(1)
"It has microban in it and stays flexible so it won’t crack."
#76
Caulk Gun
4.0
(1)
"I recommend one with a built-in tip cutter and poker."
#77
Husky Caulk Gun
4.0
(1)
"The $20 husky is a knockoff of the cox gun, which is the best I've ever used."
#78
Loctite
4.0
(1)
"I have had success with Loctite Tub and Tile."
#79
Northside Caravan Repairs
4.0
(1)
"It was reasonably priced and hasn't leaked for many years."
#80
Bathroom Caulk
4.0
(1)
"Bathroom caulk, red tube ... it sells at home depot for like 9 to 14 bucks."
#81
Geocel
4.0
(1)
"Geocel brand will work"
#82
Behr Caulk
4.0
(1)
"Behr just started putting out a decent caulk drys quick, stretches nicely."
#83
DAP Dynaflex
4.0
(1)
"I've been switching over to DAP Dynaflex over the last year or so. It's more flexible."
#84
Seam Filler
3.0
(1)
"With sheet vinyl floors, there is something called seam filler. I guess you could use it here."
#85
Paintable Caulk
3.0
(1)
"Most “paintable” caulks are good for general purpose interior use."
#86
Clear Caulk
2.0
(1)
"Don't use clear. It looks yellow."
#87
Airstream
1.0
(1)
"I wouldn't use that crap if payed to.. There's a Butyl caulk used by Airstream trailer."
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