Black caulk: The sealant to use on many DIY home repairs

Don’t botch your DIY home repairs by using the incorrect type of black caulk. Find out which black exterior caulk is the easiest to apply and the right one for the job.

Matte black caulk is an important material used for sealing the exterior of your home from the elements and preventing water intrusion damage. The best black caulk is flexible to allow for expansion and contraction over time and is commonly used at junctions between dissimilar materials, exterior penetrations, and to seal vertical and horizontal joints in the exterior envelope of your home.

Black caulk is most commonly used to seal exterior roofing penetrations such as vents and plumbing pipes, to cover exposed nails through shingles, and shingle-to-metal flashing intersections. Black caulk is flexible, ultraviolet-light resistant, and will keep the exterior of your home watertight for decades. Black caulk is also used inside your home where professionals use black granite caulk for ebony-colored countertops.

1. Before applying new caulking, prepare the surface to be sealed by removing any old caulking with a caulk removal tool.
2. Clean the area thoroughly with a rag dampened with acetone. This will lift and remove any small fragments or caulking residue left behind.
   
3. Prepare the black caulk cartridge by cutting the tip at a 45-degree angle. Start with a smaller hole as you can always make it bigger depending on the size of the joint you are sealing.
   
4. Insert a thin nail or piece of rigid wire into the hole created at the tip of the tube to pierce the seal at the base of the nozzle. To make life easier, your caulking gun may come with an attached small metal rod intended for this very purpose.
   
5. Load the sealant tube into the caulking gun. Look for one that has a dripless handle release, to help prevent messes and seepage. Apply painter’s tape to all joints at this stage if you prefer to do so.
   
6. At a 45-degree angle, apply a continuous bead of caulk to the joint. Ensure the seam is evenly distributed by firmly pressing the sealant into the joint but not enough to smear it with the tip.
   
7. Using a damp finger, easily smooth the fresh bead to your desired width, depending on the joint size. This will help adhesion to the surfaces and promote even distribution of the sealant.
   
8. Remove painter’s tape if used. Let the newly applied black caulk dry for a minimum of two hours before using the area you just sealed.