what kind of caulk do you use for exterior wood t-111 siding and trim

[billframer]

being a framing contractor i have been doingv a lot of siding lately
namely t-111 siding and radiata pine trim/fascia. all of this is really not glamourous work by any means-mostly townhouse replace/repair. i am wondering what people use in terms of caulking
in this application. i have been using dap 3.0 caulk. it seems like a decent product but doesn't really paint over well. please give me your reccommendations on various products that will last more than two years. these h.o.a. assoc. paint every 5 years so i would like the caulk to last especially in the grooves of my trim above windows.
thanks, bill

[Alaskan Son]

I use Big Stretch

[Chuck Kiser]

I use OSI, not cheap but it paints well and lasts.

[billframer]

Michael,I have seen big stretch at my yard but never took a chance on trying it out.how well does it paint over? It like an elastomerical application?

Chuck,what specific "model""of psi caulking do you use? I am familiar only with the psi line of subfloor glues

Thanks for the responses

[jimAKAblue]

OSI has a line of colored Window and Door Caulk. It's a great outdoor product.

Back in MI, we always painted first and then used a color matched exterior caulk. It makes sense when you think about it: you first create the various layers of latex skins on the walls, trim etc. Then because most materials (brick, wood etc) expand and contract at different rates, you need to bridge that gap with something that will not stretch and break. That's where the OSI comes in.

Note, the bead must be large enough to stretch. A tiny 1/8" bead filling in a tight 90 corner will crack in one heat/cool cycle.

[Chuck Kiser]

Chuck,what specific "model""of psi caulking do you use? I am familiar only with the psi line of subfloor glues

Thanks for the responses

Bill, it is OSI Quad sealant, as Jim mentioned it comes in a lot of different colors. http://www.osipro.com/products.pl?id=QUAD

[Alaskan Son]

Bill, it paints over great and seams to hold up really well over time. Its super easy to tool, and its easily cleaned up with water. The only thing I don't like about it is that it can shrink back quite a bit. Just don't over tool it and you'll be fine though.

[Bill Robinson]

Look for a high solids sealant.

Big S is 80% solids, that means it will maintain 80% of the applied dimension. It is water based and cures on evaporation. It is paintable, however should not be applied in the rain or be exposed to rain before it cures.

Quad is solvent based and I believe is 70% solids, still a good number. and comes in 150 colors. The issue is that some colors must be ordered in large quantities. It is not recommended to "tool" the joint. Apply by pushing the sealant. Doesn't mind being exposed top rain before cure. But why would you do that, apply caulk in the rain?

Dynaflex 230 is also a good one, water based, readily available and 80%.

Which ever one you select look for high solids content, paintability and that it is readily available.

Color matched is good if you can get it.

[billframer]

Gentlemen, much appreciation in advice on caulks. I have in fact seen the quad product but never have thought of using it. Bill,I have used the dynaflex quite a bit and never thought about solids content. Have any of you used the dap 3.0 product?? It is as messy as sikaflex but seems to hold fairly well. Keep in mind this siding probably will last maybe 4years due to his painting it every 5 years so I want a decent caulk that will last and not become brittle in ca.weather and will not let water in on my head trim around the windows. Some of these guys dont even caulk their trim they let the painters do it. I always caulk my work even when I did piece work ...because I give a s...
Many thanks
Bill

[Bill Robinson]

the 3.0 is fine, just more than you need for the job.

Especially if these applications are short term.
It is 99.+ solids so it does not shrink on cure.

It is an advanced polymer, secret sauce.

The tech sheet.