Decorator's caulk

[Rupster]

Is white decorator's caulk supposed to be slightly translucent?

If I want it to be opaque, should I be using something else?

The one I have used isn’t translucent. It’s the No Nonsense stuff from Screwfix. It’s normally painted over though.

Where are you using it and what for?

Some do have a more solid colour than others but they will never match a painted surface anyway as it will refect light differently (assuming that's the root of your question)

I am filling the join between upvc glazing and a wall.

Should I maybe paint the wall first, and then use a sealant? Should I be using decorators caulk or a frame sealant?

@Rupster inside either chaulk or acrylic frame sealant is fine.

Apply then remove excess with either a cheap special tool or tip of a teaspoon (how to on youtube), finish with a wet finger.

If you are wanting to paint it, caulk. If you are wanting to seal it, sealant. If it is to overlap onto the window frame, I'd say sealant and it'll be wipe clean, anti mould/fungal. If it's to fill the plaster where it falls short of meeting the window frame, caulk and then it can be painted the same as the wall.

Sounds like waterproof sealant would be best for that job. You can get coloured sealants too.

Thanks everyone.

Yes I’d use frame sealant on that not caulk.

I never use caulk, only Polyfila. I've never had any issues with it

Caulk is slightly flexible, polyfilla is not, hence why caulk is better for situations where there might be slight movement or torsion, so skirting boards, facings etc.

I think for windows you need the silicone sort rather than decorators caulk.

You can but not need.

If you use silicone you need to taped the painted surface so you have a dead straight line because you can't paint over silicone.

Acrylic sealant is the best compromise because its near as waterproof as silicon and overpaintable

Thanks.