Calculate how much caulk or sealant you need for your project. Estimate materials, costs, and coverage.
Detailed Project Breakdown
DOW Caulking Products Guide
DAP Alex Plus®
All-purpose, paintable, siliconized acrylic latex caulk for interior/exterior use. Good for gaps up to 1/2″.
DAP Dynaflex 230®
Advanced elastomeric latex caulk with superior flexibility and adhesion. Excellent for moving joints.
DAP Pure Silicone
100% silicone sealant for waterproof applications. Not paintable but excellent durability.
Sashco Lexel®
Advanced synthetic rubber sealant with exceptional adhesion and flexibility. Superior to silicone.
Caulking Tips & Best Practices
Surface Preparation
Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly. Remove old caulk and debris for best adhesion.
Temperature Matters
Apply caulk when temperatures are between 40°F and 100°F for optimal performance.
Proper Application
Cut caulk tube nozzle at 45° angle. Apply steady pressure and maintain consistent bead size.
Tooling & Finishing
Tool the bead immediately after application for a professional finish. Use a damp finger or tool.
Did You Know?
A standard 10 oz caulk tube contains approximately 22-25 linear feet of caulk when applied in a 1/4″ x 1/4″ bead.
DOW Product Coverage Reference
| Product | Bead Size | Coverage (10 oz tube) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAP Alex Plus® | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 25 linear feet | General purpose, interior/exterior |
| DAP Dynaflex 230® | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 22 linear feet | Moving joints, high flexibility |
| DAP All-Purpose | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 24 linear feet | Adhesive and sealant applications |
| DAP Painter’s Caulk | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 26 linear feet | Interior painting projects |
| Sashco Lexel® | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 20 linear feet | Extreme conditions, superior adhesion |
| Sashco Big Stretch® | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 21 linear feet | High movement areas, extreme stretch |
| DAP Pure Silicone | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 18 linear feet | Wet areas, kitchens, bathrooms |
| DAP Kwik Seal® Ultra | 1/4″ x 1/4″ | 23 linear feet | Tubs, tiles, sinks |
Note: Coverage estimates are based on a standard 1/4″ x 1/4″ bead. Actual coverage may vary based on application technique, gap dimensions, and surface conditions.
Always purchase 10-20% more material than calculated to account for waste and errors.