Both DIYers and pros use caulk on a regular basis for a wide variety of jobs. Plumbers typically use this product to seal the gap around a bathtub, shower surround, or base of a toilet. Caulking can also be used to seal gaps around windows and doors, reducing the transfer of heat while keeping out moisture and pests.
DIYers can use caulk to seal joints and provide waterproofing protection, but if the caulk doesn’t have enough time to dry and cure, the caulk may not create the ideal seal. Additionally, caulk that has not been allowed to dry properly may not adhere well to the target surface, leading to the caulk cracking, chipping, or peeling. Use this guide to find out how long it takes caulk to dry.
How Long Does It Take Caulk to Dry?
When applying caulk around the tub or shower in a bathroom, it’s important to give the caulk enough time to dry before using the shower or filling the tub up with water. Similarly, new beads of caulk around the windows or doors of the home may be affected by rain, so it’s a good idea to wait for the weather to clear before sealing these gaps.
Drying times vary depending on the type of caulk, but typically, caulk takes about 30 minutes to two hours to dry to the touch. However, drying to the touch only helps to ensure that the caulk will remain adhered to the intended surface, it does not mean that the caulk is resistant to water or able to hold up if someone presses into or scratches the caulking. Wait until the caulk is fully cured before resuming normal use of the area.
Drying Time vs. Curing Time
Often when a DIYer is looking for the drying time for caulk, they are actually trying to find out how long it takes to cure. To make things more confusing, many people use the terms interchangeably, despite the distinctly different meanings.
- Drying refers to the process by which water and moisture evaporate from the caulk, giving it a shell that is dry to the touch. This will typically take about 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of caulk. Dry caulk isn’t solid enough to resist physical damage and it remains vulnerable to moisture until it has fully cured.
- Curing takes significantly longer than drying. This process involves maintaining adequate temperature and humidity until the caulk fully solidifies. Curing begins as soon as the caulk is exposed to oxygen, and is essential for creating a waterproof seal. For most products, it takes about 24 to 48 hours to fully cure, though some types of caulk may need up to 12 days.
Drying Time by Types of Caulk
The length of time that it takes the caulk to dry varies depending on the type of caulk. In general, there are three types of caulk that are commonly used for DIY projects: silicone, acrylic latex, and polyurethane-based caulk.
- Silicone caulk is the most commonly used option for bathrooms, with a quick drying time of about 30 minutes to an hour. This type of caulk bonds well to nonporous materials, like glass or metal, though it takes about 24 hours to fully cure.
- Acrylic latex caulk is best used to fill small gaps and joints in wood, such as sealing the gap around a window frame. This type of caulk will dry to the touch in minutes, but it can take anywhere from one to 10 days to fully cure.
- Polyurethane-based caulk is flexible, durable, and waterproof, which is why it’s ideal for outdoor use, though it can also be used indoors for a variety of purposes. However, this type of caulk has a long drying time of about 24 hours, and it can take up to 12 days to fully cure, so make sure to plan the project timeline accordingly.
How to Determine If Caulk is Dry
After applying the caulk, check the side of the tube or the manufacturer’s website for drying time directions. Typically, the manufacturer will list how long the caulk takes to dry, as well as how long it will take to fully cure. If you have lost the packaging and don’t remember the manufacturer’s name, then you will need to generalize the drying time.
In most cases, caulk will take about 30 minutes to two hours to dry. After this amount of time has passed, you can lightly touch the caulk to confirm if it is dry or not. Just be careful to avoiding any type of wiping motion or applying too much pressure, as this could deform the caulking and prevent it from curing properly.
How to Speed Up the Drying Time
The amount of time it takes for caulk to dry is affected by environmental conditions, including humidity, airflow, and temperature. Additionally, the age and specific formula of the caulk can affect the drying time. With this in mind, there are a few methods DIYers can use to speed up the drying time.
- Use a humidifier to improve drying time for silicone caulk.
- Avoid getting the caulk wet until after it has fully cured.
- Use a dehumidifier to improve drying time for acrylic latex caulk.
- Apply caulk at temperatures between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not use expired caulk as it may never dry and cure properly.
- Choose a fast-drying caulk formula for faster drying and curing times.
- Do not use a hair dryer as the heat can cause the caulk to melt or loosen.
- Use a fan to improve airflow after applying acrylic latex caulk.
