Collection: Sealants
Industrial & Construction Sealants: Silicone, Polyurethane, MS Polymer & Acrylic Latex Caulk
Sealants are flexible compounds used to fill joints, gaps, and seams between building materials, creating a weatherproof, airtight, or watertight barrier while allowing for material movement (expansion and contraction). Unlike structural adhesives, which are chosen for bond strength, sealants are chosen primarily for flexibility, movement capability, and resistance to weather, UV, moisture, or chemicals.
Shop Sealants by Type
- Silicone Sealants - for glazing, wet areas, and high-temperature or UV-exposed joints
- Polyurethane Sealants - for expansion joints, concrete, and paintable exterior applications
- MS Polymer (Hybrid) Sealants - paintable, low-odor, adheres to most substrates without primer
- Acrylic Latex Caulk - for interior trim, drywall, and low-movement joints
- Fire-Rated & Firestop Sealants - for penetrations and joints requiring a fire-resistance rating
Popular Brands We Carry
Henkel/OSI, DAP, Soudal, Franklin International, 3M, and Caliber Supply - with case-quantity and Net 30 pricing available for registered business accounts. Browse all brands.
How to Choose the Right Sealant
Match the sealant to the substrate, the joint movement, and the exposure conditions:
| Sealant Type | Movement Capability | Best For | Paintable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | High (±25–50%) | Glazing, bathrooms, high-temp & UV exposure | No (most) |
| Polyurethane | High (±25–35%) | Concrete expansion joints, exterior construction | Yes |
| MS Polymer / Hybrid | Moderate–High (±25%) | Multi-substrate joints, low-odor indoor use | Yes |
| Acrylic Latex | Low (±7–12%) | Interior trim, drywall, minor gaps | Yes |
Rule of thumb: the more a joint expands and contracts (concrete slabs, exterior building joints, glazing), the more movement capability you need - that favors silicone or polyurethane. For interior, low-movement, paint-to-match applications, acrylic latex or an MS polymer hybrid is usually the better (and cheaper) choice.
Sealants FAQs
What's the difference between sealant and adhesive?
Sealants are formulated for flexibility and gap-filling - they accommodate joint movement while blocking air, water, or dust. Adhesives are formulated primarily for bond strength and are typically more rigid once cured. Some products (like construction-grade MS polymers) are marketed to do both, but purpose-built sealants and adhesives generally outperform dual-purpose products in their respective jobs.
What sealant should I use for a bathroom or wet area?
100% silicone sealant is the standard choice for bathrooms, showers, and other wet areas because of its water resistance and mold/mildew resistance. Look for a sealant specifically labeled “kitchen & bath” or “sanitary,” which typically includes an added mildewcide.
Can I paint over silicone sealant?
Standard 100% silicone sealant cannot be painted over. If a paintable finish is required, use a polyurethane, MS polymer/hybrid, or acrylic latex sealant instead - all of which are formulated to accept paint once fully cured.
How much movement can a sealant joint handle?
It depends on the formulation: high-performance silicone and polyurethane sealants typically handle ±25–50% joint movement, while standard acrylic latex caulk is rated for roughly ±7–12%. Check the manufacturer's technical data sheet for the specific product's movement capability before use on an expansion joint.
Do you offer bulk or case pricing on sealants?
Yes, most sealant SKUs are available in bulk case quantities with volume pricing, plus Net 30 terms for registered business accounts.
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