Replies

1. 
   Notchman | Dec 31, 2005 09:11am | #1

   I use a polyurethane caulking for that purpose....Vulkem, in my case, but there are others.

   I also prefer the textured version (has sand in it)....seems more durable and tends to tool in well to blend the seams.  My painter sometimes does the caulking and has proven to me that the gray colored Vulkem provides a better base for paint than the white....dunno why, but the coverage is better.

   Personally, I see Big Stretch as little more than a decent painters caulk with a clever marketing name.

2. 
   BillBrennen | Dec 31, 2005 09:39am | #2

   I have used Big Stretch a lot. I like it because it is easy to work with and very durable.

   I doubt you will have good adhesion to Hardi materials unless they have first been primed. What I found is that the cut edges suck all the moisture out of the caulk before it can "wet" the surfaces to get a good bond. It will work better on the faces than the edges, if unprimed. Use latex primer, caulk in a few hours time.

   Bill

3. 
   5brown1 | Dec 31, 2005 06:06pm | #3

   Another vote for the polyurathane - I used PL brand.
   I overfilled the joint a bit and then trimmed it with a long handled razor blade holder. That was a lot neater than trying to make it look nice when the calk was wet. I think it turned out great.
   By the way I used Pratt and Lambert Acrylic Eggshell paint and most people think the siding was prefinished.