Sashco eXact Color changes the caulking game for contractors tired of mismatched lines. This 9.5 oz tintable acrylic latex caulk lets crews mix in about 10ml of any water-based paint or stain to create perfect color matches on-site. The kit includes a measuring syringe and thickener, eliminating guesswork and special equipment.
At 100% maximum stretch elongation with 96% recovery in 5 minutes, this caulk handles Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or pulling away from surfaces. The 12.5% joint movement capability at -15°F means it stays flexible when temperatures plummet. For finish carpenters and painters working high-end projects where visible caulk lines mean callbacks, eXact Color delivers the seamless look clients expect.
Performance Specs That Matter
The elastomeric formulation remains flexible after cure, critical for Montana construction where temperature swings stress every joint. Maximum recommended joint size tops out at 1/2 inch — standard for most interior and exterior applications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Stretch Elongation | 100% |
| Joint Movement at -15°F | 12.5% (10 cycles) |
| Recovery Rate | 96% in 5 minutes at 100% stretch |
| Tack-Free Time | < 30 minutes (ASTM C-679) |
| Full Cure | 4-5 days (temperature/humidity dependent) |
| Application Temperature | 40°F to 90°F |
| VOC Content | 79.4 g/L (approx. 1.5% by weight after activator) |
The product meets ASTM C-834 compliance standards for professional applications. Tack-free in under 30 minutes speeds up production schedules. Mixed product stores up to 1 year in cool, dry conditions — contractors can pre-mix common colors at the shop.
Where It Works (And Where It Doesn’t)
Compatible substrates span 15+ materials including wood, tile, metal, stone, drywall, plaster, brick, stucco, fiber cement, glass, aluminum, brass, steel, PVC, vinyl, ABS, polycarbonate, concrete, Formica, and Corian. That versatility means one product handles most jobsite situations.
The caulk works for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom tile joints, cabinets and countertops, interior molding, baseboards, crown molding, exterior siding gaps, trim, and windows/doors. Rated for both indoor and outdoor surface suitability, it transitions seamlessly from interior trim work to exterior siding repair.
Don’t use it in water submersion areas, high traffic floor joints, or on surfaces like Kynar, polypropylene, waxes, polyethylene, or silicone. Those limitations match most quality acrylic latex caulks.
VOC Compliance and Environmental Considerations
At 79.4 g/L VOC content, eXact Color meets requirements for most commercial projects. The water-based formula allows for easy cleanup with soap and water — no solvents needed. Low odor profile matters when working occupied spaces.
California Proposition 65 warning applies, standard for most construction adhesives. The water-based chemistry reduces jobsite exposure concerns compared to solvent-based alternatives.
Installation Process
The mixing process: prepare surface by cleaning and drying, remove old caulk or wax, draw 10ml of water-based paint into the included measuring syringe, inject the paint into the tint base cartridge, mix thoroughly until color is uniform, add the provided thickener to achieve desired consistency, install the nozzle and load into standard caulk gun.
The kit eliminates the step of painting over caulk lines — a time-saver on detailed trim work. Cleanup with warm soap and water before curing keeps tools ready for the next joint.
Professional contractors rate it 5 stars across Ace Hardware (7 reviews) and Walmart (1 review). Common praise points include ease of mixing, excellent color match, good flexibility, and professional results. The main concerns: requires careful measurement of paint and only works with water-based paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need to add for color matching? Approximately 10ml of water-based paint or stain creates the color match. The kit includes a measuring syringe for precise measurement.
Can I use oil-based paint or stain? No. The product only works with water-based paints and stains. Oil-based products won’t mix properly with the acrylic latex base.
How long do I have to work with the mixed product? Tack-free time is under 30 minutes, giving reasonable working time for most applications. Mixed product can be stored up to 1 year in cool, dry conditions if capped properly.
What’s the temperature range for application? Apply between 40°F to 90°F. Montana’s short building season fits within this range during peak construction months.
Does it work with metallic paints? Yes. The caulk achieves seamless color match including stains and metallic finishes.
What comes in the kit? The kit includes a 9.5 oz (280 ml) cartridge of eXact color Tint Base, paint measuring syringe, tube of activator/thickener, and mixing nozzle/cap.
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