Seam sealer or caulking

I hate to even ask but, what is difference between automotive seam sealer and a good grade of caulking?

 

When I did some collision work in the past, I only used 3M urethane seam sealer in the soft tube. Takes a special applicator gun, but never had it shrink or crack when used properly. That is, not too thick. It has a relatively short shelf life even when unopened, so make sure it's fresh. Someone may chime in with info on a newer product, but by all means, save the caulking for your house.

 

3M is the king of adhesives and sealants and seam sealer is seam sealer. 3M is the best in my book.

 

Most home caulking is silicone or has silicone in it. I would avoid that.
Super cheap auto seam sealer is basically latex caulk.
A good seam sealer in a caulk tube is Lord Fusor 800(?)....the yellow stuff. Seems to stand up well, flexible, dries fast.
For 2 part sealer I like the SEM stuff....

 

I like Polybutyl and Polyurethane caulking.
There are some really good ones available for the roofing/chimney trades.

 

I would not use silicone... I have had good results with 3M brushable seam sealer # 08656. It sticks well to the surface and gets a lot harder than silicone but still flexable. it goes for around $30.00 a quart.

 

Ronzmtrwrks is right. Gray 3m sausage pack. Need the gun. Or borrow one. Best stuff on market. Tools with solvent. Youll like it

 

x2 on the 3M 08656 worth the money for durability

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

Caulking for houses has different design parameters than seam sealer. Caulking sometimes gets soft with heat, sometimes has a bad smell, and sometimes is affected by solvents. My opinion is that silicone is not great on steel as it won't paint at all. Good seam sealer works exactly right for the application it is designed for.




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