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What is Big Stretch?
Big Stretch is a 100% water-based acrylic latex caulk.

How much can Big Stretch actually stretch?
Big Stretch can span gaps up to 2" wide and will stretch up to 500% of the original joint width without cracking or losing adhesion. Big Stretch is super elastic and will twist, bend, stretch, or compress to absorb any movement a home can dish out.

Is Big Stretch paintable?
Yes, Big Stretch is paintable within 4 hours with latex paints, stains and primers and after 1 week with oil based paints, stains, and primers. Latex paints and stains are breathable and some are quite elastic, allowing the Big Stretch to continue to cure through it while maintaining a flexible film that won't crack. When using a lower quality latex paint or a flat latex paint, it is best to let Big Stretch dry completely before painting to avoid getting cracks in the paint.

Some oil based products are not breathable, which prevents proper curing of Big Stretch. In addition, oil-based products are very rigid when completely dry and can crack over the very elastic Big Stretch as it goes through its curing. So, wait the full week to go before painting with oil-based products to avoid getting cracks in the paint.

What will Big Stretch adhere to?
Refer to the Usage list for information on what Big Stretch will and won't stick to.

How do I clean up Big Stretch?
Because Big Stretch is water-based, it will cleanup easily with water and a damp rag when still wet. If it has fully dried, it will require mineral spirits or orange-based cleaners.

How long will Big Stretch last? Does it come with a warranty?
Big Stretch comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Refer to warranty details on the packaging, brochure or technical data sheet.

How should I tool Big Stretch?
A soft touch and some water are your best tools. Big Stretch can be tooled with wet foam brushes or sponges, paint brushes or the standard way—with a finger.

Can I apply Big Stretch over an oil-based primer?
Yes, in most cases. Check to make sure the primer contains no waxes (and most don't). If there are no waxes are in the primer, allow the primer to thoroughly dry, then apply Big Stretch.

Can I still use Big Stretch if I leave it outside overnight in the cold?
Yes! Big Stretch is freeze-thaw stable through 5 cycles. So, you don't have to worry if you leave it in the cold overnight. It will still be good when it thaws out.

Can I use Big Stretch around my crown molding?
Yes. Big Stretch will adhere fine and perform well on crown molding. Be aware that most wood crown molding will shrink significantly after installation and can cause the Big Stretch (or any caulking) to tear in some areas. So, be prepared to do some touch up caulking once the crown molding has done the majority of its drying out and shrinking.

Can I use Big Stretch at the butt joints on my plank siding?
No, it is not recommended by Sashco, nor most siding manufacturers. The joint is simply too small to accommodate enough product and proper joint design, and therefore readily fails. Refer to your siding manufacturer's installation instructions for further details.

How long does it have to stay above 40°F for Big Stretch to work / cure?
Temps in the air and, more importantly, on the surface where you apply Big Stretch, should be above 40°F throughout application and for 1-2 days after application, as well. There are a number of problems that can arise from frozen product it may not adhere correctly, it won't be able to stretch correctly, the colors may migrate and give a blotchy look, it may slump, etc.

Why should I use backer rod?
Backer rod is necessary to provide proper joint design - caulking sticking only to the sides of the joint, not the back where the backer rod is placed. This allows the product to stretch correctly. Backer rod also helps control the depth of the caulk so you don't use too much, which wastes both time and money.

Will my paint be shiny wherever I have applied it over Big Stretch?
No. While many water-based latex caulks will "flash" (be shiny) under paint, Big Stretch will not. This means that your flat paint will indeed look flat, or your semi-gloss look semi-gloss instead of glossy over top of Big Stretch.

Can Big Stretch be used as a glazing on windows?
A soft gooey "sticky" sealer such as a butyl caulk is needed for back bedding. We do not recommend any of our products be used as glazing or as a back-bedding.

Can Big Stretch be used in my shower?
No, it would be best to use Lexel or MildewFree for these types of applications. Big Stretch can be used for other applications in the bathroom, such as base boards and crown molding.

Can I use Big Stretch on my roof?
No. There is too much direct and extreme weather exposure. We recommend Through the Roof! from Sashco.

Can I use Big Stretch on EIFS?
Yes, Big Stretch will adhere to EIFS. But some precautions are in order to get the best performance out of Big Stretch:

1. It is best to apply Big Stretch to the underlying EIFS base coat to get best long-term adhesion (not to the latex paint applied over top). The paint can readily delaminate from the base coat, which would take the Big Stretch with it.

2. If Big Stretch is applied to bare polystyrene foam at some joints, it could fail if that joint undergoes any extreme movement. The foam is inherently weaker and unable to handle the stress of the tension it might see from the combination of movement and Big Stretch's tenacious adhesion.

3. When fillet beads are called for (such as at intersections of EIFS and window frames), apply a larger bead in order to accommodate the large movement that can occur in these joints. A minimum 1/4" — 3/8" bead is recommended, and 1/2" would be even better. This ensures enough mass of the Big Stretch to accommodate the movement.

Can I use Big Stretch to seal cracks or expansion joints at the foundation of a home?
In many cases, yes - since these areas are largely away from foot traffic. It is critical to properly clean the surfaces and install backer rod before applying Big Stretch so it has a decent chance of performing well. Don't use Big Stretch in these joints if they will be subject to submersion. And be aware that most caulks will have difficulty performing well in this situation due to the large amounts of movement that usually occur. So, be prepared to perform routine maintenance.

Can you use Big Stretch on a mobile home or RV?
On a mobile home, yes. There are no substantial differences between mobile homes and conventional housing. On an RV / motor homes, no. The non-porous materials often used & the type of direct movement and weather-exposure these vehicles experience often stress the Big Stretch too much. Lexel or Through the Roof! would be better products to use for this application.

Is Big Stretch USDA approved for use in areas of food preparation, refrigerators, freezers, etc.?
It would work well in the freezer/refrigerator environment (where FDA or USDA approval is not required), as the service range is -30°F to 250°F. However, it should not be used outside of those areas, as Big Stretch is not FDA or USDA approved.

What is the best way to remove Big Stretch?
It is not always necessary to remove Big Stretch. The surface can often be cleaned and the joint re-caulked—especially if the caulk has simply split down the middle. If Big Stretch has pulled away from the edge of the joint or if there is a mildew problem, etc., cut away Big Stretch with a knife or razor, clean the area, and then re-caulk.

It is important to try to determine the cause of the failure and remedy it before attempting repair. Contact Customer Service for help.

Is Big Stretch guaranteed when used on commercial buildings?
There is much more stress on commercial buildings, high-rises, etc. than on conventional homes. These kinds of buildings need tougher sealants designed to withstand the extra stress. As such, the Big Stretch warranty does not apply when used on commercial buildings.

Why is Big Stretch not recommended for horizontal surfaces such as floors, decks, driveways, and sidewalks?
We do not recommend Big Stretch for horizontal surfaces where there will be foot or vehicular traffic because it is too soft. It can easily pick up small pebbles and other debris and get damaged. Polyurethane caulk made for high traffic areas is a better choice.

Why is my paint cracking over the Big Stretch I applied? What can I do about it?
Most likely this is due to Big Stretch not being fully cured before the paint was applied. Lower-quality flat paints are especially susceptible to cracking since they are chock-full of fillers that make them rigid. To fix the cracking, first apply more caulk, allow it to cure completely, then paint over top with the same paint. It should blend in with no problems.

Will Big Stretch help sound proof my home?
Sealing up cracks and cavities—like where the drywall meets the floor, around windows & doors, around electrical boxes, etc.—will always help reduce sound transmission in a home. In addition, if a bead of Big Stretch is put on the wall studs prior to drywall installation, this can help further dampen sound transmission, as the sound waves will be bouncing off a much more elastic and soft material (the Big Stretch), rather than the hard stud wood.