No, caulk is not typically used for drywall joints. Drywall joints are typically filled and finished using joint compound, also known as drywall mud. Caulk and joint compound serve different purposes and have different properties, so using caulk for drywall joints may result in suboptimal results and potentially lead to issues.
Here's why you should not use caulk for drywall joints:
Flexibility: Caulk is designed to remain flexible, allowing it to accommodate movement and expansion in different materials, such as between tiles or gaps in trim. Drywall joints, on the other hand, need a stable and rigid finish to create a seamless surface.
Adhesion: Joint compound has excellent adhesion to drywall, helping to bond the joint tape and provide a smooth, seamless surface. Caulk may not adhere as well to drywall, and over time, it could crack or separate from the joint.
Finish: Joint compound is specifically formulated to be sanded and painted, providing a smooth and paintable finish. Caulk has a different texture and is not suitable for the same level of finish that joint compound can achieve.
Durability: Joint compound dries hard and durable, ensuring that the drywall joints remain stable and secure. Caulk may not have the same level of durability, leading to potential issues with the drywall joints over time.
If you need to fill gaps or joints in areas where movement or flexibility is a concern (such as between drywall and a different material or between drywall and trim), it's better to use an appropriate type of caulk or flexible sealant designed for those specific applications.
For standard drywall joints, use joint compound for the best results. Apply multiple coats of joint compound over the joint tape, feathering the edges outward, and sanding between coats to achieve a smooth and seamless finish. Once the joint compound is dry and sanded, you can paint over it to complete the drywall finishing process.