How to remove silicone sealant

Silicone is a very convenient and practical material, without which today there is not a single construction. In order to achieve a truly qualitative result during the installation and to perform it accurately, you must know in advance what to remove the silicone sealant if it gets on the excess surface, clothes, hands.

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What is silicone?

Silicone is an almost transparent white or colored substance that is used to seal joints, join parts in engineering and assembly of building structures. The basis of it is silicone rubber with plasticizers, stabilizers, enhancers and substances to increase adhesion properties and tremor resistance. It is for the reason that the composition is quite diverse and is being developed to obtain the maximum possible result of strength and adhesion to the surface, it can not be washed with ordinary soap and water.

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How to wipe the silicone sealant?

If the sealant is on the surface of a bathtub that you did not plan to process, details of sanitary ware, skin and clothing, select one of the following to quickly remove it:

• vinegar;
• paint thinner;
• alcohol;
• acetone or nail polish remover;
• white spirit;
• washing agent "Antisil" or Penta-840;
• petrol.

You will also need a surface eraser:

• brush;
• rags made of soft cloth;
• sponges.

Do not forget about protective equipment:

• respirator;
• rubber gloves;
• glasses.

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How to clean the silicone?

To quickly cope with the problem and not damage the surface even more, follow the instructions below to remove the silicone sealant.

Important! Pay attention to the composition of the product, as it will become decisive when choosing the most effective cleaning agent.

Method 1

The simplest version is the use of special chemistry for the purification of silicone. It is best to buy it with the sealant itself, since consultants in the building stores will help you choose the one that suits your material. How to use them - see the manufacturer's detailed instructions. Strictly adhere to the sequence of actions and an excellent result is guaranteed to you.

Method 2

Acidic sealants are best to wipe with similar substances - the usual concentrated vinegar is ideal for this. To do this:

1. Wear protective items.
2. Prepare a solution of acetic acid - preferably 70%.
3. Apply acid sponge directly on excess stains from silicone.
4. Wait half an hour.
5. Carefully remove the dissolved sealant with a clean rag.

Important! Do not ignore the use of protective equipment - the acid has a very sharp odor that can damage the mucous membranes of the airways and eyes.

Method 3

Dissolve alcohol sealants with alcohol or substances based on it. To do this:

1. Take any remedy of this type that you have available - denatured, technical, medical alcohol or vodka.
2. Wet a rag in it.
3. Apply to the stain until the sealant begins to roll into the balls.
4. Remove them gently with a dry rag.
5. Repeat the procedure until the surface is completely cleaned.

Method 4

Amine, oxime or amide silicone sealant should be washed with solvents( acetone, mineral spirits, gasoline, varnish remover) as follows:

1. Dampen with a clean sponge or cloth.
2. Apply to stains.
3. Slightly rub and leave for half an hour.
4. Repeat the procedure until the silicone completely disappears from the fabric, tile or sanitary ware.
5. If the sealant has got on the clothes, after the procedure, wash it in intensive mode.

Method 5

The mechanical method is also an option for removing silicone, but it will not work for all surfaces and fabrics and will be laborious enough:

1. Straighten the fabric, if it's clothes, and lay it on a flat surface, slightly pulling it.
2. Carefully scrape the silicone with a metal brush, scraper or spatula.
3. Remove residues by using one of the above dissolving agents.

Even if you did not manage to perform the construction and repair work as neatly as you would like and the silicone sealant got into unnecessary areas, do not get discouraged! Using our tips, you easily remove these spots and you will admire the fruits of your activity, assessing the attractiveness of the interior day after day.