The Easy Way To Remove Silicone With And Without Chemicals
Just like the application of caulk for metal roof, removal is not as easy as it seems to be. You need to take care of considerable aspects as prior before getting rid of stubborn and dry silicone.
Removal of Silicone with the Use of Chemicals
Removing silicone caulk is quite challenging. Most people are just not aware that it can be removed easily with no use of chemicals. Caulk in kitchen counterparts, washroom, etc. are often difficult to remove, and for that, we use chemicals as it dissolves the substance.
However, no commercial products design for the removal of silicone caulk; still, some great alternatives are available. But the chemicals used to remove silicone on wood, plastic, metal roofs, and other materials, basically harm as well.
Silicon Digesants chemical is commonly available in stores, which is used to remove caulk from ceramic, plastic, metal, masonry, painted surfaces, and synthetic colors. The use of vinegar and isopropyl alcohol is also popular to remove silicone caulk.
Removal of Silicone without Use of Chemicals
Also, if you are not in favor of using chemicals and other adhesives for silicone removal, then you can also opt for no-chemical processes. There are ample ways to get rid of silicone for various objects, and these are as follows:
The supplies you need are:
- Hair Dryer
- Razor Scraper
- Cleaning Gloves
- Bleach
- Cleaning Bucket and bowl
- Homax Caulk Tool
Steps to Remove Silicone Caulk
Note: Before you start with the removal procedure, be careful and conscious.
Take hairdryer with a temperature range of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is not recommendable for caulk removal in plastic material. However, reliable for tiles and countertop, as high-heat never damages that hard material.
The best is to use the lowest temperature of heat, to remove silicone caulk. It would be best if you verified the temperature between hot and high settings. The considerable is to heat 8-10 inches of caulk for just 30-40 seconds and then use a razor blade carefully to slice it.
Precisely many tools are designed and available in the market to remove silicone caulk. The most picked it Homax Plastic Caulk Removal Tool. This is even a fantastic tool, especially for the beginner to get rid of sealant easily even from tight corners. You can use effortless scrape caulk without damaging and scratching tiles, bathtubs, counterparts, etc.
The General Steps To Clear Silicone
1. Clean And Clear
It would be best if you cleaned the silicone surroundings before you start. It would help if you cleared the dirt area to see the silicone surface.
2. Use Razor Blade
Take the help of a razor blade to slice the silicone easily. You need to grip the razor blade securely, so you need a pair of work gloves to avoid any accidental injury.
3. Cut Vertical Lines
Next is to cut off the vertical lines of silicone.
4. Use Putty Knife
You can also use a putty knife to take silicone out from the edges. The putty knife is readily available online, or else you can buy it from any paint store.
5. Grasp The End And Just Pull
Finally, grasp the end and pull it securely. With the help of a putty knife, take silicone firmly and quickly. Pry up the dry silicone with the putty knife and razor blade.
6. Scrape Away The Remaining Silicone
Take the help of a razor blade, grip it securely to remove the scrape of silicone from the remaining edges of the surface. Do wear safety gloves for safe handling and grip.
7. Rub Alcohol On The Surface
Take a piece of cloth and dampen it with alcohol. You need to rub this alcohol cloth on the remaining silicon surface. The use of alcohol is ideal for the removal of inflexible and stubborn silicone. Before wiping it off, you need to allow it to sit for a few minutes.
How To Remove Moldy Silicone Easily?
Indeed the removal of silicone is difficult, especially if it is quite moldy. For complete removing, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps with great concern.
- Pre-wash the left behind the caulk surface with warm water.
- Now add 3/4 cup of Clorox bleach into 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
- Use sponge or cloth to apply this Clorox solution over the caulk.
- Not let this solution stand on the surface for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse it with warm water and let the surface air dry.
Bottom Line
Repairing and maintenance of metal roof indeed tricky, but the use of the reliable sealant is somewhat helpful. Water leaks are significant issues with metal ceilings and roofing; even the marks of nails and screws create leakage inside homes.
