How and what to remove silicone sealant from a bathtub and tile

Silicone sealants are recognized as the best material for sealing joints and joining smooth surfaces. In addition, they are considered to be the most universal - they have a plastic structure, withstand temperature extremes, are durable, are used in everyday life and in industrial construction.

Types and properties of silicone sealants

All silicone sealants, according to their readiness for use, are divided into one-component and two-component.

One-component sealants are suitable for direct use and are used in installation, repair, and construction works. Two-component sealants require thorough mixing before use and are used for industrial purposes.

Depending on the main substance, silicone one-component sealants can be of the following types:

• alkaline;
• acidic;
• neutral.

Acidic sealants are considered universal, but they are incompatible with non-ferrous metals, because they cause their accelerated corrosion. Neutral sealants combine with all kinds of materials. Alkaline species refers to specialized and is rarely found on sale.

In addition to the main components in the composition of sealants, additives are used that have an important role for the field of application. Dyes give color, fungicides - destroy mold and fungi, extenders - reduce the viscosity of silicone.

Areas of application for silicone sealants

With good adhesion, high elasticity (up to 800%), a wide range of use temperatures (from -60 ° to + 300 °), silicone sealants are able to provide a reliable, waterproof, UV-resistant compound. In everyday life, their use is very diverse, ranging from sealing joints in the bathroom and ending with the installation of street lights.

An important property of silicone sealants is resistance to aggressive factors, which determines their use for construction and repair work on the street, indoors, in a humid environment.

For convenience, the names of sealants most often reflect their main purpose: "Construction", "Aquarium", "Automotive", "Universal", "Electrical Insulation". Depending on the needs, they can be selected, including according to this criterion.

Means and methods for removing sealant

The excellent adhesion properties of silicone sealant turn into the main problem if it is necessary to remove it. Since the solvent has completely evaporated and the sealant has polymerized, it is very difficult to remove. In a liquid state, it is easily cleaned with a sponge or rag with a small amount of alcohol or gasoline.

Important. A good cleaning result can be achieved using both mechanical and chemical sealant removal methods in combination.

Mechanical removal involves the use of tools, pumice, abrasive substances. Chemical methods are carried out using special agents that soften and dissolve the sealant.

Special products in the form of aerosols, pastes, and liquids are effective for removing sealant. They are quite simple to use: they are applied to the contamination with a brush, spray or sponge, aged for several hours, after which the sealant softens and is easily removed.

Important. A chemical solvent can damage rubber, enamel surfaces, paint, baseboards.When working with it, you must not go beyond the junction and do not remove the excess, because otherwise there is a risk of a violation of the tightness of the seam.

As solvents, in addition to special ones, universal agents are also used: gasoline, white spirit, acetone. Since silicone belongs to the same group of organosilicon compounds as white spirit, you should try to use it first of all home remedies. First you need to test its effect on an inconspicuous area.

When the silicone is heated above its operating temperature (300 ° C), it becomes soft and can be easily removed. To achieve this effect, you can use a building hair dryer that works with high temperatures. This method is very useful when working on glass, mirror, aluminum surfaces.

How to remove silicone sealant from tiles

Ceramics are usually quite resistant to chemicals, so you can use almost any kind of solvent. Since tile is different in quality and has a different degree of strength, it is important not to overdo it when cleaning the seams, so as not to damage its surface. Even before starting work, you need to weigh all the nuances, pros and cons for a particular case.

Silicone removal takes place in the following order:

1. Cut off the maximum possible layer with a sharp paint knife or blade, so as not to scratch or damage the tile.
2. To soften the remaining silicone, use is made of the industrial sealant remover: Penta-840, Silicon Entferner.
3. After softening the sealant, remove it with a wooden scraper.

As a solvent, you can use uyat spirit, gasoline, kerosene. You can use a soap solution, but then softening will take a lot of time.

How to remove silicone sealant from a bathtub

The choice of method, means for removal and the order of work depend on the material of the bathroom. Cast iron, steel or acrylic - each type has its own characteristics.

Acrylic bathtubs
To remove the sealant from the acrylic bathtubs, special tools made industrially are selected. Many manufacturers of showers and bathtubs have a line of special cleaning and care products.

When working with acrylic baths, it is forbidden to use:

• organic solvents;
• abrasive substances;
• knives, scrapers, other metal, scratching objects.

To remove the old sealant, a silicone solvent is applied and left for a day. A day later, it is removed with homemade wooden shovels. The surface is wiped dry and degreased with vodka.

Steel and cast iron bathtubs
For steel and cast-iron bathtubs, both mechanical and chemical means are suitable. However, enameled surfaces must be handled very carefully so as not to damage or scratch them.

• The first layer of sealant is cut with sharp tools: wallpaper or stationery knives, blades.
• The old sealant is scraped off with a spatula, scraper or grater.
• The remaining sealant is erased with finely abrasive materials: pumice, sandpaper.

After removing all the silicone, a dirty greasy stain remains in its place. To eliminate it, use powder products for cleaning kitchen surfaces. It is necessary to pour a small amount of powder on a rag and clean the stain in a circular motion. Then rinse contaminated area with hot water and detergent.

Important. Greasy unaesthetic stains from the remains of the sealant can be wiped with fine table salt. To do this, pour salt on gauze, folded in several layers. Sprinkle salt with water and rub in a circular motion. This is a fairly effective method, and its result depends on the age of the sealant, the quality of the silicone and the material of the bathroom.

Since old silicone stains are quite resistant, solvents are used to remove them.

• The thickest layer of sealant is removed by mechanical devices.
• On a cleaned surface, using rags, apply gasoline, acetone or a solvent.
• For some time, the silicone softens and turns into a jelly-like mass.
• In this form, it is easily removed from the surface.

The remaining stain is removed with baking soda and washed off with hot water and liquid soap.

On a note

1. In order to avoid the appearance of spots and damage, when working with any chemical agents, you must first test them in an inconspicuous area.
2. In general, chemical agents are more effective, but they are aggressive not only for the surface, but also for the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs.
3. All work with sealants and solvents is carried out with gloves. When working with aerosols-solvents of sealants, protective equipment must be used: glasses and a respirator.
4. Silicone sealants have a harmful effect on products made of polyacrylate and polycarbonate, so do not use them together. The color of the sealant is selected at the time of purchase, since its further staining is not possible.
5. When working with sealant, it is important to wipe away all drops and smudges. At the application stage, it is better to use masking tape to obtain perfect contour of the seam and a clean surface. If the sealant is applied efficiently and accurately, there will be no need to remove it in the future.

To remove the old sealant will take time and some effort. However, if everything is done correctly, it will be possible not only to remove the old silicone, excess and dirt, but also to correct the seams, making them neat and invisible.

Video: how to remove silicone sealant