Silicone sealant is a common material that can be found in all of our homes, and it is often required as part of any home improvement project.
While you’ve probably never given it a great deal of thought, silicone provides a vital role and it may need to be replaced from time to time.
If you’re wondering how to remove old silicone sealant, we’re here to help.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to remove silicone sealant, outlining the necessary steps you must take to ensure you do the job correctly.
Read on to learn more.
What is sealant?
Sealant is a chemical substance that is used to seal gaps in a room or on an item or application. By filling in gaps and sealing openings on materials, it will prevent air, moisture, fluids and pests from passing through them which may cause harm or damage.
There are different types of sealants, including low-modulus, medium-modulus and high-modulus options. The most common household sealant that is used is silicone and it works in much the same way that caulk does for those in the construction industry.
Sealant can also be used for several purposes other than simply sealing gaps. These include:
- Protection: Sealant can be used to protect certain surfaces by providing them with a protective layer. For example, they have been known to be used as fire barriers, electrical insulators and even as a way to insulate from noise and vibrations.
- Adhesion: If you are looking to adhere one substance to another, sealant can also be used as an adhesive especially when they are mastic sealants.
- Aesthetic appeal: Sealants can also add a sleek and stylish appearance to the areas in which they are being used.
- Joining: A high-quality sealant can also be used as a substance that can join two surfaces together.
- Smoothing: Another popular use of sealant is for smoothing or filleting an area to make a surface look more attractive.
Sealant can be applied in a range of different ways, and we will go into detail of how to do so in the sections below.
When do I need to replace sealant?
If you’re wondering exactly when the sealant may need replacing, there are a few key signs to look out for.
Firstly, the sealant you have used will often come with a guide explaining how long it is designed to last for. If the sealant is getting old, it will likely change colour or start to wear away. In some instances, it may even turn into a water-like consistency. If you notice any of these issues, it’s a sign that the sealant has got too old and needs replacing.
Likewise, if the sealant has started to dry up then it should be changed. While you don’t want it to become too liquidy, the opposite effect is also undesirable. Dried-up sealant will not be as effective and should also be changed.
It’s always a good idea to check your sealant periodically to ensure it is in good condition, particularly if you’re going to be leaving your home unattended for a while. This is because the sealant may be protecting plumbing systems so it’s important they are in good condition.
How to remove silicone sealant
If you need to remove silicone sealant for any reason, there are certain steps you should follow.
This includes the following:
Prepare your tools
Before you begin the job, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. The tools required for this type of project include:
- A retractable window scraper
- Spare scraper blades
- A Stanley knife
- Kitchen roll
- Sealant remover gel or spray
Cut out the silicone
Start by using your retractable window scraper, running the blade up and down the silicone. Move along the wall continuing this motion until you get to the end. Repeat this process until you have cut all of the silicone you are replacing. Doing this means that each full line of silicone will be able to easily be removed later in the process.
While it may be tempting, you should not cut the sealant with the Stanley knife. Doing this will damage walls or the application where the sealant is applied. By using a thin blade, such as a retractable window scraper, will minimise the chance of any damage or unsightly scratches from appearing. Only use the Stanley knife for picking out any stubborn bits of silicone in the corners.
Once silicone has been removed along the perimeter of the space you’re working with, you can continue the process on any internal walls.
Once you’ve cut out all the silicone, you can proceed to the next step.
Apply sealant remover
While you may think that all of the silicone has been removed, there may be some unseen residue that has been left behind that you need to get rid of. If you do not do this, then any new sealant will not adhere properly.
Using your sealant remover gel or spray, apply it to all of the areas where you removed the previous silicone. The product you are using will give guidance on how long you should then wait, but on average you should allow the remover to do its job for about two hours.
Clean the area
Once the sealant remover has dried, use your scraper and, again, repeat the first step. This will make absolutely sure that all the old sealant is gone.
Then, use some kitchen roll to thoroughly clean the area. If you notice any leftover residue, apply more sealant remover.
Apply new sealant
Once all the old sealant has been removed, you can then apply your new product. The easiest way to do this is by using a mastic gun. Insert your chosen sealant into the gun and cut off the tip.
Then, squeeze the silicone into the gaps you are working with, wiping away any excess as you go. After you have done this, creat a solution using 50% water and 50% washing up liquid.
Dip your finger into this and smooth out all of the silicone’s edges.
