With the pressing problem of how to dissolve silicone sealant, are faced by many repairmen - both professionals and beginners. This modern and high-tech product is quite often used in construction, repair and decoration, especially in a bathroom with a toilet, where it is used to seal pipe joints and gaps between the bathtub and the wall.
The sealing is excellent, but the composition often ends up in places where you would not like to see it. The spoiled appearance of the renovated room spoils the mood of its owner. Something needs to be done about this, but what? It is precisely those qualities that call this product a good sealant that prevent its painless and easy removal. It’s good if it’s poured in a fairly thick layer and hasn’t yet had time to completely set.
In this case, you can carefully pick up the edge with something thin (for example, a spatula or a wide stationery knife) and pull it towards you. The sealant, which still retains its plasticity, can be removed quite easily, and if necessary, it can be trimmed with the same knife. However, more often you have to deal with a situation where it is not only frozen, but also smeared with a thin layer. Here you will have to resort to chemicals and more thorough and scrupulous procedures.
How to dissolve silicone sealant- this is not the best yet important question. It is much more important to remove it in such a way as not to damage the materials on which it came in contact. We will try to tell you about this in this article.
Theoretical calculations
Before trying on the affected area everything that is in the storerooms at home and on the shelves construction stores, you need to take into account that all solvents are aggressive media that can readily affect the surfaces being cleaned. Please note the following:
- If silicone sealant gets on a plastic surface (polyolefin or polyvinyl chloride), it can be removed with acids. The easiest way to get salt water.
- When dissolving sealant adhered to plastic, which is based on plexiglass, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester, acidic solvents will also affect the finishing material.
- Polyurethane-based sealants can be removed with alkalis. Despite the fact that these are also aggressive compounds, they practically do not interact with any plastics, so there is no need to guess what derivative your panels are made of.
- Almost all solvents change the tone of the paint if the surface is painted and dull the shine of the tile.
- The selected product must be tested on an inconspicuous place or a sample of the finish to check its effect. And remember: sealants are cross-linked polymers with very strong chemical bonds. No solvent can deal with them instantly, so take your time and give the product time to penetrate deeply.
Most solvents do not completely remove the sealant: they soften the dirt, making it possible to remove it later.
Most people wipe off small drops of silicone with white spirit. But! Paint, if there is any on the surface, is mixed together with the sealant.
The best option - Penta-840. By the way, it is known among repairmen as a silicone remover. Firstly, the product is available in different variations designed for certain types of surfaces, which allows you to choose the one that is suitable for your case.
Secondly, Penta-840 does not lose its properties when frozen, which extends the shelf life. Thirdly, if the sealant has completely polymerized, after a long exposure the product completely destroys it. So, if there is obvious and extensive contamination with silicone, you should first turn to Penta-840..
- If the sealant gets on rubber gaskets, it is better to go to the auto store for the “ANTISIL” solvent from the “BODY” company. It is actively used by car painters without damaging the car body.
- We can also safely recommend “Silicon-Entferner”, designed for cleaning PVC, enamel, metal and ceramics - when used, they do not lose their inherent shine, do not become matte or tarnish.
- Mixture 646 is considered the safest for most household surfaces, neutral to paint and varnish coatings and inexpensive. It rolls up silicone residues, after which they can be easily removed with a dry rag.
- Also worthy of mention are “Dufa” Abbizer, “Silicone Remover”, “Sili-kill” from the Dutch company Den Braven, “Permaloid” and Quilosa Limpiador. However, these solvents have a higher cost. Although the above-mentioned “Silicone Remover” is actively used by professionals, since after it, even on capricious surfaces, in most cases there are no suspicious stains left
How to remove silicone sealant
The principle of using all solvents is approximately the same. First of all, you need to take care of your own safety, since all compounds are aggressive not only to the sealant, but also to humans. Protective gloves and good ventilation, a respirator is desirable. After testing on a sample the actions will be as follows:
- The purchased product is applied to the site of contamination. For the solvent, the manufacturer may prescribe its own method of application: either first on a washcloth, or directly on the stain with a layer of the specified thickness.
- Waits the time specified in the instructions. It can vary from an hour to a day and depend on the degree of drying of the sealant.
- The dirt that has turned into a gel is removed. After most solvents, this is done with a dry cloth, but there may be exceptions. For example, traces of the influence of “Sili-kill” can be removed not only with a damp, but also with a soapy rag.
Before you start searching for how to dissolve silicone sealant, it is worth assessing the feasibility of such actions. For example, if plasterboard sheathing is stained with it, we see no point in removing it: firstly, the material will soften, and secondly, a finishing coating will be installed on it. If the bump is significant and cannot be hidden under the leveling putty, it is simply cut off at the root, close to the surface of the plasterboard sheet.
Lack of repair skills, carelessness and haste when sealing seams and joints often lead to contamination of the surface, hands or clothing, at which point the question arises of how to dissolve the silicone sealant. Let's consider available funds, which everyone has in their home, and also get acquainted with special chemical compounds, guaranteeing 100% results.
Composition of silicone sealant - how long does it take to dry?
Silicone sealant is an affordable industrial adhesive designed for sealing joints between tiles, joints between a bathtub or toilet and a wall, fixing a kitchen sink, etc. It is moisture resistant, prevents the appearance of mold and mildew, and has heat-insulating properties. The basis of this sealant is silicone rubber. Auxiliary hardeners and plasticizers allow silicone to acquire the required form and hardness, ensure reliable adhesion of the material to the composition. Increased resistance to moisture makes it possible to use it in rooms with high degree humidity. Silicone sealant does not spoil the appearance of the tiles, flooring, double-glazed windows, if the composition is distributed carefully, without going beyond the boundaries. Otherwise, the surface or skin smeared with sealant will be difficult to clean.
Therefore, if you want to wipe off the sealant, we advise you not to hesitate. The rate of hardening of the composition depends on the thickness of the layer; 2 mm dry completely within a day, but after 20 minutes the composition is already securely bonded to the surface.
To prevent the silicone sealant from extending beyond the boundaries of the joints and seams, we recommend using masking tape. Before starting work, seal the area that you do not want silicone to come into contact with, and after sealing is complete, remove the tape.
It’s easier to get rid of a thick layer that has not yet hardened and has retained its plasticity. How to remove silicone sealant in this case? Use any sharp object, such as a blade, stationery or kitchen knife, spatula. Gently pry the layer and pull the silicone. But when the sealant is spread in a thin layer and has already hardened, this option will not help. You'll have to use special chemicals or try your luck with homemade solvents.
How to wash sealant from hands and clothes - quick and gentle methods
If the sealant gets your hands dirty, we act quickly. The simplest option is using polyethylene. Take plastic bag, apply it to the desired place and remove it sharply. The silicone should stick like chewing gum. Wash off any remaining sealant under running water and soap.
If the composition has already dried a little, use a vinegar solution. Mix 9% table vinegar with water in equal proportions, moisten a cotton pad and rub the liquid into the skin until the sealant is completely dissolved, wash off the sticky residue with soap. The second option is a hot bath with table salt. Dip your hands into the solution and hold them for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the sealant will soften, it can be easily removed by hand or rub the contaminated area with a pumice stone.
A less gentle method for your hands is homemade solvents. Gasoline, kerosene, acetone, and nail polish remover will help remove the sealant. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and moisturize them with cream. If you have sensitive skin, wounds or scratches, using alcohol-based solvents is not recommended.
When working with sealant, always wear rubber or cotton gloves, and if you don't have them nearby, thoroughly soap your hands and let them dry. The soap film will create a protective layer and will not allow the silicone to firmly adhere when it comes into contact with the skin.
Clothing stained with sealant is another unpleasant moment that every master can encounter. That is why we recommend wearing a robe during finishing work. However, if you did not do this in advance and drops of silicone get on your favorite item, use one of the suggested methods. The first option is freezing. As in the case of chewing gum stuck to jeans, we send clothes stained with sealant to freezer and leave it for about 30 minutes. When the layer hardens, scrape it off sharp blade or a knife.
The second option is a brush and alcohol. Dampen an old brush with rubbing alcohol and rub it thoroughly over the stained area. After the sealant has dissolved, rinse the clothing. The third option is a vinegar solution. Soak a cotton pad in it, apply it to the area contaminated with sealant for a couple of minutes, and then carefully remove it with a blade. The last, most gentle option is to wash clothes in hot water. This method is not suitable for delicate items; the fabric may fade or turn yellow.
Kerosene, white spirit and mixture 646 - how effective are they?
If you don’t have specialized sealant solvents in your home, you can find alternatives. Gasoline or kerosene is most often used. We are sure that everyone has a small canister of these petroleum products in their garage. Cleansing proceeds as follows. Apply kerosene (gasoline) to a clean cloth, cotton wool or napkin, apply it to the area with sealant and leave for a couple of minutes. Next, take a sharp knife or scraper and carefully scrape off the residue.
How to wash off silicone if only a couple of drops get in? Use white spirit. Before use this tool test it on an inconspicuous area to analyze the effect of the substance on the surface. It is not recommended to use white spirit for cleaning large areas. It may damage the paint layer, use it only locally.
An inexpensive and neutral solvent that does not harm paint coating, a mixture of 646 is considered. When interacting with silicone sealant, it folds it into small pellets, which are easily removed with a dry cloth.
However, as practice shows, if the silicone has hardened, then such solvents will be ineffective. In this case, you need to purchase a professional silicone remover, selecting the appropriate chemistry specifically for your surface or choosing universal option. Such household solvents are sold in hardware stores.
How to clean silicone that has already hardened? Organic solvents can cope with this problem. Depending on the composition and degree of hardening of the silicone, they are applied for 5 minutes or several hours, after which the adhesive fixative softens and can be easily removed with a blade and the sticky residue can be washed off with water. However, most of these solvents contain acids. This must be taken into account if you clean leather items, upholstery, acrylic surface and other acid-sensitive materials.
Copes well with Quilosa Limpiador silicone sealant. It softens silicone on any hard surfaces, construction gun and tools, the glue is then easily removed with a spatula or knife.
The Dutch manufacturer Den Braven offers craftsmen the Sili-kill solvent with a wide range of applications. It cleans silicone from glass, porcelain, enamel, concrete, metal, brick, and plastic products. Among additional features means – removing mold from silicone sealant. Sili-kill does not contain toxic or flammable substances, and to ensure that not a trace remains of the sealant, manufacturers advise applying it in a thick layer, about 2-3 times more than silicone. Depending on the degree of hardening, the sealant softens from 15 minutes to 12 hours, after which it is washed off with a damp cloth and soap.
To remove silicone sealant from non-porous surfaces, professionals recommend Silicone Remover. It is most often used to clean ceramics, glass, metal, plastic, stone and terracotta tiles. After finishing using Silicone Remover sticky marks There is no silicone left. An analogue of this solvent is Lugato Silicon-Entferner. It is used to clean enamel, concrete, ceramics, metal and PVC. After using the solvent, the material does not lose original color, maintains shine and brightness.
How to clean silicone sealant that gets on rubber? The answer is simple, buy ANTISIL solvent from BODY, which is actively used by car painters. It does not damage the car body and quickly removes hardened silicone.
To make solvents work faster, do everything in a dry room. After removing the dissolved top layer, be sure to wash the surfaces with a damp cloth and soap to prevent solvent residue from damaging the surface or getting on your skin.
Penta-840 and the Permaloid series - what is their feature?
If you are at a loss and don’t know how to remove silicone sealant, Penta-840 remover will help you, which effectively removes silicone residues from different surfaces(metal, cast iron, tiles, concrete, stone, glass). What are the advantages of this wash? It does not lose its qualities due to temperature changes and can withstand frosts, which extend its shelf life. Penta-840 dissolves fully cured silicone sealant. The remover contains no chlorine or fluorocarbons.
How is the product used? Moisten a rag or cloth generously with the remover, apply it to the area contaminated with silicone and cover the top with polyethylene. This will help prevent evaporation, allowing faster penetration and breakdown of the polymers. The exposure time depends on the layer thickness, indicated by the manufacturer. After the procedure, remove any remaining sealant, wipe the cleaned area with soap and water, let it dry, and use a hairdryer if necessary. If Penta-840 residues cannot be completely washed off the surface, we recommend using acidified water with the addition of lemon juice or table vinegar. We wet a rag in the resulting solution and walk it over the contaminated area.
And in order not to think for a long time whether the selected remover for silicone is suitable for your surface, the German company Spies Hecker has released a linear range of Permaloid solvents for removing silicone sealant:
- Permaloid 7799 – for metal car parts;
- Permaloid 7799 – for plastic surfaces;
- Permaloid 7989 – for removing sticky residues from paint surfaces and guns;
- Permaloid 8510 – used as an additive that prevents the appearance of silicone craters;
- Permahyd 7080 new – suitable for cleaning fiberglass, metal and paint coatings.
Before washing silicone sealant from the surface, carefully read the composition of the solvent. If you want to remove silicone from plastic or paint products, beware household chemicals containing acids that can damage the integrity and appearance of the material. Give preference to alkalis. These are also quite active substances, but, unlike acidic solvents, they do not destroy the structure of surfaces. Resistant to acids and petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene) hardware, pipelines.
When choosing a remover (solvent), always test it on an inconspicuous area of the material. If it has not lost its color, shine and shape, you can start working with chemistry. This is especially true for paint and varnish products, where the paint can dissolve along with the silicone sealant.
If you need to wash thin layer sealant that has not yet hardened, we recommend using a gentle water-based solvent - Forch R551 or R507. A thicker layer will have to be cleaned off manually. Unfortunately, a silicone solvent has not yet been created that will perfectly cope with any amount of sealant on different surfaces, so care must be taken when choosing the appropriate cleaning product.
Silicone-based sealants are widely used in finishing work, for grouting tiles and plumbing equipment. In certain cases it may be necessary to dilute the mixture to a liquid state for subsequent removal. How to dissolve silicone sealant will be useful for every person who undertakes a DIY repair to know.
Features of the material
Silicone based sealant has excellent technical characteristics, which is why it is so often used in finishing work.
Let us consider the main characteristics and features of the material in more detail.
- Resistance to humidity. Silicone-based sealant is almost indispensable in the bathroom.
- The mixture adheres perfectly to almost any material and reliably fills cracks and seams.
- Resistance to temperature changes. It is also worth noting that the mixture can withstand exposure to both very high and low temperatures and can be operated in conditions from -50 to +200 degrees.
- Good elasticity. Thanks to this quality, the sealant does not crack when drying. In addition, the mixture can be applied to areas that are subject to deformation.
- Most modifications of silicone sealant contain fungicides, which are an antiseptic substance. Thanks to this component, the mixture prevents the appearance and spread of microorganisms.
- High strength.
The benefits of sealant discussed above can present some challenges when it comes to removing the sealant. It is impossible to completely remove the hardened layer of the mixture using mechanical method. In order to thoroughly clean the coating, it is necessary to resort to chemical agents that will soften or dissolve the sealant.
Types of solvents
When choosing a particular means for diluting hardened sealant, it is important to take into account some features of its composition.
Silicone-based mixtures are divided into three main groups.
- Acid based. Acetic acid is used to make this type of silicone solution. This material has a low price and a not very pleasant smell. The composition is incompatible with some metals and marble.
- Alkali based. This type of mixture is made on the basis of amines and, as a rule, has a specific purpose.
- Neutral. They are considered universal compositions that are suitable for almost all materials.
On modern market building materials You can find special impregnations for diluting the sealant. However folk remedies act no less effectively and will help in a situation where there is no special-purpose composition at hand.
Available means
The use of folk remedies for diluting the sealing composition is convenient primarily because solvent mixtures can be found in almost every home. If there is a need to wash off the sealant that has not yet hardened, you can use ordinary water and a rag. This method is suitable only when more than twenty minutes have passed since the application of the mixture.
Minor traces of the sealing agent can be removed using gasoline or kerosene. Silicone mixtures can also be treated with acetone or acetone-containing solutions.
Special formulations
One of the popular means for thinning silicone sealant is "Penta-840". This solution is suitable for application to almost any surface. The disadvantage of the mixture is its high cost.
The process of diluting silicone sealant at home with a composition "Penta-840" pretty simple. It is necessary to apply the solution to the area that needs to be cleaned and leave for the time indicated on the product packaging. After which the softened silicone can be easily removed from the surface.
Cleaner can be used to soften fresh sealant. Quilosa Limpiador. The product is suitable for all types of hard surfaces.
Means Permaloid is an ideal option for removing hardened sealing layers from plastic. It does not dissolve plastic and does not leave any marks on the material. The cleaner is also used to cleanse metal surfaces and car parts.
Cleaner Dow Corning OS-2 designed for cleaning surfaces before subsequent treatment paint and varnish materials, sealants or glue. The product is safe for human health and can be used to clean surfaces that come into contact with food.
Paste for removing hardened silicone Lugato Silicon Entferner Suitable for the most sensitive surfaces. The product can be used to clean painted structures, wood, natural stone, tiles, and so on. The mixture does not spoil the structure of the material and does not affect the color and gloss of the surface.
Cleaner Silicone Remover comes in gel form and is designed to liquefy hardened silicone. The mixture is universal for all materials. The only requirement for the surface to be treated is that it must be completely dry. Silicone Remover It has a high speed of action on hardened silicone sealants. It is enough to hold the solution on the dirt for ten minutes, after which the sealing mass can be easily removed.
Remove from various surfaces
When choosing a suitable solution for diluting silicone, it is worth considering the type of surface to be cleaned. Most types of solvent compositions have a limited scope of application and are not compatible with all materials.
Plastic
To dilute the sealant to a liquid state on a plastic surface, you can use hydrochloric acid. However, it is best to use special products to clean plastic products. There are compounds that effectively soften silicone without corroding the plastic.
Glass
Removing dried silicone-based mixture from glass at home is not difficult. The material has a fairly dense structure, so the sealant cannot penetrate deeply into it.
You can dissolve the sealing agent on glass surfaces with white spirit, the specialized professional composition Penta-840, kerosene or purified gasoline. The most effective composition in in this case will be "Penta-840". Diluting the sealant with other specified solvent mixtures will require more time and effort.
Tile
Most organic solvents have negative impact on the tile. If the solution gets on ceramic coating, then the material in the treated area will lose its original shine. On ceramic tiles of poor quality it is forbidden to use white spirit.
When liquefying silicone sealant on a tiled surface, you should avoid products that contain abrasive components. Small particles can ruin the appearance of the tiles by scratching them. In this case, it is better to use lighter fluid or kerosene.
Skin of hands
During finishing work, not everyone cares about their own precautions. When applying the silicone composition without gloves on your hands, there is a high probability of the mixture getting on the skin. If the sealant gets on your hands and has time to harden, you can remove it with medical alcohol.
A cotton pad must be soaked in an alcohol solution and treated the contaminated area of skin. Instead of medical alcohol, you can use alcohol-containing solutions, but in this case the effect will depend on the concentration of alcohol in the mixture.
Textile
If an acid-based silicone composition gets on fabric, the easiest way to dissolve it is with a 70% acetic acid solution. The area with the frozen silicone compound is soaked in vinegar, after which the liquefied mixture is cleaned off mechanically.
Neutral sealing compounds can be dissolved using alcohol solutions. In this case, you can apply an alcohol-containing mixture to the contaminated area or soak the item in a solution of water and medical alcohol until the sealant softens.
How to dilute frozen silicone?
After choosing the appropriate product, you can begin the procedure of diluting the sealing composition. First of all, you need to take care of your own safety. If work will be carried out indoors, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation of the room.
Work must be carried out with gloves, because chemical solutions If they come into contact with the skin of your hands, they can seriously damage it. To protect the respiratory tract from harmful fumes, it is recommended to wear a respirator.
The procedure for liquefying the sealant is carried out in several stages.
- The solvent composition is distributed over the contaminated surface. You can apply the product using a cloth or sponge.
- The solution is left on the contaminated area for some time. When using folk remedies, the time can range from several minutes to one hour. When the sealant visually becomes jelly-like, it can be removed. If used special remedy for liquefaction, the exact time during which the solution must be kept on the sealant layer will be indicated on the product packaging.
- When exposed to solvent mixtures, the sealing adhesive will soften to a jelly or gel consistency. You can remove any remaining liquid silicone with a dry sponge or rag.
- After removing the silicone-based mixture, greasy marks often remain on the surface. You can clean the surface from grease stains with dishwashing liquid.
When carrying out construction work, there is often a need to dissolve silicone sealant. But not everyone knows how to dissolve silicone sealant without damaging it. work surface. We discussed in detail in this article how you can dissolve silicone sealant if you don’t have a special product on hand.
How to dissolve silicone sealant
Silicone sealant is mainly used for joining various surfaces, sealing joints and grouting joints. Silicone sealant connections are very durable and resistant to external influences. Silicone joints have excellent adhesion to various materials. Due to its high adhesion rates, silicone sealant is extremely difficult to remove from the surface after it has dried. Today we will talk about how to dissolve silicone sealant, how to safely remove its excess from various surfaces, as well as your hands and your clothes, and how to dilute thickened sealant in an open tube.
Types of silicone sealants and their applications
Before you begin to dissolve silicone sealant to a liquid state, you need to find out its type and composition. All silicone sealants are complex substances and consist of the following components:
- Base: silicone rubber;
- vulcanizer - the ingredient is responsible for hardening the sealant composition;
- fill - gives volume and color to the sealant;
- plasticizer - gives the composition elasticity after drying;
- amplifier - allows the composition to achieve the required strength;
- adhesion activator - responsible for a strong connection of the sealant to the surface.
Fillers for silicone sealant
Also, according to the type of vulcanizer, all silicone sealants are divided into three main groups:
- acid sealants - in them the role of a vulcanizer is performed by acetic acid. This sealant can be distinguished by its sharp unpleasant smell vinegar and marked with the letter “A”. This sealant cannot be used on materials that react with acids (copper, marble, cement mortar);
- neutral sealants - in this type of silicone sealants, alcohol or ketoxime is used as a vulcanizer. This type of silicone sealant has a low odor that quickly disappears after application and is suitable for all surfaces.
- alkaline sealants - in this case, the vulcanizer works on the basis of ammonia compounds. This sealant is a special purpose compound and is used very rarely. It can be distinguished by the specific smell of stale fish.
Also, silicone sealants can be divided according to the type of purpose into several types:
- Plumbing products that have high moisture resistance and resistance to the formation of fungus and mold. This sealant is used to seal gaps between plumbing fixtures and other surfaces. Plumbing sealants can be acid or alcohol based. (You can read how to use plumbing sealant correctly in this)
- Construction sealant. It is used for external works and it is suitable for sealing cracks in building structures. Most often, universal sealants with a neutral base are used.
- Wood sealants - used for sealing wooden frames and troubleshooting wooden coverings. They often contain a filler, which gives the sealant a characteristic woody color, simulating the desired type of wood.
- sealant - it is used to install gaskets in car systems. This sealant is very resistant to moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees. Not recommended for use in direct contact with gasoline!
- Red silicone sealant - hardens quickly when exposed to air. It is used for sealing electrical connections and during the installation of pumping and water supply systems.
- Adhesive sealant based on silicone, which is used for connecting glass surfaces and installing aquariums. After the sealant has dried, the parts are very firmly connected to each other, even with a small contact area.
Any finishing or construction work It’s simply impossible to imagine without silicone sealant. When construction operations are carried out, gaps and cracks arise that require mandatory sealing. It is necessary to process the joints, making the connection of a variety of materials invisible.
What substances can be used to dissolve silicone sealant?
This sealant resembles a paste that hardens very quickly, reliably sealing and bonding any materials together. The hardening time is directly dependent on the area where the sealant is applied. It can be used when working with the most popular materials:
- Tree;
- Glass;
- Ceramics;
- Aluminum;
- Plastic.
Depending on the composition of the sealant, it is divided into several types:
Acid. This sealant is not suitable for all materials. During operation, a strong vinegar smell appears. The acid contained in such a paste can begin to react with the surface and ruin it. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to determine the compatibility of the sealant with the material being processed.
Neutral. Very resistant to high temperatures. Special additives give this sealant antibacterial properties, so fungus never appears in areas treated with this composition.
Solubility of silicone sealant
Almost everyone, both professionals and beginners, faces this problem. At home, silicone sealant is used to seal cracks and pipe joints. It seals perfectly, but sometimes the paste gets on open spaces and spoils the appearance.
If the sealant has not yet completely hardened, you can carefully pry it off with a sharp object, such as a utility knife. This sealant has not yet lost its plasticity, so it can be easily removed. It can even be easily trimmed sharp knife.
But, unfortunately, situations occur much more often when the sealant has completely hardened, and even smeared over the surface, ruining the appearance of the product. In this case, a simple knife will not help; more strong remedies. Chemicals will come to the rescue.
A little theory 
It is very important to remove the sealant from the surface so as to preserve the material on which it is cured. To do this, you need to have a good knowledge of the properties of solvents.
Any solvent is, first of all, an aggressive environment. She will gladly ruin the surface being cleaned. Therefore, before you start using the solvent, you need to consider the following nuances:
Silicone sealant that gets onto a plastic surface, such as polyvinyl chloride, can be easily removed with acid. Salt water is considered the cheapest and most accessible.
If the sealant has hardened on plastic, the base of which was:
- Plexiglass;
- Polyurethane
- Polycarbonate;
- Polyester.
You must always remember that acidic solvents will have a negative effect on such material.
- If the sealant is based on polyurethane, it can be easily removed using alkaline solutions. Such aggressive compounds do not react with plastics of any kind. Therefore, it does not matter at all what type of plastic the sealant is frozen on, the alkali will only remove it without affecting the surface to be cleaned.
- When using a solvent, you need to remember that there will definitely be a change in tone, the tile will not be as shiny as before.
- Before you start using solvent, you need to find an inconspicuous place, apply a little solvent and see how it affects the surface.
Important! All sealants are cross-linked polymers that have strong chemical compounds. The solvent cannot deal with them instantly. Therefore, such work requires time until the solvent penetrates deeply into the hardened sealant.
- Basically, all solvents cannot completely remove the sealant; they soften it so that it can be easily removed later. Small droplets of silicone can be easily removed with white spirit. However, if the surface has been painted, the paint and sealant will come off together.
- The most the best way for removing dried sealant, the Penta-840 remover is considered. Manufacturers produce this product for different surfaces, so you can choose a remover that is suitable for a specific surface.
- If you freeze such a wash, it will not lose its properties, so it can be stored without loss of quality, for a long time. Even with complete polymerization of the sealant, after a long exposure, the remover can completely destroy it.
- Silicone sealant, frozen on a rubber surface, can be easily removed with a solvent of the brand " ANTISIL " It is most suitable for car painters who prepare the car for painting.
- To remove sealant from PVC, ceramic and metal surfaces, various enamels, you can use a solvent " Silicon-Entferner " It does not spoil the shine of the material, does not make the surface matte or dull.
- The safest, and absolutely neutral to painted surfaces, is the cheap mixture 646. After it, the silicone sealant turns into pellets, which can be easily removed with a dry rag.
The most expensive are solvents produced in Holland. Most often, repairmen use:
- "Dufa"
- "Silicone Remover";
- "Sili-kill";
- "Permaloid";
- "Quilosa Limpiador".
Professionals mainly use the “Silicone Remover” solvent. It does not leave any stains on the treated surface.
Silicone sealant removal technology
Working with any solvent is carried out using the same technology. Before starting work, since the compositions belong to aggressive environments, it is necessary to put on protective gloves, a respirator and turn on the ventilation.
The selected solvent is generously applied to the cured sealant. Each manufacturer indicates in the instructions the application method and layer thickness.
According to the instructions, wait the required time. Its range is quite large. You can wait one hour, or you can wait a day, everything will depend on how much the sealant has dried.
Once the dirt turns into a jelly-like mass, it is easy to remove. In general, a dry cloth is enough, but there are exceptions. For example, after processing “Sili-kill”, the sealant can be removed with a damp cloth or well-soaped rag.
It is advisable to carry out this work in a completely dry room. This will allow the solvent to work much faster. When the softened sealant is removed from the surface, it must be wiped with a damp sponge so that no residue remains. If this is not done, it will corrode the coating and may accidentally get on human skin. After washing, the room must be ventilated for several hours!
It is not always advisable to wash off frozen silicone sealant with special removers or solvents. For example, the sealant has hardened on plasterboard sheathing. Why remove such a stain, because the material will be damaged, and in the future it will be covered with a finishing coating.
In the case when the tubercle has big sizes, and will not be able to match the leveling putty, it just needs to be cut off at the root of the plasterboard sheet.
How to deal with dried silicone at home
This problem often has to be solved at home. You have to get rid of frozen silicone by any means. To solve this problem, it is best to use special organic solvents. They need to be applied to the frozen silicone sealant, wait a few minutes, and then remove the softened mass with any sharp object.
As mentioned above, a special remover and chemicals, which are divided into several groups, according to the area of application, perfectly combat frozen silicone.
However, you must always remember that any remover contains acid, which can spoil the object being cleaned. For example, you cannot clean leather objects, such as a chair, with this remover. In addition, the remover can ruin the acrylic bathtub.
- After applying the sealant, it accidentally fell on the window and froze on the floor and window. To deal with damaged areas, you can use white spirit. The only drawback of this method is that the paint will rub off from the painted surface.
- You can also deal with dried silicone sealant mechanically. It can be easily scraped off tiles or glass surface with a sharp knife. You can also soak the stain in kerosene and wait until the sealant is completely soaked.
- If the sealant has not yet dried, it can be easily wiped off with a slightly damp cloth.
Take care of your hands
You can deal with a stain that has not had time to dry with sealant at home only immediately, before it has time to harden. Such work requires compliance with safety precautions and must be carried out with gloves. But there are times when the paste gets on your hands.
There are several ways to clean them:
- You need to rub your hands with a plastic bag. The glue will just stick to it. All that remains is to wash your hands. The procedure can be repeated several times.
- Water is mixed with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Hands are washed in this solution, after which they are thoroughly washed in running water with soap.
- You can also get rid of fresh stains on your hands using hot water. Hands are placed in the container and kept in hot water for several minutes. Then you need to soap your hands well and rub them with a pumice stone.
- You can also use acetone, gasoline or a special liquid designed for removing varnish. You need to generously moisten cotton wool with this solvent and wipe your hands well.
In any case, when working with solvent or remover, you should always protect your hands. You can wear gloves, if you don’t have them, you need to soap your hands well and wait until they dry. The soap film that forms on the skin will not allow the sealant to adhere firmly to the skin.
How to clean silicone from clothes
Unfortunately, this operation is not always successful. Acid easily corrodes fabric.If the mark is still fresh, you can try to stretch the sealant along with the material, then try to pull off the film.You can put the item in the freezer for a few minutes, then simply scrape off the dirt.
If the glue hardens too much, you can try to remove it with chemicals:
Moisten the material with alcohol, then rub with a brush, t Rub the can in acetic acid.Apply a cotton wool soaked in solvent to the stain and iron it through several sheets of paper.
