When the seals have lost their efficiency, they must be removed. The first step is to eliminate all residues and then proceed with the new sealing. Some techniques used to remove seals are also suitable for removing small stains or imperfections. Continue reading this article to learn more about the topic.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Remove the seal
Step 1. Soften the seal with chemicals or heat
The still soft and elastic silicone can be removed without necessarily being softened, while the seals that have had plenty of time to harden must be softened. Depending on the type of sealant you need to remove, you can soften it with water, vinegar, alcohol or heat.
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The chemical solvents that are on the market, specific for the removal of silicone, are the ideal solution. Apply the solvent liberally on the silicone residues, completely understanding them and, following the directions on the package, let it take effect (it may take several hours).
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If you need to remove a water-based, non-acrylic sealant, you can soften it using damp rags. Just put the wet rags in contact with the seal and in about 72 hours it can be removed!
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In case you need to remove an acrylic water-based sealant or solvent-based PVAc glues, use rags soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
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On any type of seal you can use the heat of a hairdryer to soften it and then remove it. Place the hairdryer about 20 cm from the area you want to remove and heat it for about 30/40 seconds. Work by sectors.
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Step 2. Remove the silicone with a blade
Use a small knife or a sharp spatula and place it at the base of the sealant, where it meets the surface to be cleaned. Try to cut the silicone away by holding the scraper slightly raised and applying firm but not excessive pressure to avoid scratching.
Alternatively, you can cut the seal in half, from side to side. By doing this, some parts of the seal may come off on their own
Step 3. Remove the seal
Grip one end of the sealing between your fingers and lift it up as far as possible. Pull in the direction of the seal you still need to remove to allow it to lift.
If you have cut the entire length of the seal, lift one end and pull in the opposite direction to remove as much of it as possible
Step 4. Scrape off the debris
Use a scraper to remove any sealant residue. Keep the scraper as flat as possible and use it with light movements to avoid scratching the surface you are working on.
You can also use a putty knife or similar. Remember that the tool you use must have a flat, blunt blade. You don't have to cut anything, just lift and remove the remnants of sealant left between the joints or in the corners
Step 5. Remove sealant from crevices with pliers
Remove any remaining sealant between the cracks using a pair of pliers. These will be useful if you are unable to remove the silicone residue with the scraper.
Flat nose pliers are ideal compared to other types of pliers as they have a thinner tip and are easier to use in small spaces such as joints, shims, profiles
Step 6. Scrape off the debris
Use a dry, lightly abrasive sponge to remove any remaining traces of sealant, being careful not to scratch the surface you are working on.
Always work in the same direction. At the end of this operation you should have no more traces of the old sealant
Method 2 of 4: Remove moldy silicone residue
Step 1. Scrub the surface with an abrasive pad
After wetting it with white spirit or alcohol, wipe it with a firm and steady motion, scratching well where you removed the old sealant.
Scrub the surface with white spirit to remove any sealant residue. Any residue will not allow the new sealant to set properly and, furthermore, there may be health problems if there are remaining pieces of the seal with mold
Step 2. Wash the surfaces with non-ammonia detergent
Clean thoroughly by scrubbing the surface with a sponge and detergent.
Do not use ammonia or a cleaner that contains ammonia. You will need to use bleach in the next step, and you know that combining bleach and ammonia can create toxic vapors
Step 3. Wash with a diluted bleach solution
Dilute 80ml of bleach in 4 liters of water and clean the area where you removed the seal.
- Use a brush or sponge brush to better apply the bleach solution.
- Leave it on for about 5 minutes before removing it.
- Scrape off the bleach with an old toothbrush or plastic spatula.
Step 4. Rinse and dry
Rinse with warm water and dry the surface with a clean, dry cloth.
Now you can apply the new sealant. Pay particular attention that all surfaces are completely dry otherwise the sealant will not set
Method 3 of 4: Method 3 of 4: Remove silicone residues from hard surfaces
Step 1. Rinse with mineral water
Before applying any silicone-stained chemical solvent to marble or other hard surfaces, rinse with mineral or distilled water.
Step 2. Moisten the stain with a solvent
Choose a solvent suitable for removing the silicone and moisten using a clean rag.
- Note that you only need a solvent on silicone stains. The other types of sealants, whether they are acrylic or non-acrylic, will simply be removed with water and a good scratch.
- Effective chemicals contain dichloromethane.
Step 3. Mix the solvent with absorbent paste
Mix the solvent together with some absorbent material and make a nice paste.
- You can combine the solvent with white paper napkins, chalk powder, talcum powder, soft wheat flour, white fabric or laundry whitener.
- You will need about 450g of this mixture for every 30 square cm of surface.
Step 4. Apply the paste to the stains
Roll out the dough with a plastic or wooden spatula and make sure that the thickness is about 6.5 mm.
- You will need to cover the entire stain, even coming out a little from the edges.
- After applying the paste, check for air bubbles.
Step 5. Let it sit
Cover the area where you applied the paste with cling film, sealing the edges well with masking tape. Let it rest for at least 48 hours.
In case the solvent you purchased gives precise instructions for use, follow the instructions on the package
Step 6. Moisten with mineral water
This operation will allow the hardened dough to soften and be easily removed.
Step 7. Scrape off the hardened paste and sealant
Use a plastic or wooden spatula to remove the paste and sealant.
Do not use any sharp tools as hard surfaces, such as marble, can easily get scratched
Step 8. Rinse with mineral water
Rinse again with mineral or distilled water to remove any residue. Dry well with kitchen paper.
This operation may need to be repeated several times before all traces of silicone are eliminated. Remember that all surfaces must be perfectly dry before repeating the procedure
Method 4 of 4: Remove sealant stains from clothing
Step 1. Remove as much as possible
Try to do this right away, as soon as the sealant comes into contact with the fabric, using a clean cloth moistened with water and wiping well.
- Scratch off the stain. A slight upward movement facilitates the detachment of the sealant while, if you rub it, you risk making it penetrate deeper and deeper into the fibers.
- You could simply blot the stain, but this solution may not be effective. It depends on how much sealant there is on the fabric and how dry it is.
- Use lukewarm water, which helps the sealant stay soft.
Step 2. Freeze the fabric if possible
If you have soiled your pants or shirt or any other fabric object that can be placed in the freezer, place it in your freezer for 30/60 minutes, until it is well frozen.
- Of course, you don't have to do this, or the following, if the sealant has come off simply by rubbing the fabric!
- At the end of the freezing operation, the fabric must be very stiff and the silicone stain hard to the touch.
Step 3. Scratch or lift the cured sealant
Hardened / frozen sealant is very easy to remove. Scratch with a painter's scraper until the sealant comes off and then simply lift and wipe it off with your fingers.
Do not use the scraper all over the stain. You could damage or break the fibers of the fabric and do even more damage
Step 4. Treat the stain with acetone
If there are traces of sealant left, blot the stain directly with acetone.
- Before using acetone, try on a hidden part. Acetone can cause stains and damage to some fabrics, so it is always best to test the fabric before creating further damage.
- Use a swab or cotton swab to apply it. Leave it on for about 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- When finished, you can wash the garment as you usually do.
