How to wipe silicone sealant from the tile?

Very often, during construction or repair work, silicone sealant is used. It is applied in a liquid state on the surface, but tends to harden quickly. In this regard, there is the problem of rubbing caked sealant from different surfaces.

Of course, it is best to remove the excess of this substance immediately after application. But if this moment is missed, then do not despair. Hardened silicone sealant can also be removed, washed and scrubbed, even if you have to do it in the bathroom or in the kitchen where the tile was laid, and there is a threat to damage its surface during cleaning.

With this substance you can perfectly fill the space between the wall and the tile., all kinds of joints and seams.Such a composition perfectly seals the space that is between the tiles, as well as the surface to which it is attached, thereby preventing the entry of dust, liquid and dirt. That, in turn, does not allow the development of various types of fungus and mold in the room.

But over time, the traces of the selected sealant become contaminated, giving the room a sloppy look. Then there is a need to wash off the remnants of the old substance.

In fact, the dried sealant is quite difficult to remove, since it adheres very tightly. But there are several options for solving this problem.

There are three ways to clean the surface of the sealing composition:

• Mechanical. You will need special tools: a knife, a construction spatula, a sharp razor, soda or salt in burlap, a kitchen wire mesh.
• Chemical. Special chemical active substances are used that dissolve and destroy sealant. Here it is necessary to apply means for individual protection and it is necessary to observe precautionary measures. These drugs include "White-spirit" or gasoline, solvent, "Penta-840", Dow Corning OS-2.
• Combined. It is more effective, because the two methods mentioned above are used at once. Using this method, the composition can be removed as quickly as possible.

You need to start with machining. With a stationery knife or a convenient razor, remove a thick layer of sealant. Then apply the solvent for several hours. When the silicone is converted to a jelly-like substance, it is more convenient to remove it.

To do this, pry the edge with a knife and remove the solid tape. If a piece of tape breaks, you need to start from a new edge.

Next, rinse the surface with water and wipe with a dry cloth, removing small residual silicone. If he is deeply eaten into the surface of the tile, then it is not necessary to scrape it hard, so as not to make it worse, irrevocably damaging the surface. It is necessary to act gradually and carefully. Remove or erase the composition of the tile is not difficult.

When using a chemical composition that should be applied for 30 minutes with a cotton swab or a stick for the ears, matte traces of the preparation may remain on the tile.They are removed with a degreasing agent. After that, the surface is washed with water.

All drugs come in three forms: aerosol, paste and liquid. Aerosols should be shaken before starting work and spray abundantly on the sealant. It is convenient to apply the paste with a spatula, completely covering those areas that need cleaning. Liquid should be moistened with a cloth or sponge and process sealant with it.

Dow Corning OS-2 is a fairly mild substance that hardly damages the surface of the tile, but is non-toxic. Under its influence, the sealant becomes soft and easily removed.

"Penta-840" has a similar effect, but with more long-term use it can destroy the silicone and damage the surface of the tile. This should be considered when using. In addition, "Penta-840" perfectly copes with the cleaning of the old layer of sealant.

Special precautions should be taken when using the solvent.It is a flammable and toxic drug whose vapors have a narcotic effect. Therefore, it can only be used in a well-ventilated area and observing personal protective equipment.

Specialized drugs can be purchased at any hardware store.

All of them are divided into two groups:

• Two-component, which are mainly used in manufacturing or construction;
• Single-component - they are designed to remove silicone sealant in small areas and have several varieties.

70% acetic acid is used to dissolve the acidic form of silicone. Alcohol types of sealant perfectly removed by means of the same composition: medical or technical. Sealants on a neutral basis can be treated with acetone, gasoline or “White Spirit”.

Of course, all these specialized chemicals are not cheap. Therefore, there are more simple and affordable methods of cleaning silicone sealant. For example, regular acetone. It should be applied to those areas that need to be removed, and put a strip of cloth dipped in acetone for about 1 hour.Silicone will turn into a jelly, which is desirable to remove in large pieces or all at once.

Similarly, vinegar can be used. Small residues of sealant, which may remain after cleaning on the tile surface, can be removed with the help of kitchen wire mesh, burlap. Baking soda, placed in a canvas bag, or ordinary salt soaked in water on a damp cloth, will do just fine. Such sparing agents are suitable for delicate coatings that may suffer from more aggressive drugs.

It so happens that the treated sealant is not removed the whole strip. Most often this happens because of an improperly chosen cleaning agent or the poor quality of the sealant itself. If this happens, you should process the silicone layer several times until it starts to curl and peel off.

If it is known on what basis a sealant, then it is more logical to use an appropriate means for its removal.Otherwise, you will have to select and experiment with the drug at random. To avoid this, it is better to pre-make a note about the used sealant in this room.

The tile may have a porous surface. To clean it will be much more difficult because of the uneven basis. The task can also be complicated by the fact that the material is not covered with enamel, since in this case the silicone is much stronger and grabs deeper with the surface of the tile. To clean the porous surface of ceramics, the process will have to be divided into several stages and repetitions: in turn, apply solvent to the tuberosities and cavities, carefully remove the softened layer and apply the liquid again. Carry out the procedure to remove the sealant.

When working with a silicone sealant, some precautions should be observed.

It is necessary to use rubber gloves to protect the skin of the hands from getting on them substance. The room in which repairs are carried out should be regularly and well ventilated.

Before applying the substance to the joints, you can cover the uncured surface with masking tape. As a result, not only will the clean surface of the tile remain, but the contours between them will be even.

When using an aerosol cleaner, you need to be extremely careful. The product is sprayed around the circumference and care must be taken to ensure that it does not fall on the skin or the clean surface of the tile, which can be damaged: the liquid can adversely affect paint and enamel. Some types of surfaces may blister or crack. To avoid this, cover the area of ​​the tile that will not be processed.

Before you carry out work on the application or removal of silicone sealant, you need to decide on the method of cleaning: you will use a mechanical method or you need to resort to chemical preparations.

In any case, you will need the following tools:

• rubber gloves;
• respirator;
• fan;
• putty knife;
• office knife, razor blade;
• masking tape;
• tassel;
• cleanser and instructions to it.

All the above methods are used to remove old putty. What method and drug to use, everyone decides for himself.

How to remove the dried sealant, see in the video.