Silicone sealer secrets
Ensure all your jobs look professional. Always remove silicone sealer on the surfaces you’re repairing before applying new silicone sealer. We’ll show you how to remove sealant and residue quickly.
Why you should remove silicone sealer before applying new
It’s very important to have a clean surface to work with before applying sealants. Besides the obvious – it won’t look as good (or go on smoothly) if the area isn’t clean – a dirty surface will prevent new sealant from adhering properly and encourage mould growth.
Don’t worry - all of this is preventable if you remove the old sealer first. Then you have a clean and sanitary area to apply your new sealant.
How to remove silicone sealer
Removing old sealant doesn’t have to be a tedious job. See how quick and easy it can be with these tips:
- Strip the sealant away using a utility knife or putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the tub, sink, or whatever you are working on. If you have a sealant removing tool, even better these have two blades at a 90-degree angle so that both sides of a corner are scraped at once.
- If you find it to be slow going, you might want to try a commercial sealant remover. This will soften the sealant and make it easier to remove if it’s hard or very strongly bonded to the surrounding materials. One note of caution, though: Make sure the sealant remover is compatible with the material you are applying it to. Check with the manufacturer or test a small spot in an inconspicuous area.
- Once the old sealant has been removed, clean the area of dirt, soap scum, sealant residue, or mould. Use bleach if it’s compatible with the materials or another commercial cleaning product. Rinse the area with clean water, then allow the surface to dry completely.
- Now you’re ready to apply your new sealant!
As an alternative to silicone remover, you might try an oil-based spray lubricant. These have also been shown to break the bond the silicone has with surrounding materials and ease removal.
Refresh your project without removing old sealant
Ever wish that there was a way to renew the sealer around your sink, bathtub, and other items without removing the old sealant? Loctite has the answer to your DIY prayers with the new Loctite Re-New specialty sealant.
This revolutionary product is designed to be applied right on top of old damaged bathroom sealants. Even if the existing sealant is yellowed, cracked, or mouldy, it will cover and hide discolourations and cracks! Simply clean the existing sealant, remove mould as best you can, and allow it to dry. Then apply Re-New on top. You’ll get great results every time thanks to the integrated smoothing tool and special anti-mould formula.