My DF told an illiterate (literally, can’t read either English or Spanish) worker/friend that it was OK to use an old tube of silicone caulk that was in the laundry room, to caulk the baseboard and interior trim prior to painting.
I now have two problems: the usual one of paint not adhering to silicone caulk, and the secondary one of old silicone caulk that hasn’t cured after 48 hours, so it’s slimy and sticky and attracting dirt. To make matters worse, Eduardo didn’t generally make a nice smooth bead. There’s caulk all over the place.
Suggestions for removal?
I remember reading that denatured alcohol is good. What I have in the house is:
– “odorless” mineral spirits
– acetone
– “brush cleaner”, which is a mixture of solvents, including acetone, methanol, methylene chloride, toluene, and xylene.
plus an assortment of detergent-based degreasers.
I’m getting most of the wet goop off with a dry shop towel and lots of elbow grease.
So far, I’ve been using the brush cleaner on the theory that at least one of the solvents in the mix ought to be helpful. It seems to work best on the areas where the caulk did in fact cure, and it seems to work by softening the underlying paint enough to peel the caulk off. I’m not sure if the areas where the paint isn’t sticking (i.e. where there’ still silicone) are due to not noticing a smeared area, or to the brush cleaner not actually removing any uncured caulk.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Rebeccah
Replies
Scrape up as much as you possibly can.
Then clean with TSP.
It is my job to practice random facetiousness and senseless acts of raspberryerie.
And I take my job very seriously.
Mineral sprits will work only on non cured fresh out of tube silicone, so that is out.
Have never used it but there is a silicone remover similar to a gel paint remover. Don't know how it reacts to painted surfaces though. Home Depot, Lowes, ACE should have it read what it can AND CANNOT BE USED ON.
Other wise I am with Luka on this one razor blade, putty knife to get most off, then scrub with a scotch brite pad. green or white. Maybe try the Mr clean erasers. Just lots of elbow work.
Wallyo
Encourage Eduardo to get in a reading class Tell him to check out the local library most have a program.
Edited 3/5/2008 1:13 am ET by wallyo
Edited 3/5/2008 1:15 am ET by wallyo
Remove the bulk by cutting/scraping.
The left over can then be got with Ados Solvent N
Need good ventilation while you use it and it says on the can dont get it on skin, but it removes silicone and a bunch of other stuff really well and wont hurt acrylic etc.
I use it a lot on showers. Only thing it doesnt like it seems is fibreglass.People talk about insanity like its a bad thing........
For reference ordinary rubbing alcholo is good for cleaning up UNCURED silicon caulk.
The best cleaner that I have found for cured silicon caulk is Liftoff Silicon Caulk and Foam Remover. Lowes used to have it, but I think tha tthe no longer have it, but may have moved it and I have not seen it. I think that HD has it. I know that I saw some Liftoff brand products.
Goof off sorta works.
But what they do is to break down the silicon. You need to cut/scrap the bulk off. then use the remover to break down the remaining.
There are other brands of silicon caulk "removers", but I have not tried them.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Be careful. A few of the solvents that have been mentioned will also soften paint (e.g. goof off and acetone), as well as vinyl flooring and some wood floor finishes.
Edited 3/5/2008 8:57 am ET by RedfordHenry
OK, sounds like mineral spirits and rubbing alcohol are the things to try on the kitchen window for the uncured goop. I don't care about damage to the paint, this was supposed to be prep work for repainting anyway. Besides, damaging the paint makes removing the cured parts easier.I'll also take a razor blade and scotch-brite to the cured parts first.Thanks, all.Rebeccah
Ok, allow me to repeat......
VINEGAR
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
and make sure it's distilled whie vinegar...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
But think of how delicious the walls might be with a good balsamic.
ok... white vinegar.... use WHITE VINEGAR.
also, mineral spirits can be harsh on some surfaces so if you go that route, be careful and test.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
I don't have any white vinegar in the house (we're in the middle of moving).I do have mineral spirits, and it seems to work well -- I now have a squeak when I run the towel down the previously slimy trim.I don't care about damaging the underlying paint, although it doesn't seem to have done it any harm.What I thought was cured silicone on the kitchen window turns out to be some grey colored rubbery filler (urethane caulk?) that was painted white, and does hold the paint - although it didn't cover completely in one coat. It also cuts nicely with a razor blade, although I don't know if it will sand well.Thank you one and all for the suggestions.Rebeccah
there must be an echo in here....
distilled...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
yes, never use dismoving
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
That's what you get for hiring folks to do work that have no clue what they are doing.... sorry but someone had to say it.
now, try vinegar.
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
distilled white at that...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
yeah.... Balsamic can be rather messy.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
I know. I hired pros to do plumbing, electrical, HVAC, foundation, and structural work or roofing on the house. But my fiance is an artist, and objects strenuously to my having anyone but him and his buddies do the painting. Plus, any screw-ups are cosmetic (and extra work for me and my fiance).I also let DF and his buddies (and me) do work on the garage.Rebeccah
Ya have just gotten a bunch of 'sissy' solutions so far.
After the easy mechanical removal, Mask off the good areas with polyethelene.
Be able to close the door to the laundry room and turn on the exhaust vent, leave after application with mask and gloves.
Straight MEK softens even cured silicone, will cut right thru partially cured, what speks of silicone are left after the MEK, use straight HCl, muriatic (diluted HCl) will do in a pinch.
:-OThanks, I'll keep that solution in mind for next time.Rebeccah