When installing strainers, faucets, etc., I’ve always used plumber’s putty.
Clear Silicone is often mentioned as a better product for the job, and it may be, but what about the film it leaves when you wipe off the excess caused by the squeeze-out??
Is there a product or technique that would help with this?
Thanks
lek
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Replies
Mineral spirits works, I was told.
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I use rubbing alcholo. It can be used for "wash" it off the surface and also for tooling it.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
jus' use plumbers putty...all these guys are just trouble makers busting our ballz. Pain in the azz they are...lol
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
I obviously find the putty easier to use, but I'll have to give Bill H's rubbing alcohol a try on the silicone clean-up.
Thanks to all for the replies.
lek
I don't use silicone anywhere any more. The cleanup is only the start of the trouble it causes. When you change the faucet, strainer, whatever, it is a royal pain to get rid of. If you do use caulking just use the siliconized acrylic caulk. It cleans up with water and later on comes off easier. I absolutely hate silicone.
Some "Marble" tops can be stained by plumbers putty, I've seen both natural marble stone tops as well as ONXY composite types stain around the drain from using it.
On ONYX the silicone can be "worked" or rolled off once it has cured. I've used MS in the past with mixed results.
Acetone might do it. Make sure you keep it off any other nearby plastic, it'll haze it, and mask where you don't want it to go.
Plumber's Putty would be easier in the long run, sounds like.
Acetone is the only thing I've found that will allow me to tool silicone. Since caulking is not something I do everyday I haven't developed the skill to lay a nice, even bead. At least with the acetone I can tool it to something acceptable looking.
I agree with popawheelie. I never use pure silicone for anything. The stuff is a pain to use, doesn't seal any better than a good quality caulk, and if you ever want to remove the faucet it's really going to be a pain.
Everybody on this post is either right or wrong.LOL.
"If all else fails, read the directions"
lek
If you want to use silicone caulk, use denatured alcohol to clean it and tool it, as well as prep the area to be caulked.
I prefer using polyturethane caulk. I will not use silicone again. It pulls away from fiberglass, etc., and allows mold to begin growing behind it, discoloring the caulk and turning it black.
Denatured alcohol works very well with polyurethane caulk as well.
Plumbers putty? I have removed enough drain tail pieces to know that it will dry and crack. Which is good when you are replacing a tail piece. Easier to clean up the mess. But, not as good for sealing.
Also, keep in mind that denatured alcohol WILL soften latex paint and remove it. So, if you are using silicone or polyurethane next to paint, remember that.
Pure silicone cannot be painted. Polyurethane can.
Bryan
"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio - just south of the Glass City
Bryan,
Thanks for the tips.
I'm going to try the polyutrethane and alcohol the next time.
lek