How to Remove Clear Silicone
It is important to remove all traces of old caulking before re-caulking items such as a bathtub, sink, toilet or fish tank. The new silicone will not effectively adhere to surfaces if any traces of the old silicone remain. Clear silicone is often challenging to remove because it is transparent.
While it is challenging, it is not impossible.
Things You Will Need
- Cleanser
- Razor blade
- Putty knife
- Cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
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Clean the area surrounding the clear silicone. Dirt and debris make it difficult to see clear silicone on a surface.
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Put on a pair of work gloves. Use a razor blade to slice along the top and bottom edges of the silicone. This will break the seal between the silicone and the surface.
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Cut several vertical lines along the length of the silicone.
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Insert the edge of a putty knife into one of the cuts. Use the putty knife to pry up an end of the clear silicone.
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Firmly grasp the end and pull. Use the putty knife to pry the silicone away from the surface as the rope is pulled. The silicone will probably not come out in one long rope. Pry up a new end as the rope breaks.
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Use a razor blade to scrape away any remaining silicone. Do not forget to wear work gloves while handling the razor blade.
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Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol. Wipe away all remaining traces of the clear silicone. For particularly stubborn areas, place an alcohol-dampened cloth over the area. Allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping.
The Drip Cap
- It is important to remove all traces of old caulking before re-caulking items such as a bathtub, sink, toilet or fish tank.
- The new silicone will not effectively adhere to surfaces if any traces of the old silicone remain.
- While it is challenging, it is not impossible.
- Use the putty knife to pry up an end of the clear silicone.
- Firmly grasp the end and pull.
References
Writer Bio
Ms. Davies owns two websites, has published one ebook and has previous writing experience with psychological research teams. Ms. Davies has a psychology degree, 11 FEMA emergency response certificates and 1 terrorism response certificate from the National Fire Academy.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
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