Easy way to remove sealant

[Kath123]

Help. I have just tries to put new sealant around shower cubicle and unbeknown to me there was a layer of clear sealant which i did not take off. Result disaster it looks awful but now i am having a terrible job trying to get if off Can someone offer advice please?

 

[alan333]

Cut it all off with a stanley blade and start again. Watch and not cut yourself mind.

 

[geraldthehamster]

Help. I have just tries to put new sealant around shower cubicle and unbeknown to me there was a layer of clear sealant which i did not take off. Result disaster it looks awful but now i am having a terrible job trying to get if off Can someone offer advice please?

WD40 is effective at softening silicone sealant. You'll still need to scrape it.

Cheers
Richard

 

[ntb]

This stuff works:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-sealant-remover-100ml/88987

 

[3DGuy]

This stuff works:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-sealant-remover-100ml/88987[/QUOTE]

+1 but don't use on natural stone tiles that join an area. Also get rubbing alcohol to then also remove any residue left over after removing so it doesn't attack new silicone

 

[YorkshireJoe]

This stuff works:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-sealant-remover-100ml/88987[/QUOTE]

+1 but don't use on natural stone tiles that join an area. Also get rubbing alcohol to then also remove any residue left over after removing so it doesn't attack new silicone

how does this stuff fair on Kitchen worktops? and units ? wood laminate worktops and the units are the common chipboard style.

 

[WalksWithTurkeys]

This stuff works:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-sealant-remover-100ml/88987[/QUOTE]

Don't use it anywhere near paint or plastics. It dissolves them! That stuff is so aggressive it is best not used IMO.

Just use a Stanley knife, and be careful.

 

[S8tjo]

Get the worst of it off with a Stanley knife then clean the remnants off with methylated spirits soaked on a cloth which should neutralise and dissolve the sealant. Make sure the area is completely clear of the old sealant before putting new sealant in the gap.

 

[Tomas3000]

Yep best way is to cut it with a sharpe knife!

 

[Chri5]

A Stanley knife is quite tricky to use when the blade needs to be flat against the base the sealant is on.

I find a cheap paint scraper (the type that takes a Stanley blade) useful. It also helps that once some sealant is lifted you pull on it gently while continuing to cut out the sealant line.

On mottled surfaces such as textured tiles you will have to resort to chemical removal of the fine film that will still exist after the blade work.

 

[longdogs]

Let it set first (you will get in a terrible mess otherwise). Take a Stanley blade and wrap some tape around the top blunt edge. This will stop it hurting your fingers.

Hold the blade flat on the tray then cut all the way along
Hold the blade flat on the wall then cut all the way along

The majority should now pull away then clean off any bits by gently scraping with the blade. Renew the blade several times

 

[ellabbs]

buy a plastic utility knife, them that you should extend the blade with a thumb push, use it and when blunt snap that part of the blade off and carry on..

i extend it quite far and gently saw the sealant off..... pretty easy to do .

 

[mcmoby69]

I use a sharp half inch wood chisel, used upside down with the bevel rubbing on the flat surface of the tile and then lift the handle gently to start cutting into the silicone as it is pushed along. then do the same along the shower tray or bath.

then clean off whats left with upvc cleaner.

 

[longdogs]

It will come off a lot easier if you let it cure first.