High-quality and without unpleasant consequences: how to remove silicone sealant from an acrylic bathtub?

Carrying out sealing in rooms with high humidity, contact with water and temperature changes is a mandatory component of construction and repair work.

For these purposes, it is convenient and practical to use silicone sealants.

To remove old or freshly applied silicone sealant from an acrylic surface, it is important to know exactly how to clean the bath effectively, efficiently and without unpleasant consequences.

Preparing for cleaning

At its core, silicone sealant is This is a paste that provides a high level of insulation against moisture.

The peculiarity of the product is a fairly rapid hardening period at room temperature and good adhesion to the surface of contacting materials.

Silicone sealants are divided into 2 groups:

1. Neutral.
2. Acid.

Their difference is related to the composition and requirements during application. Acid has a more aggressive composition, its use is recommended with good ventilation.

• how long ago the product was applied;
• the relief of the surface from which the silicone must be removed;
• material porosity;
• type of material;
• whether the sealant will be reapplied to the cleaned area.

The soiled surface must be prepared for work. This includes:

• removing unnecessary items from the bathtub, freeing up space;
• cleaning the surface from dust and dirt;
• wiping dry.

Hardened sealant is difficult to remove and becomes water resistant.

How to clean a surface mechanically?

After inspecting the condition of the sealant, a decision is made on choosing a surface cleaning method. The main ones are mechanical and chemical.

If a strip of previously applied sealant that needs to be removed does not adhere well to the surface of the tub, you may simply need to pry up the edge. The rest of the part will come off without any effort.

If the sealant holds tightly, then you will have to cut it off with a stationery knife or blade. You should act very carefully so as not to damage the acrylic.

By placing a sharp blade flat on the surface of the bath, you can carefully guide it along the contaminated area. This way, you will be able to remove the majority of the sealant.

Residues will have to be removed with a brush or wooden scraper.. This is quite a painstaking job that will avoid damage to the bath itself. If the sealant layer is thick enough, it can be cut off with a utility knife. This should be done very carefully, gradually - layer by layer.

The process of removing sealant from an acrylic bathtub is in the video:

How to remove with improvised means?

It is possible to remove silicone sealant using simple improvised means that can be found in the household. In order for them to have a decent effect, the acrylic must be prepared, and the maximum possible amount of the product must be removed mechanically.

Vinegar essence

70% vinegar essence can be used as a solvent. Soak a rag in the solution and vigorously rub the stained area of ​​acrylic. You can leave it on the stain for better effect. After the sealant has softened, it is completely wiped off.

Salt

You can use table salt to remove any remaining sealant from the bathtub. You will also need a sponge or rag.

Application:

1. The sponge must first be moistened.
2. Sprinkle it with salt.
3. Wipe off the waterproofing compound from the surface.

Alcohol

Using alcohol undiluted is also quite effective. With this method, a rag soaked in alcohol will be used.

It is placed on the soiled area and left to act for an hour and a half.. After the paste becomes plastic, it is rubbed off with a wooden scraper or rag.

White Spirit

This product is one of the popular solvents. To apply the drug, moisten a rag and apply it to the soiled surface. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the rag does not dry out. When the sealant becomes softer, it can be cleaned off without effort.

Petrol

Refined gasoline can be used as a silicone solvent. When applying the product to the silicone sealant, it will begin to soften, which will improve the process of wiping the product off the acrylic.

How to scrub with special compounds?

Special products can be used to remove silicone from the surface of an acrylic bathtub. When choosing the right one, it is necessary to clarify whether it can be used on acrylic surfaces.

Silicon-Entferner Lugato

Lugato produces a special product for removing silicone sealants.It can be used on various types of surfaces, including acrylic.

To get a good result, you need to do the following:

1. Remove the bulk layer of sealant, leaving a thickness of no more than 0.2 cm.
2. Open the tube (child safety system - press the lid and turn it).
3. Pierce the protective foil on the tube with a needle.
4. Apply the product to the surface with remaining sealant in a thick layer - up to 0.5 cm.
5. Leave to act for at least an hour and no more than 5 hours.
6. Remove any remaining product with a non-sharp object. For example, a wooden scraper.
7. Wipe the bathtub with a rag soaked in purified gasoline.
8. Wipe with a dry cloth.
9. If necessary, the treatment should be repeated.

The drug is available in an 80 ml tube. Price per package – from 1,000 rubles.

Dow corning os-2

The silicone remover is produced by an American company. The drug is produced in various forms:

• paste;
• spray;
• liquid.

All molds are safe for plastics and can be used on acrylic. Dow corning is applied to the sealant for 20 minutes. During this time, it softens the sealing agent and makes it easy to remove. Price – from 500 rubles.

Permaloid Silicone Remover 7010

The product is a mixture based on organic solvents. The preparation is suitable for processing plastic, and can be used as a cleaner of acrylic bathtubs from sealant.

The composition contains antistatic additives. The drug is non-toxic and not difficult to use. The silicone remover is produced by the company. SpiesHecker, Germany. Price for 5 liters – from 4,500 rubles.

How to remove fresh marks?

Fresh, just applied silicone preparation is viscous and plastic. It doesn't have any grip on the surface yet.

It is important to very carefully wipe off the uncured preparation, since it will be much more difficult to wipe it off later.

7 recommendations

When removing silicone sealant from an acrylic bathtub, The following recommendations from experts should be taken into account:

1. When mechanically removing the composition, the sharp blade cannot be directed vertically, since if the knife accidentally slips, the acrylic surface can be damaged.
2. If silicone needs to be removed from narrow crevices, it is convenient to use tweezers or small pliers. Having pryed the edge, the sealant is carefully removed in a continuous strip.
3. Do not use excessive force when removing the silicone. It is necessary to act gradually, starting with mechanical cutting and moving on to chemical methods.
4. Acetone cannot be used on acrylic. Any acetone-containing compounds are also prohibited.
5. Sealants are not only silicone. Before getting to work, you should clarify what kind of waterproofing composition was used.
6. If the sealing layer needs to be replaced, the previous one must be completely removed. This is a necessary condition, since old and new silicone sealants have a very weak bond.
7. Working with sealing compounds requires a high degree of care. All application errors and shortcomings should be removed before the silicone sets.

You will find useful tips and tricks on removing silicone sealant in the bathroom Here.

Conclusion

Using available tools and special compounds will help you remove silicone sealant from an acrylic bathtub. Acrylic is sensitive to a large number of chemicals.Before you start cleaning it, you need to make sure that the solvent can be used on acrylic surfaces.