DIY

How to remove silicone

Silicone is a product used in many tasks, be it repair, DIY, construction, among others. Its handling is something common even from elementary school, where the little ones learn to use it for their school projects. For this and many reasons, it is convenient to know how to remove its remains after use.

the silicone

If we look for the definition of “silicone” we are told that it is an odorless and colorless polymer with which materials can be glued together or cracks closed . This material stands out for being quite practical in all kinds of repairs, as well as being very adaptable thanks to its high elasticity.

Basically it can be found in two presentations: liquid and cold or in bar. To use the latter, you will need a silicone gun, which is responsible for heating the bar and making it come out through a nozzle. It has the advantage of drying almost immediately, unlike cold, which must sit for a couple of hours before it can dry completely. However, it can be purchased in bottles with a nozzle and is safer to use.

Uses of silicone

As you can see, silicone is a very practical and easy product to adapt to the needs of each situation, since its elasticity and molding capacity allow it to be used in many areas of daily life.

Previously we indicated that it could be used even by children and, with a proper introduction to the adhesive, children can easily interpret the usefulness of silicone and use it to do school projects, build puzzles, paste cutouts, among many other things.

In the construction area, it can be used after applying waterproofing paint on any surface, helping to close cracks and corners, to guarantee an effective seal against any leak.

In addition, it should be noted that cold silicone can be very practical for repairing delicate objects, since it avoids subjecting them to heat . This allows you to use the product to repair unconventional things, such as that broken corner on the best PC steering wheel when you accidentally dropped it, or that accessory to the living room ornament that your pet knocked over.

How to remove silicone?

Cleaning silicone can be both a simple and complex task, depending on the amount, how long it has been there, and its general condition. If you want to learn how to remove dried silicone , then we offer you the most efficient methods for it:

  1.   with tools

A simple and effective method when looking for how to remove silicone is usually to use a small spatula to try to clean the product. The silicone, once dry, forms a complete film that can be lifted if it is thick enough. In addition, its elasticity maintains its union with the rest of the product, allowing it to be removed completely more easily.

In case you are interested in knowing how to remove silicone residue from aluminum or wood , for example, you can also use a cutter, a knife or, failing that, a knife. Of course, being very careful not to scratch the work surface, apart from wearing gloves as protection.

 

  1.   With solvent for silicone

After using the tool method to remove silicone, you may notice a thin patina on the surface, similar to the mark left by stickers. This part can be one of the most complicated to remove, so you will have to help yourself with a product to remove silicone.

A couple of good solvents for this polymer are alcohol and acetone . The chemical composition of these products is capable of dissolving the silicone, allowing it to be removed without leaving practically any traces.

They can be used either separately or mixed, although it is more advisable to combine ether with acetone in equal parts to obtain an effective solvent. At the same time, you’ll probably want to let the mixture sit on the silicone for a couple of minutes so it can properly penetrate the layer of material.

  1.   with homemade products

Knowing how to clean silicone with household items can get you out of trouble more than once, since the aforementioned products are not always on hand.

Consequently, you should know that one of the most common alternatives when looking for a homemade silicone remover is kitchen vinegar . This popular salad ingredient is high in acetic acid, which can dissolve silicone components.

It can be one of the safest options if you need to figure out how to remove silicone from your hands other than acetone, as you just need to soak them in a little vinegar to loosen the silicone and remove it while rinsing with tap water and a sponge.

Another useful alternative is aguardiente ; a drink that, due to its high alcohol content, can relatively loosen the silicone and facilitate its removal with the help of a spatula or a kitchen knife. The same goes for gasoline , as it is also very effective and you might be able to buy some easily.

A bonus tip

Although the hardened silicone is not particularly difficult to remove, it can be very annoying, especially when trying to remove the remains and marks.

If you want to minimize the time it takes to resolve this type of problem, especially in the DIY area, you should be careful and delicate when applying the silicone. This way, when it needs to be replaced or removed, you won’t have to deal with debris stuck everywhere.

In addition to the above, whatever product you decide to use to try to remove the silicone, we advise you to wear gloves to protect your hands, since the corrosive effects of some components can be harmful to the skin.

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