How to remove old sealant in the bathroom?

Sealing compounds are used in the bathroom for grouting tiles and various plumbing products. Over time, such a coating loses its original appearance due to all kinds of dirt or fungal formations. Since the material has high adhesion and resistance to chemicals, it is very problematic to remove it from the surface for subsequent replacement. This article will discuss how to remove old sealant in the bathroom.

The process of dismantling the sealing material will largely depend on its composition. For bathrooms, substances with antiseptic additives are used, which have increased moisture resistance.

In rooms with high humidity, the following types of sealants are mainly used:

• based on silicone;
• polyurethane;
• acrylic based;
• silicone-acrylic.

Silicone sealants are the most common type of material used in the bathroom. This coating has excellent moisture-repellent characteristics. Many silicone-based mixes are formulated with fungicides to prevent mold and mildew on the surface. The material is characterized by excellent adhesion, resistance to temperature extremes over a wide range and durability.

The silicone product has another name - sanitary sealant. The material received this name due to its good resistance to chemicals. Note that the cost of silicone compounds is quite high, which, in turn, does not make such a material less popular.

This type of sealant, after drying, forms a highly durable and at the same time flexible coating. The material is resistant to low temperatures. However, exposure to heat will adversely affect the coating.

Polyurethane sealant can be used for finishing vertical surfacesas the mixture adheres well and does not run off during application. The one-component composition does not contain toxic substances, which makes it safe for human health. Paints and varnishes can be applied to the polyurethane coating to improve the appearance of the material or its technical characteristics.

The composition on an acrylic basis is not inferior to silicone mixtures in many respects. The service life of the acrylic coating is also long and the adhesion level is not lower. In addition, the material is cheaper than silicone-containing formulations.

The disadvantage of mixtures with acrylic components is their low plasticity., therefore, such a sealant can be used only in areas that will not deform over time. Otherwise, when the material dries, cracks may appear on the surface.

There are no organic solvents in the composition of acrylic mixtures, which indicates the environmental friendliness of the material and the absence of odor. For bathrooms, only moisture resistant modifications of acrylic sealants are used.

These mixtures combine all the best qualities of both types of sealant. The coating of this material is highly durable, elastic and durable.The mixture can be used as an adhesive for fastening various products.

The use of sealant in the bathroom is due to the peculiarities of the temperature and humidity conditions of the room. All crevices, gaps and seams on surfaces must be sealed to protect against water and moisture and to prevent fungal growth.

After repairs or as a result of prolonged operation of the hermetic coating, in certain cases it becomes necessary to remove the old layer of material for its subsequent replacement.

Let's consider the most common cases when it needs to be removed from the surface.

• When carrying out repair work, you can inaccurately apply the sealant mixture. If the solution is applied incorrectly, then to correct this error, it is necessary to completely clean out the old layer and fill the seam with sealant again.
• Any type of sealant will wear out and deteriorate over time. It can change color due to serious dirt or burnout. Cracks appear on the surface of the material, from this the performance of the coating will become much worse. In this case, the old layer of the mixture must be removed immediately.

• Even if the composition of the solution included fungicides or other antiseptic components, during prolonged use in an unfavorable environment, fungus or mold may appear on the surface. When microorganisms appear and actively spread, the material must also be replaced. It is necessary to carry out the work as soon as possible, since the fungus spreads very quickly in conditions of high humidity and sometimes causes severe harm to the health of households.
• During the repair process, the sealant compound accidentally appears on surfaces that were not intended to be treated.

All methods of removing an old layer of sealant at home are divided into two main types: mechanical and using chemicals. The complete stripping procedure can be called a combined method, since it involves the sequential application of both methods.

To clean out the bulk of the material, it is recommended to use the mechanical method. Remains of the mixture or small contamination from the solution on plumbing fixtures, walls and floors can be removed using special chemicals. Fresh traces of uncured sealant are relatively easy to clean. It is enough to wipe the dirty area with a cloth soaked in gasoline, any solvent or alcohol.

The mechanical method of removing the sealant is characterized by cutting and removing the old layer of material using sharpened tools. Most often, only the upper part is physically cleaned, and the remains are removed by chemical means.

For the mechanical stripping method, the following devices are mainly used:

• metal spatula;
• construction scraper;
• stationery knife;
• screwdriver;
• kitchen knife with a thin blade.

It is not always possible to completely clean the surface with sharp tools. In many cases, it is better to combine mechanical and chemical removal methods. Even if it turned out to free the seams from the old material as much as possible, then often fat traces remain in its place. These stains must be removed before applying a new coat.

The following tools are used for stripping:

• pumice;
• abrasive substances;
• sandpaper;
• special cleaning agents.

For cleaning old silicone, many modern manufacturers of building materials produce special chemical mixtures.Such compositions are able to soften the sealant, which allows you to easily remove the old layer using any convenient tool. In addition to special solutions, you can use such familiar products as gasoline or white spirit.

The method of removing the caulking agent depends on the type of mix previously used as well as the surface material of the plumbing fixture. Mechanical cleaning is only suitable for enamelled cast iron or steel tanks.

The procedure for removing the old layer of silicone coating in this case includes a number of sequential steps.

• The top sealant layer is removed with sharp instruments. It can be a knife, blade, screwdriver, or any other handy tool. Cleaning should be done slowly and carefully, as there is a high chance of cutting or scratching the tub.
• The remnants of the material are cleaned with a piece of pumice, sandpaper or a scraper.

• Even if it turned out to completely clean the old sealant from the seams, dirt in the form of greasy traces will still remain in its place. Such stains are cleaned with powdered household chemicals, after which the surface is well washed with clean water.
• Instead of household chemicals, you can use regular table salt to clean greasy stains. A rag or sponge should be sprinkled with fine salt, lightly sprinkled with water and in a circular motion wipe away traces of the sealant on the surface.

It is necessary to apply a special composition to the old layer of material and leave it for some time to affect the sealant, the exact interval will be indicated on the package. Most often, the solution is kept on the coating for 24 hours.

The softened material can be removed with wooden spatulas. You can remove traces of the sealant and degrease the surface with vodka or alcohol diluted with water.

Both mechanical and chemical methods can be used to clean the seams of tiles. The first will not differ from a similar method of removing the sealant from the bathtub. Old silicone sealant is extremely tough, so solvents are often used to remove it.

The surface cleaning process is fairly straightforward.

• With the help of sharp tools, the outer layer of the material is removed.
• Apply gasoline, white spirit or any organic solvent to the joints with the sealant residues with a sponge or rag.

• The applied product is left in the seams for several hours. Over time, the sealant will soften and take on a jelly-like shape.
• The material is removed using any convenient tool.
• Greasy stains can be removed using household chemicals, salt or baking soda.
• Wipe the clean surface again with soapy water or dishwashing detergent. After that, the seams must be rinsed with hot water.

Make sure the joints are well cleaned before applying a new coat of sealant. Not only pieces of old material should not remain on them, but also greasy traces.

If the previous layer of sealant was covered with mold and fungus, then additional surface treatment is required, since traces of a microorganism may remain on the seams themselves. In this case, mold will reappear on the coating after a new seal. Seam treatment can be done with vinegar. Such a tool will remove the remains of the fungus from the surface and reduce the likelihood of re-infection.

After all the procedures for cleaning the joints, you can proceed to re-sealing.

To carry out the work, the following devices will be required:

• a gun for applying sealant;
• masking tape;
• building hair dryer or hair dryer;
• clean rag.

Before applying the sealant to the cleaned surface, make sure that there is no moisture left on the seams. Damp areas can be dried with a hair dryer. To protect tiles or plumbing fixtures from accidental ingress of a sealing substance, seams and adjacent surfaces must be glued with masking tape.

Sealing mixtures are mainly produced in a special tube, which is inserted into a construction gun for applying such material. On the front of the tube, there is a slight extension in the form of a spout that needs to be cut off. The sealant is then placed in a gun that can be used to fill the joints.

The mechanical and chemical methods of stripping the sealing substance have their own characteristics.

To wash the sealant with special means, you need to adhere to some simple rules.

• Before proceeding with the removal of the sealant using special tools, it is recommended to test the chemical composition on an inconspicuous area of ​​the surface to be cleaned. Thus, it will be possible to check whether the agent and the surface material enter into a chemical reaction, and to avoid the appearance of stains on the product.

• Household chemicals are quite effective in helping to cope with dirt from the old sealing compound. When working with such substances, you should remember about your own safety measures. The skin of the hands must be protected with gloves. If solutions are used in the form of aerosol cans, work must be carried out with construction goggles and a respirator.

With the help of a building hair dryer, the surface is heated to four hundred degrees Celsius, then the old layer is easily cleaned off.

How to remove silicone sealant in the bathroom, see the next video.