Excess silicone

[deuce22]

Hi.

Does anyone have an idea for the best way to remove thin layers of silicone.

I've just sealed a few areas in my en-suite using a semi rigid spreader.

The finish is excellent, but there's a very thin layer left behind on both sides of the main bead of silicone.

it's only partially noticeable in dry conditions, but when you use the shower you can see it a lot worse.

I want to know if there's some type of solvent that will let me wipe the excess off without it attacking the main part.

Thanks.

 

[Diyisfun]

I think the only way you will remove it is with a razor blade.
The best way I have found to put silicone on, is put masking tape each side, spread the silicone, remove the tape immediatly, then with a wet finger, run it over the silicone.

 

[deuce22]

Hi Diyisfun.

I've done that in the past and have also watched some of the more experienced guy's do it and in terms of finish, using these spreaders doesn't compare.

My only issue with them is the residue thats left behind.

I've sealed between the chrome finish of my shower and a rough textured Porcelain tile.

The chrome piece is not completely flat and the tile has little indentations on them. Using a blade won't work.

Something that I could spray on and wipe of quick so that it softened the residue but didn't start breaking down the sealant on the joint.

 

[misterhelpful]

If you tape over the silicone you want to keep with electrical tape you could try something like this: http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-2-1010-2357-everflex-silicone-eater-150ml.asp
Can't guarantee the results though.
As far as I know there, is nothing you can wipe over the silcone to clean it off once it has cured. Acetone/nail varnish remover can be used to carefully wipe away excess that is still wet.
I'd stick to the razor/stanley blade - they should work in this situation.

 

[^woody^]

Rub it quickly with your finger and it comes off

The silicone that is

 

[Richard C]

Trimming with a Stanley knife is the only way you’ll shift it now but then you’ll be left with a step edge that will be visible & prone to peeling; some solvents will soften silicone but not to the extent your talking about, it’s not the way to go & will end up looking awful. The real solution is to learn how to apply a continuous bead of silicone of constant size & smooth it off with a wet finger; experienced pro window fitters, tillers & bathroom/kitchen fitters will rarely use gadgets as they seldom live up to expectations.

The tricks with using a sealant gun effectively are;
• use (cut) the correct size nozzle for the size of bead you want
• constant trigger pressure
• keep the gun angle the same
• pull the gun away from the bead, don’t push into it (makes tram lines)
• biggest mistake is trying to apply the bead slowly (generally that’s what seems to make sense) but it’s actually far better to apply it as quickly as possible in one continuous action; it’s easier to maintain gun speed with a constant pressure which in turn applies a uniform size silicone bead
• smooth over lightly with a wet finger

After years of messing it up like practically everyone else, a window fitter showed me the above technique many years ago. It’s all about confidence really & can be a little difficult to master but once you do, perfect silicone beads every time.

 

[digdilem]

"Silicone Eater" (screwfix sell a cheap alternative) /does/ work for these thin layers you describe. Paint it on and rub the lot off with a rag. Anything more than the thinnest layer then a razor blade is best.

BTW, don't use the eater without good ventilation or you'll be seeing fairies in no time.

 

[misterhelpful]

Rub it quickly with your finger and it comes off

The silicone that is

What on Earth else would we think you meant??

 

[deuce22]

Thanks for all the tips.

I'll have a try of some of them and see what the results are.

Cheers.