How to Remove Old Silicone Around a Bath | Easy Step-by-Step, by DIY with Anja on YouTube. 9 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Run a thin bead of silicone remover along the joint and leave it for the time stated on the bottle, usually a few hours, to soften the sealant.
Score along both edges of the silicone with a sharp craft knife, keeping the blade flat against the bath and wall so you do not gouge the surface.
Slide a silicone scraper under one end of the bead and work along the joint, peeling the old sealant away in long strips.
Pick out the stubborn leftovers with the corner of the scraper or a plastic scraper. Avoid metal tools that can scratch enamel or acrylic.
Wipe the joint with white spirit or silicone remover on a cloth to break down the thin film the scraper leaves behind.
Scrub away any mould or soap residue in the gap with a cloth and a mild bathroom cleaner, then rinse and let it dry fully.
Check the joint is completely dry and free of loose bits. Any moisture or dust left behind will stop the new silicone from sticking.
Run masking tape along both sides of the joint so you get a neat edge when you apply the new sealant.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the knife blade flat and cut away from your fingers, and wear safety glasses in case a strip flicks up.
Never use a metal scraper on acrylic baths, as it scratches easily and the marks cannot be polished out.
Let the area dry for at least a few hours before resealing, since silicone will not bond to a damp surface.
Work in small sections if the old sealant is thick, rather than forcing the scraper through in one go.
Questions
Can I just put new silicone over the old sealant?
No. New silicone will not stick to old sealant and the joint will fail again quickly. Remove the old bead completely first.
What if the silicone will not come off?
Use a chemical silicone remover and give it the full dwell time on the bottle. Softened sealant peels away far more easily than dry sealant.
How long should the area dry before I reseal?
Leave it several hours, or overnight if the room is humid. The joint and the gap behind it need to be completely dry.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
