Step By Step Directions Of Removing Silicone Caulk From Wood Siding
The silicone caulk has many uses when it comes to using it at home. However, when it comes to the point of removal, this can be a little bit tricky. Silicone Caulk is used as a weather sealant, or an adhesive, and also to fill in joints and the gaps. Removing the silicone caulk from the wood needs caution. It is important to remember that using a chisel to scrape off the caulk is ineffective and also can damage the wood siding. In order to remove silicone caulk, follow the steps carefully:
- Preliminary Check: The first step is to perform spot testing using the silicone caulk remover. This is to make sure that the remover will not damage the wood's surface. Also, if removing the caulk from the joint in the place where it was used as a sealant, then do check if there is any backer rod underneath it. The backer rod must also be removed, mostly if resealing the joint.
- Remove Loose Pieces: If in case the sealant is old, then there will be a loose bit that is peeling away as well as falling off. These can be easily removed with the help of hands. Scrape the area using the finger, and pull off anything that comes in the way.
- Heat The Caulk: The next step is to use the heat gun or the hairdryer in order to heat up what is left, heating the caulking will help a lot to soften it and then removing it. Be very careful not to overheat the space as it can damage the finish badly on the surrounding of the wood surface.
- Remove Remaining Caulk: Once the caulking is softened, then take a razor blade and start carefully scrapping or slicing it. It is very important to set the angle of the blade very low, due to the fact that this will help to prevent the wood that is under from scratching. Be very careful while working using the razor as it is sharp and can be dangerous. Most of the caulking slowly will begin to come off in the form of large threads or the flaps. Hold down the ends with the help of hands, or with the tweezers, this depends on the size as well as on the thickness of the bead, and then pull it off. The user must be able to remove all of the remaining caulking.
- Get Rid Of Residue: Since silicone can also work as an adhesive, even after the user has removed most of the residue, still there will be some of the residue left behind on the wood. In such a case apply the silicone caulk remover to the spot where the caulking was used, and then clean it with the help of a damp cloth. Be very careful not to over-wet the cloth, this is because the moisture can cause problems for the wood.
- Finish: In order to make sure that the wood must remain clean as well as damage-free, use a wood cleaner. This will help a lot to create a clean and the debris-free surface for primer and paint, stain.