Do you have a glass surface that has been ruined by silicone? This guide teaches you how to remove silicone from glass, what silicone is and how it’s used. You’ll also learn about solvents like silicone removers and some home alternatives you can make yourself. Let’s start.
What Is a Silicone Sealant?
Silicone sealant is a type of adhesive that comes in a liquid form. This looks and behaves almost like a gel. It is chemically distinct from other adhesives that are organic polymer-based.
Unlike other adhesives, silicone maintains its flexibility and stability under extreme temperatures. Additionally, silicone sealant is resistant to other chemicals, moisture, and elements.
However, silicone sealants need curing, which means letting the silicone dry. It’s not difficult to cure, but it does require patience.
Silicone sealant needs to cure at a temperature between 40°F and 100°F (4.4 to 37.8 degrees Celsius) and a 5% to 95% humidity. It takes at least 24 hours to cure, but it may take longer depending on the thickness applied to the surface. Thicker applications take several days to cure.
Where Do You Use A Silicone Sealant?
Generally, silicone sealants are used to seal and secure windows to frames. Because of their rubber finish, they make a water-resistant seal that also resists harsh weather conditions.
For similar reasons, you can also use a silicone sealer on vehicles and appliances, which is commonly done. This kind of sealant is also helpful for sealing cables or sensors in electronic devices.
Why Can Silicone Sealants Be Difficult To Remove?
Silicone sealants can be hard to remove because it’s adhesive, meaning it sticks to the surface it is applied to after curing. And in addition to that, it hardens and feels like rubber which resists wear and tear or other external damages. In other words, it’s tough and durable.
Tips On Removing A Silicone Sealant From Glass
You can remove silicone from glass surfaces using a putty knife, utility knife, or razor. However, if you’re not careful, you might scratch the surface, so you’re going to need to do a few more things to help you in this process.
What You’ll Need
- Heat gun or blowdryer
- A putty knife, utility knife, or razor blade
- Cleaning materials like a sponge and alcohol
Steps
1. Use the blade and carefully scrape the sealant off the glass surface. Position the blade exactly where the silicone touches the glass for a cleaner cut. Be careful when you’re holding sharp things like this. You might cut or scratch the glass or, more importantly, yourself.
2. Use a blow dryer or a heat gun at low heat if the silicone does not come off easily with the razor. Pointing the nozzle at the trouble area will soften the silicone, making it easier to come off. After heating the area a little more, try scraping again.
3. The next thing you want to do is clean off any remaining bits of silicone with a sponge and alcohol. Remember, don’t apply too much pressure. It might crack the glass or make the thing you’re working on fall over. Resort to the blowdryer and blade again if it gets difficult to remove.
Tips On Using Solvents On Removing Silicone From Glass
Depending on how cured it is, you can use various solvents to clean the silicone sealant. It’s also important to remember that these solvents have caveats, warnings, or instructions on using them properly and safely.
The easiest way to remove silicone sealant is when it’s still wet while in its curing phase. Wipe the residue off with a rag, paper towel, or a cloth cleaner to clean it. You don’t have to use any solvents at this point.
For partially curing silicone sealants, you can use a solvent to soften the adhesive before removing it physically. IPA, toluene, xylene, or mineral spirits are useful in this situation, but you need to follow the necessary safety precautions.
In addition, WD-40 is also effective in removing silicone sealants. But you have to make sure you wipe it all off before reapplying sealant. After applying the solvent, leave it to take effect, and when the silicone sealant softens, you can start using a blade to scrape it off.
Removing Silicone On Glass Is Easy
You can easily remove silicone sealant when it’s soft, even more so when it has been freshly applied. However, you won’t be able to reuse it.
If you’re a beginner, make sure you’ve practiced and planned out where to apply the sealant before actually applying it to ensure everything goes smoothly.
When you see any damages in your silicone sealed windows or appliances, you can easily remove them with the heat and scrape method mentioned earlier.
