Could be boaty...sealant removal without damaging surface

  • Thread starter Thread starter catalac08
  • Start date Start date
C

catalac08

Guest
I need to remove some acrylic, silicone or polysulphide/sikaflex type sealant (not sure but probably not silicone) from the anodiized aluminium channel sections that secure large glass panels of a household shower enclosure. I bought some "Silicone Eater" silicone adhesive solvent but on reading the instructions it warns that anodized aluminium will be discoloured by the solvent. Mechanical removal will be very difficulty without scratching the anodizing. I am not normally stumped by DIY problems but this is giving me difficulty-any inspiration out there!
 
You need a solvent at least to soften the mastic. Quite what is a difficult question. If it is Sikaflex or similar I would talk to or email them and ask their advice. They are UK based and I am sure that Google will find them. There may be a special product that they produce.
Most people cut the sikaflex away if it is possible with a sharp knife or a hacksaw blade.
I did exactly this to the windows on my Mobo last year. However in your case this will not be possible.
From memory I used either acetone or " spray gun cleaner" ( basically Xylene) to remove the residue, with a scraper, but that is very different to your problem, due to the lack of accessibility in your case
 
catalac08 said:
I need to remove some acrylic, silicone or polysulphide/sikaflex type sealant (not sure but probably not silicone) from the anodiized aluminium channel sections that secure large glass panels of a household shower enclosure. I bought some "Silicone Eater" silicone adhesive solvent but on reading the instructions it warns that anodized aluminium will be discoloured by the solvent. Mechanical removal will be very difficulty without scratching the anodizing. I am not normally stumped by DIY problems but this is giving me difficulty-any inspiration out there!
Click to expand...

Firstly, it is almost certain that as this is a household shower enclosure, normal silicone sealant has been used rather than Sikaflex. I have just done what you want to do prior to retiling & refixing the shower enclosure.

I first cut off as much of the old silicone sealant with a new Stanley knife blade. I then applied B&Q silicone remover which softened the remaining sealant. The B&Q product came with a plastic scraper which I then used to remove as much of the remaining sealant as possible. The last traces of sealant I removed with a scourer. Job done and no discolouration of the aluminium screen at all. There are a few minor scratches but these will be covered up by the application of new sealant when the screen in re-installed.

It might be worth trying a little of the sealant remover on a part of the screen that will not be obvious to see if any discolouration occurs before doing the whole job.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for advice chaps-finally removed all using a paint window scraper(stanley blade in a plastic holder). Managed to get most off (I think it was a polysulphide or Sika type sealant rather than silicon) without scratching aluminium and the rest using metal polish gently applied. Only took me 4 hours!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top