Discoloured White Mastic Sealer ?

[DIW]

Does anybody have a 'magic' solution (no pun intended!) to remove the mould and discolouration from white mastic sealer please ?

 

[Nick_H]

Try acetone and a toothbrush. I've also found just scraping it with a fingernail to be quite effective.

 

[jfm]

Yup, acetone and a rag or toothbrush.

 

[STEVEDUNSTABLE]

sorry if this is a stupid question, but is that the same type of stuff swmbo,s use for removing nail varnish ?

 

[CharlieAlpha]

Yes with a bit of added lanolin and other girly stuff

 

[DIW]

Nick H & jfm , Thanks Guys

 

[AllanG]

Try acetone and a toothbrush.

Just a question.........doesn't the acetone soften the mastic, making the surface sticky?

Thanks, Allan

 

[crazy4557]

Just a question.........doesn't the acetone soften the mastic, making the surface sticky?

Thanks, Allan

Yes, don't rub too hard otherwise it starts to disintegrate in front of your eyes. My choice would be cut it out with a stanley knife and refill it with shiny new stuff.

 

[IDAMAY]

Alternative to Acetone

International thinners does the job quite nicely too.

 

[maverickofpoole]

Would depend how bad the mould was, if light try the route of cleaning as mentioned above but if extensive then the only real option is to remove and renew. It's an easy job to do just that the removal takes time.

Martin

 

[Nick_H]

If you choose to replace it, then unless you've done lots of mastic work and have a very steady hand its all too easy to make a real hash of it, and have excess silicone everywhere. I'd run masking tape along both edges, just leaving the gap you eventually want the silicone to fill. This takes all the expertise out of it, and you can keep running your finger along until you have the right amount of silicone remaining, then remove the masking tape and you'll have a lovely proffessional job with nice straight edges.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

If you choose to replace it, then unless you've done lots of mastic work and have a very steady hand its all too easy to make a real hash of it, and have excess silicone everywhere. I'd run masking tape along both edges, just leaving the gap you eventually want the silicone to fill. This takes all the expertise out of it, and you can keep running your finger along until you have the right amount of silicone remaining, then remove the masking tape and you'll have a lovely proffessional job with nice straight edges.

... and don't use saliva to wet your fingers before smoothing the bead out, it promotes mould growth.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[maverickofpoole]

Good tip from Nick, as I do this almost everyday I just assumed others would be suitably skilled. If you do use the tape method also mix up a week solution of fairy liquid/water in a spray bottle or cup spray/flick this onto the silicone before dragging your finger over it, much better than spit and leaves a luverly smooth finish

Martin

 

[lisilou]

How about just wiping it over with bleach?? Just a thought.
Lisa

 

[DIW]

How about just wiping it over with bleach?? Just a thought.
Lisa

Tried that Lisa, but it don't work.

 

[Croc]

Crazy is right....the only way to do it is to cut it out and start again
.Our company has student properties and the showers are rarely cleaned and ventilated properly.... they have fans and windows but the residents do not bother. Once mould has got into the silicone you are stuffed... the best you will get it to is a lighter grey/brown stain....all silicone sealants seem to go that way it is just that the more expensive ones take longer to stain.
So save hassle and start where you will end up ....cutting out the old ready for the new.

 

[lisilou]

Dunno why this post has played on my mind but it has and I woke up this morning and thought...how about a grout pen? Worth a go??
Lisa

 

[Bojangles]

Dunno why this post has played on my mind but it has and I woke up this morning and thought...how about a grout pen? Worth a go??
Lisa

I think you are just covering the problem, as others say, buy a tube of silicone £2/3 and either do it yourself or ask any joiner/window fitter/bathroom fitter (or a baker who ices cakes...) to apply it for you, couple of minutes will do (after carefully cutting out the old)

Your previous idea isnt bad though, you might find a couple of applications of bleach/mildew remover will improve the appearance, worth trying first.

 

[Croc]

A grout pen works on grout...a cementatious product... and soaks into the grout. Nothing...except mildew... soaks into silicone.
Stop wasting time and get cutting out....sorry but it is the only way.