How to Remove Rubber Silicone Caulk
Removing rubber or silicone caulk is a fairly straightforward task that requires just a few inexpensive tools that you'll likely find already around the house. It will also require a bit of time and considerable patience. Working carefully, you can remove every last vestige of caulking from most surfaces. Methodical work will prevent any damage to the underlying surface and yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Razor blade cutter Phillips head screwdriver or awl Credit card or thin flexible metal putty knife
Instructions
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1
Score the silicone caulking by running the razor blade along the edge perpendicular to the caulk.
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2
Slide the razor blade under the edge of the caulking, holding the blade nearly parallel with the surface, thereby allowing the blade to undercut and loosen the caulk. Advance the blade under the caulking in a back and forth sawing or chipping motion.
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3
Remove caulking from corner joints by running the point of an awl or Phillips head screwdriver into the corner and pressing downward and forward, driving the caulking up and out of the joint.
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4
Slide the edge of a credit card or thin metal putty knife under the side or corner edge of the silicone caulk, sliding it back and forth in a repetitive chipping motion to loosen and lift the caulking.
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5
Remove the last traces of caulking with a fresh razor blade held parallel to the surface and scraping away the remaining bits.
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Tips & Warnings
Silicone and rubber caulking are flexible materials, so once you have released enough caulking that you can get a grip on it, try pulling the caulk off of the surface with an up and back motion.
