When setting sinks into counters and basket strainers into the sink I always used plumbers putty. My partner insists silicone is better, so I finally let him do the silicone thing. We’ve installed 3 sinks and several basket strainers in the last several days and I”m about ready to scream. When he uses silicone he smootzes it around the sink rim, sets the sink and runs his finger along the bead that squishes out. He says to leave it dry it’ll peel up.
Wrong. It wont’ peel up without a LOT of work. Not only that, but after I scrape it all up I can still see almost a microscopic film still on the counter surface that try as I might with a scraper, won’t come up. It looks bad because in this recent install the over-sink light shows the film badly.
Is there a way to remove this film without destorying the actual sealant under the sink rim? How do you remove that silicone film that scraping can’t get?
Replies
MEK soak for a couple of minutes, then rubs off easy
Is MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) safe to use on "plastics" such as laminate countertops (formica) or acrylic tubs?
-Don
Formica, Yes
No on some 'acrylics' , yes on true acrylics. 'Acrylic' has become somewhat of a generic term, so best to test if you are not sure of the true chemisty.
MEK obviously eats PVC as it is a major ingredient in the solvent.
no.. melts them..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
spray a solution of washing up liquid on the area to clean up
then tool off the excess with an old credit card
or tool like this one: http://www.karldahm.com/lshop,showdetail,1148733179-2402,e,1148733224-2798,1085813669.1098959801,10554,,Tshowrub--1085813669.1098959801,.htm
then these are really good for cleaning up that last little bit of residue that is on the counter or glass or hands even:
http://www.bigwipes.com/
the wipes really work
For the NEXT time rubbing alchol is great for tooling and cleaning up excess, while it is still WET.
I read on the tube of silicone to use mineral spirits for cleanup. Get it while it's fresh. Worked for me.
http://grungefm.com
3M makes a silicone caulk remover gel. I have a bottle rattling around my bag of tricks but haven't used it yet.