Silicone adhesive is perhaps the most effective sealant for securing both of undermount kitchen and bathroom sinks to the countertops. It has endless uses from filling cracks to waterproofing plumbing fixtures. Unfortunately, the fastest and most effective way to apply it is by using the fingers. This leaves you with a gritty film that’s difficult to remove.
Don’t lose your mind trying to remove dried silicone glue. It will not come off by simply using water. Remember, it’s waterproof. So, it will retain its structure against moisture. Nevertheless, several household products can remove silicone adhesive from hands.
Can Silicone Adhesive Be Removed?
If you often work with silicone adhesive, it’s impossible not to get it on your hands. That’s unless you always use l atex gloves. Nevertheless, it’s good to know that silicone adhesive can be removed. The process can be drawn out if you have lots of dried silicone.
You’ll need to break down its structure with the help of various products like rubbing alcohol, heat, acetone, butter, and cooking oil, among others. Knowing how each substance works for silicone adhesive removal will help you pick.
What Removes Silicone Off Skin?
As mentioned, a few products can remove silicone off skin. Some can remove the silicone adhesive in one step, while others need a series of steps.
Things that remove silicone off the skin
Oil
A skin-friendly contractor’s solvent is an oil base that can remove adhesive from hands. You may want to take it with you to job sites. Other oil bases include WD-40, cooking oil, or butter.
Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
Another safe choice is acetone or nail polish remover. These common household products can loosen dried silicone adhesive in a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, you will need to use either item in a well-ventilated area.
Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits have also proven useful in the removal of silicone from the skin. They work similarly to acetone by weakening silicone. However, you may need to weaken the glue further with oil, soap, and water to get it off completely.
Heat
Heat alters the structure of silicone adhesive. Therefore, you can use a hair dryer to heat dried silicone to make the removal process easier. Still, it helps to warm the silicone gradually to avoid burning your skin. Use the lowest heat setting. Eventually, the silicone will loosen enough to peel off.
How to Get Silicone Adhesive Off Hands
Removing silicone adhesive can be a process depending on how much you need to remove. I’ve found these steps straightforward when removing the most stubborn dried silicone glue off hands.
Items Required
- Paper towel
- Plastic bag
- Warm water
- Butter, WD-40, or Cooking oil
- Acetone or Nail polish remover
- Baking soda
- Liquid dish detergent
- Towel
- Moisturizer
Step 1- Remove as Much Silicone Adhesive Before It Dries
Silicone caulk becomes harder to remove the drier it gets. For this reason, get it off your hands as soon as possible. That’s not to say that you should stop midway and remove it as you go. No, this could compromise your job. After you’ve completed the task, rub your hands together and scrape off the excess before it dries completely.
Step 2- Grab a Paper Towel
After you remove uncured silicone from skin, use a paper towel to wipe any globs that are still removable. You can also use a dry rag for this step. However, don’t use a favorite towel because getting it off will be difficult. Moreover, it will compromise the towel’s capability to dry stuff.
Step 3- Use a Plastic Bag
There will still be leftover silicone, so it’s time for the plastic bag. Any plastic bag can act similarly to your washcloth. If any of the silicone has not dried completely, it will cling onto the plastic bag. While it may sound unconventional, plumbers and carpenters attest to this method of silicone adhesive removal.
Step 4- Use Butter or Oil and Baking Soda
Silicone adhesive tends to be stubborn. You can’t get it off with a paper towel or plastic bag if it dries completely. It’s to get aggressive. Grab a piece of butter and rub it all over the dried adhesive. WD-40 or cooking oil can do the trick if you don’t have butter. Then, combine these substances with baking soda to create a scrub.
The oil will soften the silicone and make it easy to remove off hands. Moreover, baking soda can help to roll it off the skin. By now, most of the silicone will have come loose from your skin. Continue to step 6 if you’re still dealing with stubborn caulk.
Step 5 – Use Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
This step is an alternative to step 4. So, after using a plastic bag and can’t find butter, cooking oil, or an oil base, use acetone or nail polish remover that has acetone.
Prepare to use acetone nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area., Next, dab a cotton pad in nail polish remover and apply to the affected areas. The acetone will soften the caulk and make it easy to peel off.
Step 6- Soak Hands
Soak your hands for a couple of minutes to soften the rest of the dried caulk. For this step, use a small basin or a small tub and fill it with warm water. Add 4 drops of liquid dish detergent and immerse your hands. Soak for up to 15 minutes.
The soap will remove the oil, while warm water will help the adhesive come off clean.
Final Step- Apply Moisturizer
Finally, use warm water to rinse your hands and dry them on a clean towel. Your hands have been through so much after the numerous tries to get silicone adhesive off hands. Therefore, applying some moisturizer to prevent dryness is only right.
Conclusion
There you have it, guys. Now you can get silicone adhesive off the hands without losing your mind. Be sure to use the products and the steps above. I’ve listed the safest solutions. To this end, don’t use aggressive cleaners like bleach, paint thinner, or drain cleaner. In addition, don’t be tempted to scrape the dried glue with a knife or steel wool.
With a little patience, you will soon be enjoying clean, soft hands again. While at it, please drop the product that worked for you in the comments.
Cheers!