So I got myself into it, and now need help getting out!

Years ago I managed to spread a thin layer of clear silicone caulk on a painted bathroom wall while caulking above tile in a shower enclosure. Never really worried about it, as it was clear, and in a shower.

Now...Mrs. JRC wants the bathroom repainted.

How do I get the caulk off the wall so that latex paint will properly adhere?

Thanks in advance!

Real silicone? You're screwed. I'd cut the drywall out and replace it or tile up higher. There's no way paint will stick to silicone in that humid environment (or most others).

3M Caulk Remover will allow you to get the bulk of it off. But, as stated above, if it is silicone based, it will be embedded in the surface to which is was applied. As such, the only way to get rid of it is to sand the surface sufficiently to remove the layer in which it is embedded or replace the section of drywall. And if you elect to sand, be careful that you don't inadvertently spread it around in the process. And, then toss the sandpaper in the trash so you don't ever use it on anything else. Silicone is a PITA. I rarely use it on the boat for the previously stated reasons.

Prime over the silicon with an oil based primer. Allow it to dry and you can then paint the wall with latex. I have done this.

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
Prime over the silicon with an oil based primer. Allow it to dry and you can then paint the wall with latex. I have done this.

Thank you for this ^^^!!!

Is this really true? That oil-based primer will adhere to silicone caulk???

I ask because I have been told otherwise. Thanks again

quote:

Originally posted by JRC:

quote:

Originally posted by wcb6092:
Prime over the silicon with an oil based primer. Allow it to dry and you can then paint the wall with latex. I have done this.

Thank you for this ^^^!!!

Is this really true? That oil-based primer will adhere to silicone caulk???

I ask because I have been told otherwise. Thanks again

I was painting a bathroom and on the wall next to door molding the latex paint was beading up like water on car wax so I knew then some one had used clear silicone caulk on it. I found a painter's forum that talked about using oil based primer over the caulk. I had some so I tried it. The next day the latex paint covered just perfect,no more beading and it has never peeled or flaked. Been on there a year and a half.

The primer I used was Zinsser BIN Shellac based primer. It says on the can it will stick to all surfaces. So this may be a little different than a regular oil based primer. I checked to see if I still had the can and I did.



Paints That Will Adhere to 100% Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is a high-end caulk product meant for areas that are likely to be exposed to water. It lasts longer and is less likely to degrade than latex or acrylic caulks, resists mildew and is unlikely to discolor or turn yellow. This caulk also adheres well, has good flexibility and dries transparent, making it attractive on most surfaces. However, silicone's water-resistant characteristics also mean it's difficult to paint over. Silicone caulk often requires special paint or surface preparation before painting.

Oil-based Paints

According to Online Tips and The Natural Handyman, oil-based paints and primers are more likely to stick to silicone caulks than latex or acrylic paints. The caulk must be very clean and should be prepared using denatured alcohol. This alcohol can roughen the surface of the caulk, creating nearly invisible pits and crevices that allow the paint to stick more effectively. It is sometimes necessary to apply the alcohol several times to create a surface rough enough to paint.
Shellac-based Paints

Primers based on shellac, a material produced by the lac beetle, may also adhere to silicone. As with oil-based paints, roughen the silicone caulk by applying denatured alcohol before painting it with shellac. Denatured alcohol is also used to thin shellac-based paints but should never be applied to a finished shellac coating since it may dissolve the base. Unlike oil-based paints, shellac paint is fairly inflexible; don't use it on areas that need to bend or that come under pressure.

https://www.hunker.com/1340123...o-100-silicone-caulk

You can remove the paper layer of drywall with an exacto knife and mud over it, then prime and paint.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
You can remove the paper layer of drywall with an exacto knife and mud over it, then prime and paint.

This^^

Done it many times.