How to Remove Old Caulk Like A Pro – The Ultimate Guide
We all have caulking in our homes. We hide it, we paint it, and some of us actually try to remove it to make it look better. Old caulking is everywhere from our countertops, bathtubs, showers, sinks, around windows and doors, and much more. Trying to remove caulk can be tedious and annoying, especially when you try to replace it with a caulk alternative.
For 600 years, using caulk to seal gaps has not been easy, is a messy project, and often looks bad no matter how careful you are. Can you believe it was first used around the 15th century on wooden ships? Caulk uses an old technology and is a scourge of every homeowner. Yet we all must deal with this messy problem sooner or later as a homeowner, business owner or renter.
Want to know how to remove caulk like a pro? Here's our guide for expert caulk removal.
Best Way to Remove Caulk
First, get a couple of sharp razor blades (be careful!) and possibly a caulk removal tool. Make sure to buy a good quality caulk removal tool or you will find yourself holding a broken piece of plastic. For this, metal is always best.
Now, carefully cut against the wall or flat surface with the razor blade. Using the razor blade, slowly cut along both surfaces that the caulk is attached to. If you’re lucky this is all you have to do. If it is really old caulk and has hardened, it will be much more difficult.
Pro Tip: buying a good quality razor blade holder will pay for itself.
Let's Talk about Silicone Caulking
Silicone caulk has been around for many years, too. They have a rubbery and stretchy consistency and come in many colors. Unfortunately, because of their unique chemical properties, there are additional steps you need to take for complete removal unless you are applying over it with another silicone product.
Silicone caulking leaves behind a film or oily residue that absolutely nothing will stick to - except more silicone.
Pro Tip: use acetone and a scrubbing pad. Be careful with acetone as it is very flammable, the fumes are noxious, make sure the area is ventilated and you don’t have any open flames in the area such as a burner or candle.
Old Caulk is Removed: What's Next?
You can do one of two things:
- Reapply New Caulk
- Buy Quality Caulk Strips
Reapply New Caulk
You certainly can reapply new caulking and hope for the best. Every few years, you will have to repeat the process of reapplying caulk and go through all the prep work to remove it, clean the area, and hope the reapplication isn't too messy.
Quality Caulk Strips
Ready for an caulk alternative? Try caulk strips like our flexible trim moulding strips. Don't let the name deter you - InstaTrim's flexible trim strips are better than traditional caulk strips. Our competitors are cheap flat pieces of plastic made in China. We provide higher quality caulk strips that actually have a flexible vinyl edge trim to provide a perfect caulking bead finish without the hassle and mess of traditional caulk.
The best part about using InstaTrim® is that it's very simple to apply and doesn't require the skill needed for caulk. We have numerous caulk strip products that can be used such as grey corner trim and numerous other colors. Our “peel and stick” caulk trim strips will enhance any area of your house and the best part is you will look like the professional and all you used was a razor blade and a scissor.
