Removing old putty is fairly easy, although it can take time and patience. First, take a few steps to make it easier to remove the putty. After that, you can simply remove it from the surface using various tools. When finished, give the finishing touches so that the surface is ready to be given a new putty.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Easier Putty Removal
Step 1. Clean the area with a surface cleaner or soap scum remover
This step isn't mandatory, but you'll most likely be applying new putty after removing the old putty. Therefore, to make the job easier, you should use a surface cleaner, soap scum remover, or a combination of both. You'll still need to do a bit of cleaning after the putty is removed. However, for now, we should avoid thorough cleaning that wastes water.
This step is also helpful because any oil or other slippery liquid can slip your hands or tools while removing the old putty
Step 2. Determine the degree of hardness of the putty
Select a small area of putty to test using an all-purpose knife. Make small incisions in the putty using the tip of a knife and assess for texture.
- Water-based, latex, and PVA putty usually feels brittle and hard. This putty is prone to peeling off during removal.
- Silicone putty will feel softer, like smooth rubber. This type of putty is usually the easiest to remove.
Step 3. Make the initial slices
Hold the utility knife parallel to the surface. Insert the tip of the knife into the putty line and slice along the edges. Repeat on the other surface.
- Try not to actually touch the surface. For now, all you need to do is loosen the ties of putty and make it easier to access for the next step.
- If the putty is very hard, try heating it with a heat gun to soften it.
- If the heat gun hasn't softened it yet, skip to the next section so it doesn't scratch and pry the surrounding surface.
Step 4. Soften with a caulk remover if needed
If the initial incision is very easy to make, feel free to skip this step as all the putty will likely come off easily without additional processing. Otherwise, apply a small amount of caulk remover along the old putty. Repeat as many times as needed to cover the entire line of putty and spread to coat all the old putty.
- Read the caulk remover manual for the minimum waiting time required. Usually the time is 2-3 hours.
- The longer you leave it, the softer the putty will be. So, if the old putty feels very hard and brittle when tested, wait a bit longer for the caulk remover to be absorbed (up to 24 hours for stubborn caulk).
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Old Putty
Step 1. Work slowly
Before you begin, take a deep breath, relax, and devote some time to this project. This job is quite easy, but you should not rush it. If you rush, you are prone to slipping while working and can peel, scratch, or cut the putty deep into the surrounding surface.
Step 2. Start with a putty knife
Select an area along the putty line to begin with. Hold the putty knife parallel to the putty line and place the blade flat against the surrounding surface. Choose the smoothest layer as a starting point. Tuck the corner of the knife into and under the softened putty, and push it along the line of the putty to separate it from the surface.
Ideally, you'll be able to pull this strip of loose putty off another surface. If the bond is too strong, repeat the process along the second surface
Step 3. Use pliers to remove the broken part
When pushing the knife, the putty should come off as a strip. Because of this, small pieces can break and get caught in the gap between the two surfaces, so repeat each time removing a strip. Pull the small part using the sharp tip pliers.
If the gap is too small, use tweezers
Step 4. Scrape off all that remains
Even if the caulk comes off in a nice long strip, go back and use a putty knife to remove any remaining putty that has stuck to the surface with the edges of the putty line. For stubborn putty, we recommend using a steel brush, toothbrush, or hook from the 5-in-1 painter's tool. Brush or pry out any remaining putty that has hardened in place.
- Remember to do the same with all the pieces that are deep in the gap.
- If needed, use the Heat gun again to soften the stubborn putty.
Method 3 of 3: Completing the Project
Step 1. Clean the surface after the putty is removed
Once you've removed all the putty, clean the work area so it doesn't interfere with the new putty process. Wipe the surface with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth so you don't need to use a lot of water. Then, apply a small amount of cleanser and/or soap scum remover to clean the surface area. Wipe the area dry when finished.
- Since the gaps between the surfaces are now open, try to keep this area free of moisture. Spray the cleaner onto a cloth or tissue instead of directly on the surface.
- Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners as they create toxic fumes when mixed with bleach, which we will use later.
Step 2. Remove the mushrooms
Kill the mushrooms by mixing cup (80 ml) of bleach with 4 liters of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray around the gap, or wet a paintbrush or foam brush and use it to reach into the gap. Scrub with a brush, wipe off any debris, rinse the area with a damp towel, and wipe dry.
Otherwise, you can also purchase commercial mold-killing products
Step 3. Let the area dry before applying new putty
You'll want to leave the area until the next day so that no moisture gets trapped beneath the surface before re-applying the putty. Air the area to aid drying. Face the fan against the gap to increase airflow. To speed things up, periodically fire along the gaps with a heat gun and/or install a space heater.
- If you are using silicone putty as a new putty, the area must be completely dry for the putty to adhere.
- Water-based putty will adhere to slightly damp surfaces. However, this can grow the fungus back.
