Simply put, silicone encapsulates both oxygen and silicon atoms that are able to be combined with carbon and hydrogen, forming a greasy substance known as silicon carbide. When applied to a material, silicone carbide bonds chemically with the skin to create an invisible layer. In many cases, silicone carbide also bonds with certain kinds of plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and others.
When applied to glass, it creates a hard ceramic coating that prevents the penetration of airborne pollutants and dust, as well as gases produced during the process of thermolysis (chemical reaction wherein heat causes a solution to dissociate into either solid or liquid form). Silicone sealants also prevent certain materials from absorbing moisture, such as certain paints and pharmaceuticals, thus preventing the buildup of surface contaminants.
As expected, getting rid of silicone sealant from your material is going to be very tough. You’ll need a high-quality silicone sealant remover, like those available from CT1, on hand to do the job, and then you’ll need to use something with a scraper. There are a few different kinds of scrapers, and you should choose the scraper that works best for you. Some people like to use a wire brush, while others prefer to use a dental floss scraper.
If you’re going to try and remove silicone sealants yourself, you’ll need to make sure you’re wearing the proper safety gear, such as safety goggles, earplugs, a face mask, thick breathers, and thick work gloves. You should also take special care not to scrape the sides of the material with your scraper. This can permanently weaken the material.
