Silicone Caulk Job Gone Wrong - Need Help!

9 years ago

My husband forgot to smooth the silicone caulk around the new exterior light fixtures we've just put up. He also applied it very heavily. The result is a messy, unattractive, thick/goopy caulk job around the perimeter of the lights. The caulk is beaded on VERY thick and has even dried onto the fixtures and the exterior brick of our home.
I'll up load pictures when I can.
Is there any way to remove or repair this caulk job (without damaging the light fixture), so that it can be re-applied properly?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

toxcrusadr

9 years ago

I'm no caulk expert but here are a couple ideas. You might be able to soften it enough to remove with a heat gun. If it's stuck to the bricks though, you may have a real hard time getting that off. For fixtures you can use a metal putty knife and gently scrape under it to remove. It should be softer since it hasn't been dry long, compared to 20 year old stuff. Finally you might consider using a razor knife to slice the lumpy top of it off and just leave part of it in place. I'm imagining a joint where the fixture meets the brick at a right angle. If you can basically slice it off at an even 45 degree bevel it may not look so bad.

My dad was a Neanderthal when it came to caulking. I feel your pain.

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Comments (7)

dchall_san_antonio
9 years ago
I would never caulk a light fixture to a surface. Similarly I would never caulk a face plate to a wall. I've seen both done, but it turned out to be a mess every time.
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Crystal Wessells
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you both!

Here are some pictures so you can see what I'm talking about.
Crystal Wessells
Original Author
9 years ago
toxcrusadr - I think you're right in terms of being able to slice off the thick goopy parts around the edges. It still won't be perfect, but im thinking that will help.

I've read some forums that mention wd40 will remove this stuff. Any thoughts on that?? Will it damage the paint on my fixtures?

Thanks again for your feedback!
Matthew
9 years ago
Heat it and try to just peel it with your finger off the fixture. It might not be stuck on that well yet since it was just put on. Around the fixture slice it off like others said. If you apply again I would leave a little spot at the bottom of each fixture without caulk in case water does get in it can drain out the bottom.
toxcrusadr
9 years ago
WD40 is basically mineral spirits which should not damage paint. If you actually want to use it, try a couple drops on an inconspicuous area first.
jemdandy
9 years ago
Your fixture does not appear to be heavy. Turn power off to this circuit at the breaker box. Remove the globe and bulb (to lighten the load). Remove the fixture from the wall. Its held on by two screws. Gently lower it and let hang on the wires. Now, you have unimpeded access for scraping the caulking off the brick.

When you rehang the lamp, leave a 'drip loop' in the wires inside the lamp base. (Shape the wire so that the final length of wire entering the lamp socket points up, e.g., any water on the wire will drain down and away from the lamp socket.) If you decide to caulk, apply silicon sealant on the mounting surface of the fixture. Apply only to the top and sides leaving the bottom unsealed for drainage. Tighten the mounting screws and wipe away (mould) excess sealant. Do not over-tighten. Turn the breaker back on and test for proper operation.