ckman
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by ckman on Dec 20, 2020 23:43:12 GMT -5
Hi all, First post here! I am in need of some assistance in cleaning up a residue left by using a two-part platinum silicone on concrete. Many years ago, my siblings and I left handprints in the driveway of our childhood home. We moved from that home approximately 10 years ago, and I decided that this year for my Mom's Christmas present I would capture the handprints in silicone and then recast them in a framed piece of concrete (I asked the current homeowners for permission) Here's the issue: I took the impression and it came out beautifully, however the silicone seems to have left either an oily residue, or it impregnated itself in the concrete. From a glance it looks more like the former than the latter, but I do not have a trained eye to spot the difference. I have already attempted to remedy the stain by soaking the sullied area in Mineral Spirits for five hours, scrubbing, and then pressure washing, but it was to no avail. My next steps are to go back tomorrow with a more powerful pressure washer (4500psi) as mine only has a max output of 1600psi. If that doesn't work I will soak the area in acetone and then cover it in kitty litter. Do any of you have a better method for cleaning up the stain? Here is an imgur link to the photo of the troubled area: imgur.com/a/X1AJcBtThe stain is the darker area with sharp edges around the hand prints. The rest of the concrete is dark due to dampness. The silicone used was sorta-clear 37. Thank you for your input! - Christian
|
|
|
Post by notoes on Dec 22, 2020 10:21:50 GMT -5
That's a "Smooth-on" product, this is the forum for Alumilite products - they're two different brands. But I will answer your question working from am Alumilite product's viewpoint and maybe it will help.
I wouldn't try acetone, I haven't tried it yet but I have a feeling it won't do much good and it may hurt the concrete. I would try rubbing alcohol or Lysol wipes/spray then hot soapy water and a scrub brush to clean up. Though Alumilite silicones don't normally leave an oily stain like that so I would try what I use when I clean up my work area. Lysol wipes/spray is my go-to cleaner for my work surface when I'm working with my mold material that either hasn't dried yet or that is unmixed.
|
|