Outdoor Caulk Removal Techniques

Tools

• A plastic or metal putty knife effectively removes caulk from outdoor surfaces. Simply run the knife carefully along the edge and pull the caulk away from the surface. If the caulk is old and dried, a utility knife can be substituted, but use care to avoid gouging wood trim or paneling.

Chemical Removers

• Chemical caulk removers, available at hardware and home improvement stores, contain solvents that soften and break down caulks. The chemical removers are rubbed or painted on old caulk. Within a few hours, old caulk wipes easily away with a damp cloth. Chemical removers can become expensive if you have a lot of caulk to remove, but they save time and eliminate the need to scrape or cut caulk.

Paintbrush

• A paintbrush works admirably to remove fine particles of caulk left after the larger pieces are removed. Brush the area with a stiff 2-inch brush. You can also rub a damp rag or microfiber cloth along seams to remove old caulk.

Considerations

• When selecting a method to remove exterior caulk, consider your budget, available time and the scope of the project. Removing caulk with a putty knife costs nothing, but may not be practical if you are short of time or have large amounts of caulk. Chemical removers are a good choice for removing caulk from fragile surfaces, such as glass or tile, that might be scratched by a putty or utility knife.