4 Steps: How To Paint Over Non-Paintable Silicone?

How To Paint Over Non-Paintable Silicone

Painting on non-paintable silicone might seem a bit tricky. But, with a little bit of preparation, you could lead to better results which would be good-looking as well. Today we will show you the true steps to painting over non-paintable silicone.

As you get to the point and cover your silicone caulk, the whole paint will look smooth. 

This is why you must learn the technique and achieve the finest result you crave for.

Either way, below we have prepared the ultimate pathway you should go onto for a better painting process on a non-paintable silicone layer.

Before You Began Painting Over Non-Paintable Silicone

Look, non-paintable silicone isn’t made to be painted over. This is why, when you try to paint on the surface, the paint doesn’t want to stick to the surface. Either it falls away or doesn’t get dried at all. That’s why we would suggest you use paintable silicone if possible.

In cases when you have already applied the non-paintable silicone caulk, you need to follow the following techniques. We have listed all of the steps and techniques which would work as a solution. Don’t think more, let’s get into the action right now.

Things You Will Need to Paint Over Non-Paintable Silicone

When you take the task of painting over non-paintable silicone, you need some equipment. Below we are listing some of the equipment you need to go forward. Having this equipment would make the painting task a lot easier right away. 

Equipment

  • Rags
  • Bristle brush
  • Oil primer

Paints

  • Latex paint
  • Acrylic latex paint

How To Paint Over Non-Paintable Caulk – Easiest Ways

Below are the steps you need to paint over a non-paintable Silicone Caulk. These steps would help you to get better results out of your painting task. It won’t fall away or anything, just provide you with stable paint.

Anyhow, below are the steps you should consider:

Step 1: Wash the Exterior

Start washing the outer layer of non-paintable silicone caulk. Use rags as well to clean up the surface the most. It would help you to make the surface perfect for paint.

Step 2: Apply Primer

In the second step, apply primer to the surface of the silicone caulk. It would better prepare the surface for you to point over. It’s become crucial when you are using latex and oil-based painting.

Pro-Tip: Always use a proper bristle brush to apply the primer. Plus, don’t forget to use mineral spirit to clean and rinse the brush afterward.

Step 3: Keep on Painting

Take the latex paint and start painting it on the silicon caulk surface with a brush. Complete the painting with proper attention. Once done, you need to use another form of painting which is acrylic painting. Perhaps, put a layer of acrylic paint on the non-paintable silicone surface.

Read next: Should You Caulk Cabinets Before Painting?

Step 4: Clean Out the Brush

Now it’s time to wash out your brushes. Nonetheless, depending on the brush you use, the cleaning solution could be water or a mineral spirit as well. 

Note: When you are considering these two painting solutions, make sure they both get along. The best way to make sure is to use an oil primer that works with the latex paint in a good manner.

Alternative Option: Re-apply Paintable Caulk

Still, the paint is not sticking on the non-silicone caulk surface? Scrap off the existing layer and re-apply. Believe it or not, it does work for tons of people. 

Things You Will Need:

  • Used Knife
  • A piece of Towel

How to Remove Existing Silicone Caulk?

To remove the existing silicone caulk, you need to use a knife. Be sure to poke the silicon surface and start scraping them away. While you are scraping the caulk layer, be mindful not to damage the underlying surface. In the end, use a towel to clean away the rest of the silicon. 

Applying the Paintable Caulk

Upon removing the silicone caulk, it’s time to reply with paintable silicone caulk. You will find countless silicone caulk which has paintability with latex and oil-based paint. Once you get one, start applying it with the silicon tube you bought. 

One thing to remember, when you have a shorter time, you could carefully apply the caulk to the existing layer as well.

Is it Important to Paint Over Caulk?

Well, it’s not always mandatory to caulk your paint (non-paintable caulk, to be specific). But, when you paint the caulk, it provides you with a proper seamless finish. Because bright caulk color might look awkward when you have darker paint around the strip. 

Key Notes on Painting Silicone

While you take on the painting task, make sure you have the below monitoring points in your mind. These are the aspects that will help your silicone caulk painting process a lot easier.

  • Use Your Brush Wisely: When using different types of painting solutions, make sure to use a proper brush because a bad brush can spoil your painting task right on the spot. Along with the brush, use proper brush cleaning solutions like mineral spirit and others. 
  • Don’t Rush the Process: Many people would find themselves rushing the painting process. You should not hurry up when you scrape off your existing silicone caulk. This is why it always takes time during scraping and painting.

FAQ

These are some of the questions to consider.

Will Zinsser primer stick on silicone caulk?

Yes, Zinsser Prime could be a great option to paint on silicone caulk. It works great, providing you with a great-looking surface on the go. But, you need to use an oil-based bonding type to make it stick perfectly on the silicon caulk surface.

Is acrylic paint good to use on silicone?

Acrylic paint is a good option; perhaps, it needs a proper primer coating to work on. When you use a decent base layer, the acrylic paint is bound to stick on. It’s indeed a great option to go even in non-paintable silicone caulk.

Is it possible to spray over a wet silicon surface?

It’s possible, yet it’s better to apply a shellac spray for better results. Because when the silicon surface is wet, the paint would not certainly stay on the silicon surface. Anyone can use the method to get stable paint.

Last Advice

When you have learned how to paint over non-paintable silicone, I have one last piece of advice. Always use paintable silicone as a safe choice. But when you need to make a painting, do the steps with proper caution.

Either way, once you follow our provided steps, the paint will stick on. As a result, you get seamless painting. Your paint won’t get interrupted by a white streak of silicon at all.

Lastly, don’t lose hope when the paint doesn’t stick, no matter what you are up to. Scrap the silicon and start applying silicon from the beginning.

Want to Learn More:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top