I used some silicon stick lubricant to get my screws to go in easier. When I disassembled my project to begin applying finish I noticed some of the lubricant had bled into the joint and stained part the surface I want to finish. For now, the stain is hidden between the mating surfaces but I’m concerned it will continue to bleed and affect my appearance surface. What is the best way to remove the silicon before I apply my finish? Will denatured alcohol work?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
First remove the siicone lub from your woodworking shop. It has no uses there. You know the risk.
This is a serious challenge to remove. Probably the best is to use mineral spirits or naptha, flooding it on and wiping off using anumber of rags and turning them so you don't smear the silicone around. Do this a number of times.
You may need to alter your finishing schedule. I'd start by spraying dewaxed shellac. (You can use Zinsser areosol.) The first coat or two should be sprayed very dry so that it doesn't move the silicone around. With the silicone sealed by the shellac you can apply any film finish.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the response. I will give this a try. I should've realized the lubricant would bleed. The silicon stains are pretty well hidden under a shelf so I think I'll be ok even if the chemicals don't solve my problem. The visible parts of the stains are about the diameter of a pencil eraser. I'm making a desk for my son for his audio recording equipment - it's very basic; essentially a trestle table with a top-shelf containing brackets for rack-mount hardware. This is my first significant wood working project in nearly 30 years (since high school woodshop, actually). I'm enjoying re-educating myself.
Thanks again.
Bob Brown
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