Best Practices for Cured SMP Sealant Removal

You may have a need to remove a cured SMP (silyl modified polymer) sealant from your application. For example, you may be taking a part out to replace it and you no longer want SMP in a particular area. Whatever the reason, it’s important to follow these steps for proper sealant removal.

Key Items to Consider

Different applications have different tolerance levels for removal processes. Understand the tolerance of your application before determining which removal process to do.
Be sure to use a clean, colorless cloth wetted with a suitable organic solvent or Bostik’s approved Hand and Tool Towels.

Method #1 for Removing Cured SMP Sealant

Step 1: Cut the cured sealant down to a thin layer of 1mm or less in thickness.

Step 2: Apply denatured alcohol or mineral sealants to the sealant. Do this by soaking the solvent in a clean cloth, and then cover the sealant with it.

Step 3: Leave the cloth covering the sealant for at least two hours. By then, the sealant should be degraded enough to remove it with a clean cloth. If not, repeat step 2.

Step 4: Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol. The area will then be ready for a new adhesive, if desired.

Method #2 for Removing Cured SMP Sealant

Step 1: Cut the cured sealant down to a thin layer of 1mm or less in thickness.

Step 2: Use a scarification technique, such as with an electric sander, to remove the remaining sealant.

Step 3: Clean the residue with a citrus-based cleaner.