Deal with paint that won't stick to silicone

Strip off silicone residue, seal the area with a stain-blocking primer, then repaint so the new coat finally bonds.

PS-01Work out why the paint is failingPaint that beads up, crawls away, or leaves tiny craters (called fisheye) is almost always sitting on silicone contamination. This usually comes from an old sealant bead round a bath or sink, silicone spray used nearby, or silicone polish. Check the whole area, not just where it looks obvious — silicone spreads on cloths and brushes.

PS-02Protect the room and open a windowMask off skirting, tiles, and any surfaces you're not treating. Silicone remover and primer both give off strong fumes, so open a window and keep the door open while you work.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 roll · Masking tape (low-tack)

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PS-03Strip off every trace of the old siliconeScrape away any leftover sealant bead with a plastic scraper — don't use metal on tiles or painted surfaces. Wipe the whole contaminated area with a silicone remover or panel wipe on a lint-free cloth, using fresh cloth faces often. Wiping with a dirty cloth just spreads the silicone further, so throw cloths away rather than reusing the same face.

1 500ml · Silicone remover / panel wipe

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1 pack · Lint-free cloths

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1 each · Plastic scraper

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1 box · Disposable gloves

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PS-04Key the surface with a light sandSand the area with fine abrasive paper to break the glossy, contaminated surface and give the primer something to grip. Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth before moving on.

1 pack · Fine sandpaper (240 grit)

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1 each · Tack cloth

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PS-05Wash down with sugar soapClean the whole area with sugar soap solution to lift any remaining grease or residue you can't see. Rinse with clean water and leave to dry fully — ideally overnight — before priming.

1 500ml · Sugar soap

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1 each · Cleaning sponge

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PS-06Seal the area with a stain-blocking primerBrush on a shellac-based or specialist stain-blocking primer over the whole treated area, not just the worst patch. This forms a barrier coat that stops any leftover silicone bleeding through your new paint. Apply a second thin coat once the first is dry if the first coat looks patchy.

1 250ml · Shellac-based stain-blocking primer

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1 each · Small paintbrush

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PS-07Repaint the areaOnce the primer is fully dry (check the tin — usually 45 minutes to an hour), paint your topcoat as normal. Two coats give a more even finish and better long-term durability.

1 1L tin · Matching topcoat paint

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1 each · Roller and tray set

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PS-08Tidy up and dispose of solvent rags safelySolvent-soaked cloths can be a fire risk if bundled up while damp. Lay them flat outside to dry fully before binning them. Clean brushes and rollers, and keep the window open until any fumes have cleared.

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