Removing silicone sealant

Alfrescodave

I need to remove some silicone sealant to enable access to a concealed toilet. I have to remove the top cover of a cabinet so as to investigate a possible leak .

I've looked on the internet and ways of removing the silicone sealant are numerous including sharp knife, plastic tool manufactured in china and various chemical solvents.

Appreciate any tips from people who have actually removed sealant successfully and also any items to avoid.

TIA

Jonesya

I used a stanley knife and a wall-paper scraper to scrape the bulk of it away and then some silicone eater chemical to remove the last traces - but I was trying to remove it completely, so I could apply some new silicone to reseal it.

When you come to reseal it, invest a couple of quid in a sealant tool - they make it an absolute doddle to get a nice finish, miles better than using your finger:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unibond-1582528-UniBond-Sealant-Finishing/dp/B001DZTYG2

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yato-Professional-silicone-finishing-Silicone/dp/B009L9PJYS

Grenage

I second the Stanley blades, although I use them without a holder so I can get them flush with the surface.

chancesare_2

How funny, I've just removed some this morning and had a look at the various youtube videos before settling on a stanley knife and wallpaper scraper!

Mine was on the WC base on limestone floor so I couldn't use any chemicals. I've taken the last tiny bits away with some limestone cememt cleaner.

Now, the issue is what sealant to use to replace.

The sealant I took away was 14 years old and still white, good as new colour wise, it just had blistered when someone dropped some nail varnish remover type substance - luckily it didn't kill the floor as it was near a bathmat.

However, trying to find out what brilliant sealant the original plumber used is not possible. Anyone any decent quality recommendations? Sorry to steal the thread OP!

Clairabella

I've used a window scraper - the sort you put a stanley knife blade in. It gets closer than a stanley knife.

Ganga

Alfrescodave wrote: »

I need to remove some silicone sealant to enable access to a concealed toilet. I have to remove the top cover of a cabinet so as to investigate a possible leak .

I've looked on the internet and ways of removing the silicone sealant are numerous including sharp knife, plastic tool manufactured in china and various chemical solvents.

Appreciate any tips from people who have actually removed sealant successfully and also any items to avoid.

TIA

I read this as you have to remove a panel that is attached by silicone,just use a stanley type blade to cut thru the silicone and then lever up the panel and cut the remaining silicone holding the panel,DO NOT cut your fingers:rotfl:

nofoollikeold

Stanley knife for the bulk of it, window scraper with Stanley knife blade for flat surfaces, surgical scalpel for the really fiddly bits, old 8" kitchen knife, carefully sharpened, for cutting behind cisterns, basins, etc attached with silicone (generally by cowboys).

Tom99

I have used this before and it leaves a very clean finish, quite expensive though.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/unibond-silicone-sealant-remover-300ml/75756

Alfrescodave

chancesare wrote: »

However, trying to find out what brilliant sealant the original plumber used is not possible. Anyone any decent quality recommendations? Sorry to steal the thread OP!

That was going to be my next question!!!

Recommendations greatly appreciated

greatgimpo

Not the cheapest, but if you want it good and white for years to come...
https://www.bal-adhesives.com/product-category/sealing-tile-care/silicone-sealants/

mchale

Dow corning 785