How to remove silicone

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by TrialandError, Jul 17, 2012.

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  1. TrialandError

    TrialandError Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I took a tank apart so I can use it as baffles in my sump. My only problem is getting all the old silicone off of it. Is there a trick to it I don't know about?


    I've tried fresh new razorblades with no luck.
     
    TrialandError, Jul 17, 2012
    TrialandError, Jul 17, 2012
    #1

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  2. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    A razor and patience us all I have found to work.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 17, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 17, 2012
    #2
  3. country1911

    country1911 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Yep, razor and patience. Also acetone or rubbing alcohol works to get the final film off. I just resealed a 125 I bought on Craigslist, took forever to get the old stuff off.
     
    country1911, Jul 17, 2012
    country1911, Jul 17, 2012
    #3
  4. Jlobes

    Jlobes Coral Banded Shrimp

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    yep...no easy way about it. razor and good ol fashion elbow grease!!
     
    Jlobes, Jul 17, 2012
    Jlobes, Jul 17, 2012
    #4
  5. JHiestand

    JHiestand Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I used steel wool and acetone, a magic eraser will also remove the film. Just make sure you scrape all the big stuff first with a razor like you are doing.
     
    JHiestand, Jul 17, 2012
    JHiestand, Jul 17, 2012
    #5
  6. MarineDepot

    MarineDepot 3reef Sponsor

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    I remember having to replace my razorblades quite frequently when removing baffles from an old sump as they got dull fairly quickly. You won't scratch the glass so you can try applying more pressure and working from different angles.

    Dan
     
    MarineDepot, Jul 17, 2012
    MarineDepot, Jul 17, 2012
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  7. Pickupman66

    Pickupman66 Tassled File Fish

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    a big stiff blade works best. I redid all the silicone on a 225 and it took quite a while to get it all out. acetone, a 4" blade and it came off. Lots of elbow grease.
     
    Pickupman66, Jul 17, 2012
    Pickupman66, Jul 17, 2012
    #7
  8. TrialandError

    TrialandError Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Thanks for the acetone suggestion. It helps me be able to clean up enough to see past the fingerprints lol. It's coming off a lot better :)
     
    TrialandError, Jul 17, 2012
    TrialandError, Jul 17, 2012
    #8