What is your method of Silicon removal?

[On one]

I am getting more and more jobs that require the removal of old mouldy Silicon around shower trays and baths. Whistle this has never been a speedy job,does anyone have any tips that will speed the job up?

Are those specialist Silicon removing corner tools safe on the baths/tray's?
Is there any one Silicon remover better than the other?
Is there anything slightly abrasive that will remove the every little last bit of Silicon?

 

[Mr Tiler]

nearly every job I have done has required me to remove old Silicon I just use a glass scraper havnt scratched a thing as of yet... Neale also gave me something called Silicon eater il give that a try when I get chance he said it is really good though

 

[enduro]

Just use a blade but be careful not to cut the tray...Silicon eater is a complete waste of time.

 

[Mr Tiler]

I havnt tried it yet so i cant comment

 

[Mr Tiler]

Oh also ive been told that wd-40 helps the proccess when scraping havnt tried that yet either though lol

 

[Qwerty]

I often use a windscreen ice scraper. It's ideal and never scratches

 

[On one]

Just use a blade but be careful not to cut the tray...Silicon eater is a complete waste of time.

I wouldn't say it was a complete waste of time.......just maybe more trouble than it is worth!

 

[On one]

I often use a windscreen ice scraper. It's ideal and never scratches

I once got a purpose made plastic blade for removing Silicon.........it last all of 5 mins!

 

[Mr Tiler]

I have a sharp peice of plastic i used to use in a previous job to remove labells without scratching the metal its not very practical for Silicon though doesnt worek for me prefferr the glass scraper just have to be cautious especially over bumps

 

[Sean Kelly]

I've used the Silicon eater - imo it's rubbish.
I've tried various tools and specialist blades (plastic ones and metal ones, profiled ones), all rubbish.
The best method that works for me is (as Mr Tea bag says) is a glass scraper. The one that takes a razor blade. I also clean the area with some methylated spirit (great smelling purple stuff).

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

I've used the Silicon eater - imo it's rubbish.
I've tried various tools and specialist blades (plastic ones and metal ones, profiled ones), all rubbish.
The best method that works for me is (as Mr Tea bag says) is a glass scraper. The one that takes a razor blade. I also clean the area with some methylated spirit (great smelling purple stuff).

Don't drink it though Sean, you will end up sleeping on a park bench wrapped up in newspaper to keep you warm.:yikes::lol:

 

[Gazzer]

I dont think Silicon eater is a waste of time...sometimes it maybe and other times it works...it does make it messy though. Sure if you can use the scraper method then great and yes meths works good to clean up.

 

[AliGage]

WD40 works a treat for removing the residue. Blade to remove the bead.
I've mentioned WD40 before and some have said it stains grout. Personally I've never had that issue but bare it in mind if you do use it.
Any other silica based spray will work.

 

[enduro]

Another good thing to use is a hairdryer it softens the Silicon. Dont use a heat gun it may melt the tray. lol

 

[swanman]

White sprit is good