What is your method of silicone removal? - TilersForums.com

[On one]

I am getting more and more jobs that require the removal of old mouldy silicone 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 silicone removing corner tools safe on the baths/tray's?
Is there any one silicone remover better than the other?
Is there anything slightly abrasive that will remove the every little last bit of silicone?

 

[Mr Tiler]

nearly every job I have done has required me to remove old silicone I just use a glass scraper havnt scratched a thing as of yet... Neale also gave me something called silicone 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...Silicone 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...Silicone 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 silicone.........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 silicone though doesnt worek for me prefferr the glass scraper just have to be cautious especially over bumps

 

[Sean Kelly]

I've used the silicone 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).