Silicone Removal , How ?

The old and thorny question of silicone removal. I need to renew some silicone in our shower room , just small 3mm fillets but quite long runs . I have a spray solvent , but does the dedicated and expensive solvent eater spray work ? What about WD40 does that do the job as well ?
TIA

 

I'd be careful what you use if you actually want to replace the silicon afterwards.
I'm not sure WD40 would be a good idea for that reason, or even if it removes silicone.

Never tried myself, other than a good old scrape with a semi sharp implement.

Not sure if PU thinners might work to some extent, at least it is pretty volatile and likely to evaporate rather than leaving grease behind.
But be careful.

 

I use one of these

 

Loosen and/or cut away was much as you can with a blade without damaging the surrounding surfaces. A sharp stanley blade, or the thin blades/knives sold in the diy stores, or even a scalpel for tight areas.

Liberally apply some White Spirits / Turps to the remainder and rub it with a strong cloth, with extra turps if needed, eventually it will soften and come away leaving a clean surface.

Use some detergent to remove the turps before apply any fresh silicone.

 

Thanks all for the inputs . I do hack away at the silicone with a Stanley knife and old chisel I have, to remove the bulk of it. Cautionary video below on the use of WD40 . I do clean with Meths before applying silicone , so I think I may try silicone eater this time.
I have been using these FUGI type tools for striking off the silicone for the last couple of years , they are really good. But no you can't get to that awkward spot behind the taps !

 

@HarryS If you have good ventilation in the shower room, then white vinegar works well.

 

@Sandy Ground , good tip for a small silicone remove Not sure I could stand the smell for a larger job .

 

Thats the reason I mentioned ventilation. Older silicone is usually acid based, thats the reason white vinegar works.

 

Yes, you could ... just have your stripper tool in one hand and ...


... a bag of chips in the other and then you won't notice the smell