Using WD40 to remove old sealant from shower enclosure.

[chainsaw_masochist]

I have to replace the sealant in a shower enclosure. In order to remove the old sealant I heard recently that spraying WD40 can be very effective as it causes the existing sealant to swell up and lose its adhesion, thus facilitating easy extraction. Anybody done this at all? Alternatively would anyone discourage such a method? Thanks for any comments.

 

[gregers]

ive never heard of this,but thats not saying it wouldnt work.

my main concern is that once you have sprayed an oil over it YOU will have a bloody hard job of making sure there is no residue left as the new silicone bead you put on wont stick.

 

[Deleted2797112]

I don't know about the WD40 sorry but I can suggest an alternative that's safe for pretty much any hard surface:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mykal-Sticky-Stuff-Remover-250ml/dp/B000TAT4GM

It's widely available (probably cheaper than Amazon too) but I linked the Amazon ad because it mentions a spray version.

I've only used the liquid version but it's wonderful stuff - removes all kinds of adhesives and sticky residues. The bottle goes a very long way and it smells of oranges!

 

[longdogs]

Wrap masking tape around the top edge of a new stanley blade so that you don't cut yourself, then just slice through the old silicon using the blade. Keep the blade as flat as possible to the shower and then to the tiles, then pull it out takes about an hour.

I've often thought about using the silicon removers but worry about the new silicon not adhering. Anyone used it with good results??

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Gregers: That is a good point. Had not thought of removing the WD.

Ceres: Great link. Ordered a couple of bottles.

squeaky: Got a bit of time to carry out the task so following removal I will give the area a good sterilise with meths.

Thanks, chaps.