Removing silicone from Aqueon overflow.

[sloogan]

I’m in the process of resealing the decorative silicone as the seams of the panes themselves are in perfect condition. I have removed my overflows(Aqueon D-Shape) and plan on reusing them after my first round of silicone. Unfortunately the factory silicone is pretty well adjusted to the plastic and cannot be removed with a razor without the blade digging into the plastic.
Looking for some help I heard about the vinegar soak method but don’t have any 2 ft containers to soak the overflows in.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Decorative silicone? Hmm....

Maybe dragging a guitar string along it will pull it off?

 

[sloogan]

Decorative silicone? Hmm....

Maybe dragging a guitar string along it will pull it off?

I’ve removed the overflows from the tank itself, it’s just the silicone stuck to the overflow itself that I can’t get off without damaging the plastic.

“Decorative” meaning not the seams of the glass planes but the corner seal

 

[AJTX]

Kitchen steel scrubber with acetone. It will remove the silicone. It will scratch the plastic so do it only over the area where the silicone will be reapplied. If that is too rough try with#0000/000 steel wool.

 

[EagleEric]

Just did this with a 30 gallon JBJ.

Soaked everything in citric acid for a few hours with a pump on to clean it.
Then the silicone was easier to get to.
I used an old steel blade from a Coraline scraper. It didn't gouge the plastic.

Be sure to tape off for a nice bead.

Take your time

 

[sloogan]

Just did this with a 30 gallon JBJ.

Soaked everything in citric acid for a few hours with a pump on to clean it.
Then the silicone was easier to get to.
I used an old steel blade from a Coraline scraper. It didn't gouge the plastic.

Be sure to tape off for a nice bead.

Take your time

What strength citric acid did you use?