How to Remove Silicone From a Fiberglass Tub

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Things You'll Need

  • Razor blade

  • Tweezers

  • Non-abrasive scrubbing pad

  • Rubbing alcohol (ethanol)

  • Dish washing soap

  • Soft cotton cloth

  • Automotive polish

Silicone around Bathtub

The sealer around a fiberglass tub keeps water from invading the seam between tub and wall and causing moisture damage. This sealer can become dirty and unattractive as time goes by. Removing the old sealer must be done with care to avoid damaging the fiberglass surface of the tub.

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Step 1

Pry one corner of silicone loose using tip of razor blade or tweezers. Remove as much sealer as possible by working the point of tweezers into the joint and prying out the sealant. Keep a steady tension on the loose end, and pull gently to extract strip of sealant out of the crack between the wall and tub.

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Step 2

Shave any remaining spots of sealer flat with the edge of the razor blade. Get as close to the tub's surface as possible without scratching the fiberglass. Scrape any remaining sealant completely off the surrounding wall with the razor blade.

Step 3

Rub the remaining paper thin remnants of sealer with your thumb, using your thumbnail around the edges to loosen the sealant. Try to roll up each bit into a small ball so you can pick it off of the fiberglass surface.

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Step 4

Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol on stubborn spots, and rub gently with a non-abrasive pad. Rinse the entire area with a solution of water and dish soap. Dry with a soft cotton cloth, and check for any missed sections.

Step 5

Bring back shine to dulled spots with a tiny amount of automotive polish rubbed on with a cotton rag. Let stand for a moment, then buff dry. Allow tub to dry completely before reapplying silicone sealant.

Tip

Sharpen a plastic toothbrush handle to a point and use to scrape sealer out of deep crevices. Products containing ethanol and xylene mixtures may also be helpful for removing silicone, but sure to test on a small area first.

Warning

Don't use mineral spirits on fiberglass - they can damage the surface of the tub. Use solvents only in well ventilated spaces away from flame.

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