Removing silicone adhesive from ceramic tile.

P

Packard

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About 15 years ago, I affixed a soap dispenser to a bathroom wall using silicone adhesive.  The dispenser just died.  I will be using freestanding dispensers going forward.

I was able to pry the dispenser from the wall using my 5-in-one tool.

A heat gun and that same tool allowed me to remove all but a few thousandth’s of an inch of the stuff.

Acetone, alcohol and mineral spirits afforded no help.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of the remaining adhesive?
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Careful use of a single edge razor blade.

There are chemical silicone removers, I’ve never used them.

Tom
 
I second the single-edge razor blade. It has worked for me.
Any silicone on the grout will be the real PITA.
 
I will try both the spray and the razor blades.

I have the blades in the house and Home Depot has the spray.

The spray is 40% cheaper at Home Depot than either Amazon.com or Walmart online.  Both online vendors are from 3rd party sellers.

Thanks for the replies.
 
You could also try a pinstripe eraser wheel from Amazon for about $10.

It works with a drill to "rub off" all kinds of things without damaging the substrate.
 
A 3rd vote for the razor blade approach. Once you get the blade between the silicone and the ceramic it comes off really easy. Larger ceramic tiles are easier than smaller ones because of all of the radiuses on the smaller tiles.
 
I used a Stanley glass scraper this morning.  It uses utility knife blades.  I removed all but a slight film.  I will try again using single edged razor blades to try and remove the remaining film.

The trapezoid shape of the utility knife allowed me to get into the grout line.  (5” x 5” tiles).

Again, don’t buy this from Amazon.  It is $9.00 from Amazon and $4.00 locally.  Granger carries it.
https://www.stanleytools.com/product/28-593/window-scraper

images
 
I went at it with the Stanley scraper and got almost all of it off.  I then tried a single edge razor blade/holder and removed a little more. 

I used a heat gun and razor blade to no avail.

I used blue Scotchbrite + Dawn dish washing soap, also to no avail.

I tried using spent anti-static drier sheets + heat gun (drier sheets over a balled up rag).  Lots of hard rubbing made some progress.

At this point, the residue appears as a slightly dull area of the same color as the surrounding tile.  It is hardly noticeable.  I think I will try some automotive polish.  But first I will try using some toothpaste.  It has a mild abrasive that might do the trick.

I used to use it to clear up the plastic rear window on my old Alfa Romeo convertible.  A slow process, but almost risk free.  (And it smells like you just brushed your teeth).
 
Isopropyl alcohol will change the consistency of silicon and make removing that film easy.  Ideally 99%.  70% rubbing may/may-not work.
 
I can get 90% alcohol at the drug store.  The 99% is going to be laboratory grade and much harder to obtain. 

Heat also changes the consistency—but don’t try it with a hair dryer.  You need a heat gun to make that happen.
 
Packard said:
I used a Stanley glass scraper this morning.  It uses utility knife blades.  I removed all but a slight film.  I will try again using single edged razor blades to try and remove the remaining film.

The trapezoid shape of the utility knife allowed me to get into the grout line.  (5” x 5” tiles).

Again, don’t buy this from Amazon.  It is $9.00 from Amazon and $4.00 locally.  Granger carries it.
https://www.stanleytools.com/product/28-593/window-scraper

images
Click to expand...

I have one of those at work. I use it to scrape laminate edges after filing. They used to be black, I had one for many years, had to get a new one after the fire.  Local is definitely the way to go with something like this. I think I paid about $4 this time, but only $1.99 the first time.
 
As a professional glazer for more than forty years I use Plastic Razor Blades and Scrapers available from Amazon, also great for cleaning bugs off vehicles.
 
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