Barely DIY, but INDY/resealing help still Required

[MaddMaxx]

My original intent was to only remove and reseal the one pane, but after realizing it was "sandwiched" between the two longer panes, I've decided to tear the whole thing apart since I don't feel confident that I can get a good seal by "squishing" silicone into the gap. Any clearer?

 

[Pharaoh]

Once one panel is off, you do not want to reapply new silicone to old silicone. The two will not adhere to each other.

 

[deeda]

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't know you had decided to do a complete teardown. Will the original bottom trim still fit properly since the bottom will not be recessed any longer or are you going to make a new DIY one?

 

[jworth]

Once one panel is off, you do not want to reapply new silicone to old silicone. The two will not adhere to each other.

Bobby, I am not questioning that it may not be as strong, but I do believe that silicone will stick to silicone. other sealants will not stick to silicone and the other way around, but silicone on silicone can be done in some applications (although I wouldnt recommend it for fish tanks) ex. capping windows etc... However this would mean that all the people who use acetone are just going overkill. a few spots wouldnt be detrimental.

 

[Pharaoh]

Bobby, I am not questioning that it may not be as strong, but I do believe that silicone will stick to silicone. other sealants will not stick to silicone and the other way around, but silicone on silicone can be done in some applications (although I wouldnt recommend it for fish tanks) ex. capping windows etc... However this would mean that all the people who use acetone are just going overkill. a few spots wouldnt be detrimental.

I am just speaking from a strength point of view. With water volume and pressure, it is imperative to have a solid seal. Silicone can be used ofertop of old silicone in cases such as windows and doors, but there is no real stress placed on that silicone. It is all about the tensile shear strength of the bond between new and old silicone.

 

[jworth]

I am just speaking from a strength point of view. With water volume and pressure, it is imperative to have a solid seal. Silicone can be used ofertop of old silicone in cases such as windows and doors, but there is no real stress placed on that silicone. It is all about the tensile shear strength of the bond between new and old silicone.

I agree about possible strength differences, however I think the acetone cleaning is not essential as long as you got the surface quite clean with a razor. a very small patch that was not removed is not going to cause a failure/leak because there would be caulk covering it. I just think this is a step that can be skipped and save the DIY'er some bucks.

 

[Pharaoh]

I agree about possible strength differences, however I think the acetone cleaning is not essential as long as you got the surface quite clean with a razor. a very small patch that was not removed is not going to cause a failure/leak because there would be caulk covering it. I just think this is a step that can be skipped and save the DIY'er some bucks.

Acetone just breaks it down so that the remainder left by the razor blade can be removed. I'd say it falls under the better safe than sorry category. I would always use it considering acetone isn't that expensive.

 

[jworth]

Acetone just breaks it down so that the remainder left by the razor blade can be removed. I'd say it falls under the better safe than sorry category. I would always use it considering acetone isn't that expensive.

fair enough... just was a thought/observation

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

I could be wrong here but i beleive that acetone will not soften, melt, or remove silicone after it has cured.

I allways use the acetone or wood grain alcohol to remove any oils from the glass. Basically as a prepping agent to get the glass ready for new silicone. Even our skin has oils which are sure to get on the tank while working the razors around getting the silicone out.

Also a while back another member here CHOMPERS did several test and made several vids of new silicone on old silicone strength test. And silicone bonding to pvc strength test.

And reported back in the vids that new silicone would bond to old silicone as long as it was cleaned really well. And also that silicone would bond to pvc as long as the pvc was cleaned really well.

You guys may contact him for more and better info and maybe the links to the vids.

 

[Pharaoh]

Acetone will soften it a a bit, but only a little. Works about as well as xylene, gasoline, toluene and any other chemical. Goo Gone is the best that I've found, but none will release it....period.

Good point on the oil note though.