i just got a 35 gal tank, and the seller told me i may or may not need some recaulking, my question is what if i put a new sealant on it, do i need to remove the old sealant or just put the new on top of it.. sorry for stupid question i just dont know it..
recaulking my tank pls help
- Thread starter rivendel
- Start date
You'll need to remove the old sealant. it will prevent the new sealant from making a strong bond with the glass, and will be likely to leak as well. Stripping the old silicone isn't hard. Just use a razorblade and peel it out. Usually it comes out in long strips.
Once you've got most of it out, run the razor blade along the glass where the old silicone was. You want to make sure that there is little or no residue left on the glass. After that, give it a good wash with alcohol (100% ethanol or methanol) or acetone.
Once its clean and dry, apply the new silicone in a bead around all the corners. Smooth it out with a finger or the back of a spoon. If you want a cleaner look, put some blue painters tape at the limits of where you want the silicone to be, put in the silicone, and while its still wet, pull the tape off. That will leave nice clean lines.
Once you've got most of it out, run the razor blade along the glass where the old silicone was. You want to make sure that there is little or no residue left on the glass. After that, give it a good wash with alcohol (100% ethanol or methanol) or acetone.
Once its clean and dry, apply the new silicone in a bead around all the corners. Smooth it out with a finger or the back of a spoon. If you want a cleaner look, put some blue painters tape at the limits of where you want the silicone to be, put in the silicone, and while its still wet, pull the tape off. That will leave nice clean lines.