How to get silicone off of acrylic

[captmicha]

I fixed a crack with silicone on my acrylic fish tank but when I try to remove the excess with a flat razor (was I supposed to do this when it dried? b/c I did), the razor kept scratching the acrylic and was difficult to do and I stopped b/c I don't want to scratch it up.

How do I get it off?

[mellowvision]

with a razor. it might be easier and less likely to scratch if you use a wide scraper in a handle, as opposed to using a razor blade in hand.

really, the trick is to only put on what you want on. people often use a wet finger to smooth it out and remove excess, at the time of application

[Halibut]

Another trick is to use "painters tape" or that paper masking tape and put it on both sides of the crack, leaving whatever amount on each side you're willing to live with. You can then use the wet finger to help force the silicon into the crack, and push it out flat at the tape's edge. Before it hardens, just carefully pull up the tape.

[mellowvision]

if you read his post, it's already on the tank and dry.

[DrJoe]

I realize it's too late, but never use a razor blade on an acrylic tank unless it's a last resort. A plastic putty knife or old credit card won't scatch the plastic near as bad and clean with alcohol and clean cloth rags.

Dr Joe

.

[Halibut]

Yes, Mellow, I read his post. Like your wet finger tip, my suggestion was for the next time this happened, or for others reading the post, but thanks for the clarification.

[jjohns]

How did you get a crack in your acrylic tank? I am looking at buying a new tank (my 90 gallon glass sprung a leak) and I am considering acrylic instead. Do you like your tank? What size is it? Is acrylic really leak-proof?