Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm trying to remove 100% silicon sealant in a melamine cage, to replace it with new caulk. Any ideas how without damaging the melamine coating?

I know when I removed it from my shower I used 100% Acetone but whether or not that is safe for animal cages, I have no idea.

Ahh, acetone. Thanks.

Does it "unstick" the silicon or dissolve it into a gummy mess? Was it easy?

I think once acetone evaporates, the surface is safe. I just don't know if acetone compromises the melamine coating. I guess I'll have to test it.

i've used a razor blade scraper on fish tanks with no damage,a lot of elbow grease,good project for watching TV.have fun! TWH

yea razorblade is best beat...u always no that way your not taking a risk with your pets right ? a little damage is well worth protecting your pets ?

Mark,

Sorry for the late reply.

I have used a razor blade with decent success on higher quality melamine. Just be sure to change out the blade fairly often.

With the cheaper melamine foil (like what you get from full sheets at Home Depot) I have not had the same luck -- the razor seems to cut right through.

If you're unsure of what you have, look closely at your melamine surface under a bright light. If you can see the texture of the particle board through the white surface then it's probably melamine foil.

I don't believe I have ever used acetone around melamine. Should be easy enough to test on a hidden part of the cage.
-----
Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)