How to remove glued on shower rail from acrylic shower?

[Maria67]

Hi all! I'm trying to replace a broken shower rail in my moulded acrylic shower. I've taken off the top and bottom 'knobs', but I've come to the conclusion that the main body of the rail is glued on as there are no screws. Please Help!! Does anyone know how I can remove the rail without damaging or breaking the acrylic? 

The first photo below is before I took the 'knobs' off.... the second is the glued on shower rail that I need to remove.

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

Maria

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Maria67,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Could I ask for some photos showing down the centre of the shower rail? 

It certainly looks like there are no fixings that can be easily removed, but I'd like to completely eliminate the possibility before moving on.

If you look up or down the shower rail and around the perimeter, can you see any evidence of glue?

If you gently pull on the shower rail, does it have any give at all?

If it has been stuck on with adhesive, then using an adhesive remover like Goof Off could help, just make sure you test it in an inconspicuous location to ensure it does not negatively affect the acrylic shower before committing to its use.

Using a flat tool like a paint scraper to lever up the edge can also help.

If you can expose the glue, then cutting it with a utility knife will also help. Just remember to wear gloves, long protective clothing and eye protection to reduce the risk of lacerations.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

[Maria67]

Hi Jacob, many, many thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I've actually jumped on here to put in an update because I've gotten the rail off... it was held on with selastic, not glue. So, now I'm dealing with getting the remaining silicone residue off. I'm using WD40 and a scraper which IS working, but it's very slow going. Can you suggest a petter solution for removing the very thin layer of residue? Thank you, Maria

[EricL]

Hello @Maria67 

I recommend keeping on persevering with the scraper and WD40. As much as I would like to suggest using chemical removers, it might damage the finish of your acrylic liner. You could try using a Trojan Safety Scraper With 5 Blades, but I suggest using it with extreme care as it can dig into the surface of the acrylic liner and ruin the finish. Once you've removed as much of the silicone on the surface you can then decide on what kind of shower rail you wish to install.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Maria67]

Thank you Eric... have taken your advice and persevered with the WD40 and scraper. I've finally decided that even though it not 100% perfect (still tiny patches of residue that I can't remove because it's just smearing)... it's good enough. Now have to install the new rail and shower head.... it's been a LONG day!  😀 Regards, Maria

[EricL]

Hello @Maria67 

It's good to hear that you got most of the silicone off. Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your new shower rail installed.

Eric