There are probably a fair few chemicals that can dissolve rubber but the best one i know of is acetone.
Dissolve silicone rubber.
Continue until the caulk has broken free from the surface and then remove the caulk and rinse with water.
Keep rubbing at the plastic and eventually the rubber will start to be removed.
Use the utility knife or razor to make an incision on one side of the caulk seam.
Silicone caulk lasts for many years but it does wear out and when it does you need to remove it before you can apply fresh caulk.
Wipe material with a clean rag or scrape from surface with permatex saferscraper.
How silicone is made.
Hold the knife so it is near the wall at the base of the silicone and slide the knife down the full length of the seam.
Add some methylated sprits onto a clan cloth 2.
In 2011 the process is used not only to make long lasting tires but also to improve the characteristics of silicone sealants.
Silicone is the basis for a large number of elastomers polymers and synthetic rubbers.
Since then the process has been improved not only for rubber but also for silicone.
Allow longer contact time for thick layers.
If at all possible submerge the sealant.
You d need to soak the rubber in plenty of acetone rather than simply applying a little amount which would quickly dry out.
A common removal strategy is to soften the caulk with a generous amount of a softening agent and then cut it off with a knife or pull it off with pliers.
Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the alcohol to soften the rubber and break the bond.
Slice slowly and be careful not to cut into the wall.
Spread liberally on surface and let stand for several minutes to soften gasket material.
Pour the ethyl alcohol on top of the silicone rubber.
Repeat if necessary until surface is free of gasket material.
Remove heavy silicone residue using permatex saferscraper.
A word of warning just a quick note before you get started.
Apply it to the caulk you want to remove let it sit for about 20 minutes and then apply more.
Start to wipe away the rubber.
Select the first caulk seam to remove.
If you find that the rubber isn t coming off like i did with this camera you will.
