That stuff follows a seam and wicks underneath and across a new joint when applied by syringe or brush by capillary action, IIRC. That's the way you fuse things together and that'd be the way to introduce acetone into the joint to weaken it.
Beating around the seam of the 190-Kanga series battery seems like a very bad idea to me, given the way the latch assembly looks inside the one I opened up. Application of vacuum pressure a/o clamping forces to the top and bottom sections might be a pretty slick way to get 'em apart without latch borkage. I'll give it a look-see in daylight.
How much does OWC charge for a rebuilt? I'm beginning to agree with fink that re-celling one of these is worth just paying the tariff and dispensing with the gotta DIY attitude. :approve: