Silicone removal

[m garrison]

Just started polishing my AS how can I remove the silicone it is on all windows and almost all seams. I have left the area around it and need some help as what to use to remove it, have tried scraping it but it still leaves some on the surface. Help. Polishing is turning out great.

[funkill]

I've spent a lot of time working on removing the silicon from my trailer. Seems on of her POs came from teh school of "more is better". I have been working with a nylon pan scraper (Nylon Pan Scrapers : Stoneware : The Pampered Chef, Ltd.), a dental pick and mineral spirits. The mineral spirits does seem to help melt the silicone. My searches on this forum show that everyone has trouble removing this crap-o-la. No real secrets to removing it - just elbow grease and patience. Wishing you luck.
Laura

[SilverCottage]

I just redid the silicone in my house shower and this stuff did an outstanding job of removing the old stuff:
Remov Canada

You might contact them and find out who in the US sells it. I tried the DAP product from Home Depot and it wasn't bad but nowhere near as effective as the Remov stuff. Just put it in a squirt bottle and let it sit for a few minutes. I also used plastic putty knives ($1 store) that would not scratch the surface.

Overall, not a pleasant job but this stuff really does work.

[Tom Nugler]

I’ve had good luck using using a couple of products.
If the silicone is old or thinly applied and lifts off when rubbed with a dry finger, these adhesive remover discs from 3–M work really well.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Manufacturing/Industry/Product-Catalog/Online-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQGLE0_nid=0G4KFN490HbeS QSFJR0R56glwe
We use these in the shop for removing trim adhesive. Quick and non-chemical. A body shop supply store should be able to get you one. I like the solid disc as opposed to the "flappy" kind.
If it’s thicker then I like the Mckanica remover paste. http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Silicone_Caulk_Remover_p/vts-378.htm
Our local hardware store stocks it, but its cheaper here. It doesn’t remove the clearcoat like some removers do. Scrap of the excess, dab it on, wait a few hours and it scrapes right off.

Good luck,
Tom.

[FLYNCLD]

Hands down, this is the best product I have found! Put it on..let it sit...take it off!

Silicone Caulk Remover

FLYNCLD

[dieseleagle]

The official caulk remover works very well but if you have a lot to do it can get expensive. I removed as much as possible with a one-sided razor blade and then removed the residual with MEK and a lot of paper towels. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area.

[85MH325]

I have just had to remove a shower enclosure in my house that our contractor glued in with 100% silicone caulk. Unfortunately, he even used it to seal against our "new" textured tile floor. Trimming the residual down with a razor blade scraper and then liberally applying Goo-Gone to the residue letting it sit for 10 minutes and then applying the scraper again takes it off completely and with very little work. Goo-Gone is a combination of mineral spirits and citrus oils. I'd try it on a hidden area first on a trailer with clear-coat just to make sure it doesn't do anything nasty to the clear-coat.

It sure worked nicely in my bath!

Roger

[InsideOut]

I have had good luck with the Mckanica Caulk Remover too.

The thing that is frustrating though is you have to be very patient (not my strong point) it is kinda slow - you have to wait literally a couple of hours between applying it and getting the results. If you don't it's just a waste of product & $$$. I had to get all the %#$@*! silicone that had been glopped on all over our windows.

I also had good luck with PermaTex Gasket Remover. It may not get it all in one coat...but you can get two coats on & off it about 1/4 of the time. Be careful though, this stuff burns your skin if it gets on you and will remove brand new POR-15...don't ask how I know.

Shari

[m garrison]

Thanks to all for the info. and if the rain stops today I hope to try removing more of the silicone the po must have had stock in a silicone co. somewhere. With the info. I got from all I will get the job done. Thanks