Tips on removing silicone and caulking?

[kmtanner]

Hello! My husband and I recently acquired a 1963 Tradewind, and a PO put loads of caulking and silicone and who knows what else around all of the seams in hopes to prevent leaks I'm sure. We are doing a renovation that includes removing the interior skins so we plan on waterproofing from the inside. I would like to remove all of the gross looking stuff that is on there now, but haven't found a great product. I have been attempting to scrape it off with plastic scrapers, then have tried using Goo Gone, Goof Off, and McKanica silicone remover. The products may help a little, but it's far from easy, and I am wondering if anybody has any tips that will make the job easier and faster??

[TG Twinkie]

Have you tried lacquer thinner?

[kmtanner]

No, but thank you for the suggestion! Will try that one next. Do you have any experience working with it? Will it be ok on the aluminum?

[TheGreatleys]

If it is actually silicone, I used a ton of the silicone remover from Vintage Trailer Supply on mine. Has to sit a while to penetrate and takes multiple applications for thicker areas, but it works well.

[Iansk]

WD-40 actually works pretty darn well to remove silicone.
Spray it on, let it sit for a bit, scrapes right off.

[Dingo Girl]

I'm going to try the WD40 . It's about the only thing I haven't tried.
Thank you!

[J Ingersoll]

The key is the solvent needs time to penetrate. Colin Hyde suggested a rag soaked in mineral spirits (paint thinner) and let it lay on the silicone for a while. It worked.

[PecanMan5]

I don't think you can buy solvents in CA anymore, from a previous post.

[TG Twinkie]

I used lacquer thinner on my Argosy but of course it is painted. Can't imagine it would damage aluminum.

[Vernbots]

You probably know this but do not use silicone aluminum.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by kmtanner

Hello! My husband and I recently acquired a 1963 Tradewind, and a PO put loads of caulking and silicone and who knows what else around all of the seams in hopes to prevent leaks I'm sure. We are doing a renovation that includes removing the interior skins so we plan on waterproofing from the inside. I would like to remove all of the gross looking stuff that is on there now, but haven't found a great product. I have been attempting to scrape it off with plastic scrapers, then have tried using Goo Gone, Goof Off, and McKanica silicone remover. The products may help a little, but it's far from easy, and I am wondering if anybody has any tips that will make the job easier and faster??

Depends on the situation. Here's what I do.

1) particularly where large deposits of silicone are involved, I use a razor knife (the style used by window cleaners) to cut away as much as possible. Care must be taken to avoid damaging your skin or the aluminum.

2) Next I use a heat gun combined with a wood scraper (such as a paint stir stick). Care must be taken to avoid burning your skin, setting the trailer or garage on fire, and breathing any toxic fumes that may be emitted by the hot caulk. I keep a fire extinguisher close at hand for this step but haven't had to use it. Typically the vast bulk of the caulk can be removed this way.

3) Finally any suitable chemical means can be employed. I have found that the silicone remover products work well on the thin film now remaining (but not much more), and some types of caulk can be removed with other solvents.

4) In extreme cases where the surface will not be visible (like the roof or portions of panels that will be covered by a molding), an abrasive pad mounted in a die grinder can be used. Care must be taken not to remove any aluminum.

5) Sometimes it is necessary to go through all the steps a second time.

[sgschwend]

I use a razor blade, and draw-it at about a 15 degree angle, cutting away most of it. The rest will come off much quicker.

Lately I have found a product that is a plastic abrasive wheel, built just like a rotary wire wheel that won't hurt finish or the aluminum. You do need to watch what they are doing. Even scratches can be removed by using these wheels and then switching to different coarseness of steel wool (00 then 000). It all takes a little experimentation.

[kmtanner]

These are great suggestions, thank you! While this hasn't been the most time consuming project thus far, it has been the LEAST rewarding using the methods I've tried.

There are several different products that the PO used. Some are silicone, some are regular caulking, and I think there is even hot glue in one spot...

@TheGreatleys, I tried the McKanica silicone remover from Vintage trailer supply in one spot, but reading more about it, maybe I need to let it sit over night and cover it with plastic wrap. I'll try again.

Thanks again everybody! I am eager to get the outside cleaned ups that we can start the polishing process!