Caulking and Sealants (silicone, parbond, vulkem & more)

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by goldwing70

...What solvent would be appropriate? I just did a search on this forum for siloxene...

i use 3m adhesive, wax, tar and silicone remover, but products will also remove silicone residuals....

search silicone (in this thread or subforum)

that is the commonly used name for the polysiloxane based sealants to AVOID on the exterior of 'streams...

Siloxane

Silicone

cheers
2air'

[tphan]

I will have to echo some of Davidz71's comments, as far as my own experience goes with these sealants: I think Vulkem is a great, long lasting product, but it is sticky and messy, not to mention slow-curing, and not easy to use in small, detailed areas. I like it for big jobs, like installing/sealing my vista-view window, and completely sealing up the rear shell-floor-frame area. But for smaller jobs, like just sealing around window frames, storage compartment frames, and the like, I tried 2 different products, 2 years ago: Par-bond, and GE silicone ll formulated for aluminum, stainless, and other metals. The par-bond indeed looks all cracked, like it has shrunk, though so far I have noticed no leaks where I used it. The GE silicone (aluminum-silver colored) looks fresh, no cracking, no adhesion problems, no leaks. Will it last 30 years? I'll never know. Just my experience with the stuff, so far.- tim

[purman]

I've read through here and didn't see (Geocel Instant gutter seal...) saw some other gutter seal but not this one... It comes in aluminum grey.. anybody use it... I dipped some rivets in it that I used to patch old screw holes works great and matches.

[bbmombo]

Okay, I just got my Vulkem from Andy. I am ready to try PeterH's technique on my Vista View windows. Question: Can I use thinner and a rag like Peter did with the Vulkem?

[76sovereign]

Has anyone tried a product called NP1. It comes in Aluminum color and I was told by the business I was at they used to carry Vulkem but they replaced Vulkem with this NP1. Sounds like a line to me . . .but I bought some just in case.

[Wardinbb]

Let me chime in here and say that this stuff should be in the Airstream Bible for cleaning up vulkem sealer. This stuff will liquify fresh sealant and loosen old. This product was brought to my attention by another Forum member some years ago and he is right, it can not be beat.

Now some folks feel environmental concerns outway the use of this product as it is a strong solvent, so be it, you are entitled to do as you wish.

I am a firm believer in vulkem as I have removed areas of the stuff that was 40+ years old and still pliable and doing it's job. Other areas that were subject to extreme exposure were not so soft but nothing a plastic scraper couldn't handle. I've used Parbond and all I can say is that it features a small nozzel. Vulkem, coupled with the Hoppes, can not be beat. Use of a small syringe or a large one with a big needle will get you wherever you what to go. Yes the vulkem is messy. But with a pair(s) of disposable gloves, papertowels and the Hoppes, you're looking at finish work smooth as a hound's tooth. Find Hoppes spray in most Camping aisles where gun supplies are featured. There are other brands too at WallMart. That's my truth and I'm stickin' to it. Hope this helps ya.
Ed