Can't get rotted screen door seal off

[JBBeaubeaux]

Any help or suggestions will be welcome.

The rubber from the screen door has come off in places and is sticking to the door frame. (see 3 photos attached)

I tried Denatured Alcohol on the door frame and it does not even touch it to remove it. I mean it doesn't even soften it or anything. I actually think it likes it!

I tried a steel chisel, but all I get is scratches, which I do not want, so I stopped after a test try.

Does anyone know of a chemical or method that will soften the rubber on the door frame so I can take it off?

Thanks!

Jim

[Minno]

Try carb cleaner. We used that to remove old gasket material from windows, and old vulkum.

Chris

[87MH]

3M general adhesive cleaner #08984.

It's expensive, but worth it.

[JBBeaubeaux]

I tried Carb cleaner because I am in the middle of the desert and could only find an auto parts store.

Carb cleaner worked instantly!

It is almost amazing how fast it softens the rubber.

First swipe/rub removes the black rubber, then a 2nd and 3rd time removes the remaining sticky adhesive.

Thanks for all the advice.

Jim

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by JBBeaubeaux

I tried Carb cleaner because I am in the middle of the desert and could only find an auto parts store.

Carb cleaner worked instantly!

It is almost amazing how fast it softens the rubber.

First swipe/rub removes the black rubber, then a 2nd and 3rd time removes the remaining sticky adhesive.

Thanks for all the advice.

Jim

Jim,

The simplist and very best way to remove the door, screen door, access door and window gaskets, is first with a putty knife. Remove what you can. "THEN", place a small wire wheel into a drill. Burnish off the rest of the gasket that remains.

Why is this better than any chemicals ??

Because you not only remove the old gasket and adhesives, you "burnish" the metal, which in turn, provides a much more positive surface for the new gasket and adhesive or tape as the case may be.. Plus, there is no liquid waste to bother you.

Try it, you will love it.

Andy

[jimfa440]

Try lacquer thinner. Just don't breathe the fumes.

[cwf]

Also... Use a plastic scraper to minimize scratches and "tape" around sensitive areas... Just in case of slip...
I have used dry wood wedges or sticks... Someone even recommends "dried pig feet" you can get at a Pet store...

[J Ingersoll]

Try a hair dryer or heat gun and scraper. The heat should soften the old adhesive so you can scrape most of it off, then finish with mineral spirits or acetone.

[blowingrock]

Acetone works well to remove weatherstripping.

73 de W4EOU?

[TomKirk]

Use lacquer thinner and a small wire brush (toothbrush size).

Tom

[harryk]

Scraped mine off like in your 2nd picture & then used a wire wheel in a small grinder to finish the removal & refinish the metal/aluminum where the gasket was. It looks it was made that way now. I have not put any foam back on it....2 years now & I do not think I will.

[AWCHIEF]

I used Goof Off and a light application of a sharp paint scraper on my screen door seal. Apply the Goof Off and let it work for a couple of hours. Using the paint scraper and a green pad to remove all residue. You might have to go through the procedure a couple of times to remove all the glue. Then use rubbing alcohol to throughly clean the area and apply the correct soft foam tape as supplied by Vintagetrailersupply. Patience is key to a nice clean surface.

[JBBeaubeaux]

Attached are a few photos of the successful process.

The carb cleaner really did the job and the doorway looks almost brand new.

Again, thanks for everyone's advice.

I now need to order a new screen door seal.

Thanks