Need Help Removing Silicone Caulk! STAT!

[Alumaholic]

Just when I thought a had removed all the old caulking without finding any silicone, I hit the mother lode on the roadside awning rail!

Please let me know if there is any solvent known to man for removing that silicone film that is left behind when you scrape the bead away.

If this has already been discussed, forgive me, and point me to the thread or threads.

As always, thanks mucho!

[Mel]

Hi Ken,

I had some gasket remover handy and it did a pretty good job on my Caravel. I am ordering some silicone caulk remover from VTS and am hoping that works a bit better, as I have a long ways to go with this! Good luck.

[Jim & Susan]

I bought some stuff at HD that works pretty well. I don't have it in front of me right now, but it comes in a small yellow bottle, I think. I'll get the name tonight and post up here for you.

Jim

[1953 Flying]

what I found to work real well that won't hurt the aluminum is Mineral Spirits.

[InsideOut]

We used Permatex Gasket Remover to get the bulk of it off and mineral spirits to get the last of the residue.

Shari

[Alumaholic]

[whitelight]

We have successfully used on many occasions, a product called DE-SOLVE-IT Contractor's Solvent" to remove silicone. We have used it to tackle rough jobs such as removing glued down foam back carpeting. Most important, it's non-hazardous and non-corrosive. We have used it on both stainless steel and aluminum without ill effects to the metal.

We recently bought a 1975 Argosy 22 - it's typical 70's tacky vinyl ceiling had accumulated a collection of "bugs" from the PO - regular cleaning products wouldn't budge the recent ceiling decorations - we got out the DE-SOLVE-IT and presto, the bugs & sticky were gone! (Remember to rinse WELL after using)

Our local Home Hardward regularly stocks this product - they are the ones that originally recommended it - De-Solve-it Contractors solvent

FYI and all the silicone fans out there - according to a sailboat rigger, silicone is fairly acidic and will actually promote corrosion when in contact with metal, such as stainless steel & aluminum when used in an out door environment. In its non-toxic form, it is really good to seal the glass on fishtanks!