Old Sealant

[Air Cruiser]

This may seem like a silly question, but I thought I should ask it anyway. When removing the old sealant, just how critical is it to get it "all" out? What I'm thinking is that it would be close to impossible to get it all out because of it being between the two skins.

So, I guess what I'm asking is............is the goal to get as much out as possible in order to get as much as possible of the new in to seal? I just don't know if the old being in there could do something to lessen the effects of the new.

What we have here to use are: Trempro 625; Acryl-R; and the Creeping Crack Seal. We've used the Trempro before, but not the Acryl-R or Creeping Crack Seal; however, I've heard lots and lots of good things about the Creeping Crack Seal.

This question really came about as I was removing the old sealant. As you can see from the pic, it is some nasty stuff! It feels very hard; plasticy (if that's a word); I tried the 3M wheel on it and it couldn't even budge it. So, I used the CitriStrip on it and then it became a little like elasticized stringyness, would ball up sometimes too.

Is this typical for how the seams on vintage trailers look (as in our picture) -- the black gunk on the outside of the seams? It almost looks like asphalt or black jack.

So, my plan, unless someone tells me it's wrong, is to remove as much as possible (knowing that there's probably some more in there between the seams somewhere), finish polishing, then new sealant and lastly the Creeping Crack Seal.

Thanks everyone; just trying to get it right the first time -- I really don't want to mess up the new subfloor due to a leak because I missed a step or two.

Deb

[janeinthemtns]

I hope someone answers because I have the same kind of question.

[cwf]

I used a stiff plastic scraper after taping closely to minimize possible scratching of nearby surface.

Clean what you can without gouging metal or clear sealant.

Use fresh mineral spirits to clean area ( work 1 foot or two at most at a time. ) let dry ... Properly..(wait five minutes after your cleaning rag is dry)

Retape on both sides, a close line to seam. Apply Acryl to seam.. Let it "skin" over slightly giving it time to wick into seam. Use clean gloved finger wet in mineral spirits to strike the seam. Quickly pull tape from both sides of seam. Practice on the roof first


Let it rain....

[Air Cruiser]

Channing, thank you so much for those instructions, that's just what I needed! Do you use the Creeping Crack Cure too? If so, I guess I let the Acryl-R dry before applying the Creeping Crack Cure.

Thanks again.

Deb

[TinShack]

I've been using plastic razor blades for scraping old caulk and sealant. They work well and minimalism collateral damage. Also good for removing stickers. I got mine at Ace hardware in the paint department, but you can probably find them anywhere.

[Air Cruiser]

CA Streamer, thanks. Shelly (Reinergirl) mentioned those in the past, I think she said she ordered hers from ebay, but somehow I never got around to ordering them. It's good to know that Ace has them, I'll have to look to see if we have a local Ace store.

Thanks again.

Deb

[janeinthemtns]

Thankyou!