noteven
Turtle Island
Senior Member
Joined: 02/13/2011
View Profile
|
I bought a vintage (ok - old) Bigfoot camper that is pretty much in stock condition - as the seller said it hasn't had the Pintrest treatment -
But - the camper has suffered an attack of the Silicone Monster to the exterior - every window, arpeture, access door frame etc has recieved generous globs of clear hardware store variety silicone sealant.
Granted, I think the thing would float - but it does not look that attractive all stuck up with dirt and grime - and my looks standards are not that high...
Anyhoo - I would like to remove the silicone sometime in the future -
Anyone who has done this - what is the best cleaner to remove the silicone residue from the fiberglass gelcoat?
Thanks
|
Fisherman
Angus, Ontario, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 09/28/2002
View Profile
 Offline
|
Years ago I used the 3M caulk remover, works like a charm, apply wait about 20 minutes and most peels away or can be removed with a blade. there's also this with a good rating. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Goo-Gone-8-o........ro-Power-Adhesive-Remover-2037/205188154
I never use silicone, only polyurethane caulks. Lasts longer than the RV will, and doesn't get as dirty as silicone.
|
valhalla360
No paticular place.
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
Problem with silicone is you can pretty much never get all of it off.
If it's not leaking, I would leave well enough alone.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
|
gbopp
The Keystone State
Senior Member
Joined: 08/03/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Do a YouTube and/or Google search for removing Silicone caulk.
You'll get several responses.
|
Mel Stuplich
Wausau, WI
New Member
Joined: 03/21/2017
View Profile
Offline
|
Apply acetone, white vinegar, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, toluene, or xylene to the silicone caulking. Spray or rub one of the solvents on the silicone caulking to dissolve it and scrape the area with a putty knife or scraper. Pour water on the area, wipe up the area with a rag, and vacuum it when it's dry.
* This post was
edited 08/12/21 05:52am by Mel Stuplich *
|
|
|
frankwp
Calgary, AB, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 09/07/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Silicone sealant has become like a plague on humanity. It's great stuff for certain uses, but there is almost always a better choice when caulking is required. Even when using caulking remover, it's very hard to remove all traces of the ****.
2010 Cruiser CF30QB
2003 GM 2500HD, crew cab, SB, 8.1, Allison
|
noteven
Turtle Island
Senior Member
Joined: 02/13/2011
View Profile
|
gbopp wrote:Do a YouTube and/or Google search for removing Silicone caulk.
You'll get several responses.
Ya I have done a bit of that. A lot of presenters seem to call every kind of sealant "silicone"
What is gooped all over this unit is the clearish product found in hardware stores called "Silicone Sealant"
The first inch comes off by mechanical means.
I am researching how to remove the residue so I can go back with urethane. Sikaflex 522 UV
|
noteven
Turtle Island
Senior Member
Joined: 02/13/2011
View Profile
|
frankwp wrote:Silicone sealant has become like a plague on humanity. It's great stuff for certain uses, but there is almost always a better choice when caulking is required. Even when using caulking remover, it's very hard to remove all traces of the ****.
You should see me lose my mind when I go to remove a motorcycle valve cover and some DIY person has used it and the crumbs start falling in the engine....
|
noteven
Turtle Island
Senior Member
Joined: 02/13/2011
View Profile
|
thanks for the replies so far
|
theoldwizard1
SE MI
Senior Member
Joined: 09/07/2010
View Profile
Offline
|
If it is the silicon caulk designed for bath tubs, you have a fight on your hands !
If it is silicon-ized latex caulk it should come off easily.
|
|
|
