How to remove silicone caulk residue?

[LK23]

I am removing the Newmar applied silicone caulk in a couple of small area. I will replace with Proflex RV Polyurethane caulk. I have removed about 99% of the caulk but have a thin residue stuck on the paint. About ¼ inch width. See Photo.

1. How can I remove this silicone residue without damaging the paint?

2. I have heard that nothing will stick to silicone. Should I attempt to apply the ProFlex RV caulking over this residue?

Thanks for the replies.

Rex

[n2zon]

Goo Gone worked for me, very well. On both glass and fiberglass surfaces.

[Winemaker2]

Dont put anything on until it is 100% clean. I've tried scraping and acetone but after it seemed clean I used wet /dry paper and got more off. There are so called silicone removers but I have used them so can't comment.
If you can see or feel any it's not clean enough IMO

[Reka]

There is product called Tumbler it is wax and silicone remover available where auto body supplies are sold, some Napa stores carry it. I have had decent results with it comes in a spray bomb

[dbike199]

I have had very good results with a 3M Stripe Off Wheel in situations like this. It comes with a small mandrel that you chuck up in a drill.

[DRVMON]

I was told by Monaco to use denatured alcohol.

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by LK23

I am removing the Newmar applied silicone caulk in a couple of small area. I will replace with Proflex RV Polyurethane caulk. I have removed about 99% of the caulk but have a thin residue stuck on the paint. About ¼ inch width. See Photo.

1. How can I remove this silicone residue without damaging the paint?

2. I have heard that nothing will stick to silicone. Should I attempt to apply the ProFlex RV caulking over this residue?

Thanks for the replies.

Rex

Is that where a molding was? From the picture it looks where two colors come together....but why would they put silicone there?

I haven't seen any solvents (like denatured alcohol) that does anything to remove silicone. Mechanical means do. Plastic razor blade to remove the 99%. Then, wet sand paper (use a rubber block). You can also try rubbing compound.

A 3m eraser works great for exposed areas but it too leaves the last 1%. It's really more of an alternative to the plastic razor blade.

Why are you removing the old? If you are repainting, then you can get more aggressive as you are going to paint over anyway.

[RVRon]

I’ve used WD-40 on adhesive residue.

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by RVRon

I’ve used WD-40 on adhesive residue.

Works great on gummy glue and grease, does nothing for silicone.

[Pine Stump]

Naphtha or Diesel will work...Most all silicones break down with petroleum unless they are petroleum resistant.

[Spk64]

There are several commercial silicone caulk removers out there.
This is one I used.

https://www.amazon.com/Motsenbockers.../dp/B002VGINIW

[LK23]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I used Goo Gone, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes and used a small, ¼ inch tip plastic scraper. The silicone residue came off fairly easily after a couple of applications.

[n2zon]

Originally Posted by LK23

Thanks for all the recommendations. I used Goo Gone, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes and used a small, ¼ inch tip plastic scraper. The silicone residue came off fairly easily after a couple of applications.

Glad it worked out. I tried it on a whim, and was surprised it worked so well.

[grindstone01]

Originally Posted by DRVMON

I was told by Monaco to use denatured alcohol.

Denatured alcohol has worked for me also when replacing caulk on my RV.