Community Forums

dieseldrvr · 09-09-2010, 06:39 PM

I need to remove old silicone that is bad from the windows and clearance lights. What is the best way to do this so I do not scratch paint??? A putty knife is not good with paint. I found this out the hard way :S Is there a spray or some household product that will help remove the silicone caulking easily???

Thank you.

DennisZ · 09-09-2010, 06:57 PM

Here is a remover that I've seen at Lowes, I don't know how well it will work on your type of silicone, also, they do make hard plastic scrapers that shouldn't scratch your paint.

Dennis

Shop Motsenbocker's Lift Off 16 Oz. Spray Silicone Latex Caulk and Foam Sealant Remover at Lowes.com

KIX · 09-09-2010, 07:00 PM

In my experience there is no easy way to remove silicone. Best to never use it. I've used plastic razor blades with success before. Try a vinyl sign/decal shop and see if you can buy a few from them. Or you may be able to Google for them. They look like the old double edge razor blade and will fit in the double edge razor scrapers you can find at Home Depot.
If you're going to try something like Goof Off or mineral spirits be careful on your paint.
Good luck with getting that stuff off.

az bound · 09-10-2010, 09:01 AM

Once you have removed the majority of the silicone with a scraper or putty knife use rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue. You may want to do a test first with the acetone to make sure it will not attack the paint. Alcohol will work but it takes a little longer and more elbow grease.

RovinOn · 09-10-2010, 09:40 AM

I've used a chiseled tipped Exacto knife with great success, but was careful in using it. I've also used the same in removing wax buildup in areas you can't get at... Fine Detailing!

leadman · 09-10-2010, 02:16 PM

I have been cleaning up my '87 Itasca that also had alot of silicone on it from previous owners. I used a sharpened popsicle stick to scrape off the majority of it, then a cleaner labeled Omni Au, MX190. I bought this years ago when painting a car. It is used after sanding to remove paint and grease, etc. Did not hurt the paint at all and is not offense to use. I'm sure an auto body paint supply store would have something similar. I wore nitrile gloves and used a coarse cloth rag, demin works well with the cleaner to scrub off all remnants of the silicone. It even removes the black sealant the oozes out from behind the window frames. This is after most is removed by the stick first.
To rechaulk areas that needed it I have been using SeamerMate from Home Depot. This is an adhesive used on rain gutters that is silver in color. I like it as it seems to self level and gets a fairly hard surface that does not allow dirt to cling to it like silicone does. It is removable but it is hard to do so. So far the sun here in Az. has not affected it and I have some going on a year old on the coach.

Ray,IN · 09-10-2010, 06:47 PM

Silicone Removal

Gary RVRoamer · 09-12-2010, 09:25 AM

I would be very worried about using acetone on any surface that is paint or fiberglass. Acetone (and also MEK & laquer thinner) is a very strong solvent for both paint and fiberglass.