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Remove silicone caulking

July 10, 2015, 07:14:02 pm

The refurbishment / repairs to my girard awning continue, the rubber seal which fits between the coach and the awning box , was sealed in place with silicone caulk ( they no longer do it this way )
Apart from elbow grease with a plastic scrapper has and body used goo be gone , 3m etc to remove the residue, the surfaces are sidewall body paint/ laquer and painted alloy awning box

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #1 – July 12, 2015, 11:20:04 am

Jimmy
I am not familiar with any chemical for removing silicone.  As you stated just elbow grease and a plastic scraper.
Jerry

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #2 – July 12, 2015, 03:56:20 pm

Jimmy,
Last year our awning leaked between the awning and coach allowing water to run down the side of the coach as well as, under the right circumstances, leak onto the dash via the column between windshield and door.  While having other repairs done at FOT, I mentioned the leaks and they fixed all leaks by cleaning the rubber seal between awning and coach and applying a good amount of silicone where the rubber overlaps.  I do not think they removed all the old silicone but no leaks since. 

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #3 – July 12, 2015, 04:38:29 pm

Jimmy,
    I have used Scothbrite brown (fine) to get that junk off but I have gelcoat, not sure how it would work on paint. Might be worth a try in some inconspicuous place.
Good luck,

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #4 – July 12, 2015, 09:44:19 pm

Silicone on fiberglass is not usually a good idea, because it really hinders ability for things to stick to it for repairs, like epoxy.

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #5 – July 12, 2015, 10:41:25 pm

I've used Motsenbocker Silicone remover from Home Depot.  It's low volatile and water based.  It seems to weaken the bond of the silicone so scraping is more effective but still have to work at it.  I have no idea if it's safe for your paint.  I would certainly test it extensively in an inconspicuous spot first.

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #6 – July 13, 2015, 12:20:09 pm

On Barry's website, I see "Marine Formula" listed for silicone removal. 

Uses for Marineformula

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Re: Remove silicone caulking

Reply #7 – July 13, 2015, 01:11:05 pm

Thanks guys , I used goo gone , silicone caulk remover,  worked pretty well,
Painted on left for a few minutes then scrapped again.
Final soapy wash

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