Removing silicone

Status
Not open for further replies.
Roger Long

Roger Long

.
Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
Attempts (successful) by the PO and myself to cure deck leaks around improperly bedded trim rings attached with blobs of 5200 have left silicone residue on the cabin sides around the portlights. I'm going to have to paint the superstructure because the gel coat is too worn and damaged to bring back with buffing. I'm anticipating that the paint will pull back and not stick where the silicone has been. Is there anything that will remove this stuff and let the paint stick?
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

.
Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Roger Long said:
Is there anything that will remove this stuff and let the paint stick?
Click to expand
A nuclear holocaust might....;);)

In all seriousness wet sanding is about the only option. Body shop supply shops sell a silicone remover but it's potent and still does not work well on cured silicone caulk as it is intended for removing ArmourAll and tire gel not silicone caulk. I have these removers and not had much success. Wet sanding has been my only proven method. be sure to spray it with water before painting. Anywhere the water beads, instead of sheeting off, needs more cleaning..
 
Ted

Ted

.
Jan 26, 2005
1,271
C&C 110 Bay Shore, Long Island, NY
Skillful use of a single edge razor blade will remove silicone from smooth surfaces. Forcefully drag the razor across the surface holding the blade at a 45 degree angle. Replace the blades frequently (they're cheaper by the dozen). You want to plane the gelcoat surface with the razor, assuring that all the silicone is removed prior to painting. Previous post by Maine Sail was on the money about testing with water to indicate areas which need more attention. Silicon only sticks to surfaces you don't want it to stick to. :)
 
B

bobtigar

.
Sep 29, 2008
162
Morgan Out Island 33 Pompano Beach
Silicone or 5200?? Which are you trying to remove...Silicone, vinegar and a stiff scrub brush. 5200-the only way to get rid od it is to sell the boat. Bob
 
Paul F

Paul F

.
Jun 3, 2004
827
Hunter 1980 - 33 Bradenton
After scraping and pulling off what comes off, try using a rough cloth with alcohol to pick up the remaining silicone.
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

.
Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
bobtigar said:
Silicone or 5200?? Which are you trying to remove...Silicone, vinegar and a stiff scrub brush. 5200-the only way to get rid od it is to sell the boat. Bob
Click to expand
Actually silicone is MUCH harder to 100% remove than 5200!

Silicone permeates in the pores of the gelcoat and there are NO solvents safe for gelcoat that will soften cured silicone. Cured silicone is impervious to most all solvents. Alcohol and even Acetone wont even touch it..

As I stated the only way to totally remove silicone contamination is sanding..
 
JungleJetJock

JungleJetJock

.
May 18, 2007
100
Hunter 260 Dallas
I have found WD40 and elbow grease will remove silicon caulking from bath tubs, lexan windows, and fiberglass window frames (had a leaky window). Start by peeling off as much silicon as you can. Hose it down with WD40 and let it sit for a few. The using many paper towels or shop towels, rub off the silicon. The WD40 softens the silicon. You then use windex to remove the WD40 residue. It's worked for me in the past and doesn't scratch up whatever is under the silicon.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom