butyl Tape & Silicone

[shemandr]

I've reviewing MS's thread on butyl tape and am trying to get an order up among my local sailing threads.
I take seriously his warning about silicone sealent products and the butyl tape. I just don't know how to tell if the sealent under my stanchions (Which could be the ones he has pictured in his thread) had a silicone product either in the factory or by a PO. I think what's there is the factory installation.
So can you tell by looking at the old sealent? Is there some easy test?

 

[Maine Sail]

I've reviewing MS's thread on butyl tape and am trying to get an order up among my local sailing threads.
I take seriously his warning about silicone sealent products and the butyl tape. I just don't know how to tell if the sealent under my stanchions (Which could be the ones he has pictured in his thread) had a silicone product either in the factory or by a PO. I think what's there is the factory installation.
So can you tell by looking at the old sealent? Is there some easy test?

Andrew,

If it is factory then it is likely a polyurethane sealant. Silicone will feel like silicone. It's hard to describe but you've probably felt silicone and it's rubbery but slippery feel.

No matter whether it is silicone a polysulfide or polyurethane sealant they will all need to be cleaned well. Silicone is the toughest to clean up to 100% clean.