Cleaning old silicone from exterior

[Myfamilycamper]

Is there a safe way to clean old silicone that is smeared on the fiberglass siding on my 02 Flagstaff that will not cause damage? Thankyou.

[riverrat958]

carefully use carb cleaner

[trbomax]

Goo Gone.Will not hurt the gelcoat.

[Myfamilycamper]

Thankyou, I'll try the goo gone first.

[BendOrLarry]

Be careful with Goo Gone. There is extra strength Goo Gone that will remove paint and damage gelcoat. The regular Goo Gone is pretty tame and should be okay.

[A32Deuce]

I use carb cleaner on a course rag. Keep damp, works great. If careful and doing calk repairs, wipe old calk to clean. It will make the new calk stick better. Got this tip from a friend that rents RV's.

[bwconquest21]

I have used xylene with very good results to remove excess geocel 2400 without damage to fiberglass. Not sure about painted surfaces. It is death on decals so, keep away. I have used this cleaner for fiberglass boats with very good results to remove excess 3m 5200. When done I wash the area with dish soap.

[dadaddy]

I have used WD-40 with good results.

[MilCop4523]

Mineral spirits is what i used after i peeled most of the old stuff off with a detailing rasor blade (short blade witthe backer so it won't bend in shape.) carefully sliced the majority off and then poured spirits onto a microfibre cloth and rubbed away the remaining bits. Because it evaporates fast it leaves no residue.

also great for preping the roof seams for new caulking as well.

[dieselguy]

X2 on the mineral spirits

[trbomax]

As was said above,I would not use the extra strength Goo Gone.The regular Goo Gone I used EVRYWHERE on our 315. There were silicone smears where there was no caulked joints within 2 feet. Also It IS death to decals,so be carefull. I just soaked a polishing towel and then held it on the spot for a minute or two,then scrub lightly. The silicone will rub off onto the towel.

[1st SGT]

Mineral Spirits by far is the best. Removes silicone easily and definitely dries fast.

[Tall frog]

I have used a product called "3M Citrus Base C!eaner" works very well on any grease,oil ,silicone and the dreaded black streaks. I have used it on custom cars and aircraft,even over decals. Won't damage fiberglass, gelcoat paint. I went over out new TT after bringing it home and found silicon smuges all over and worked fast and easy.

[18CrewDually]

Might not be the cheapest route for small repairs but if you do a whole coach here's what I use. It's eraser material and makes short work of balling up adhesives, stickers, caulk, silicone sealants, ect. It attaches to a drill. I get mine from Napa but here's one on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/3M-Stripe-Whee.../dp/B00063VT0G

[Myrle]

Originally Posted by bwconquest21

I have used xylene with very good results to remove excess geocel 2400 without damage to fiberglass. Not sure about painted surfaces. It is death on decals so, keep away. I have used this cleaner for fiberglass boats with very good results to remove excess 3m 5200. When done I wash the area with dish soap.

Xylene is extremely hot lacquer thinner I have used it as as a paint remover. It will burn you skin if not careful and will turn rubber to mush.

[MilCop4523]

crape shoe soles is the same or similar material...

wow the chemical route soulds fun.
Hazmat suit required along with toxic dump permit for the cleaned up items...?

elbow grease and methayl Hydrate after picking the majority out is still my best option.
And if it doesn't do the trick, 30 lb propane tank and weed burner....

[Tall frog]

Milcop4523, the 3m cleaner is not a problem to use I don't use gloves and it just smells like orange.

[MilCop4523]

Originally Posted by Tall frog

Milcop4523, the 3m cleaner is not a problem to use I don't use gloves and it just smells like orange.

its a good product - I've used it before
it wasnt your comment i was referring to withthe Hazmat suit...

[JohnRiordan]

WD-40