Removing old silicone - Mineral spirits

[ycj]

Hi folks. I have a 2016 Shamrock 183. I want to redo the caulking around the bunk ends and other places. My guess is the manufacturer used a clear silicone.

Question. Is mineral spirits bad for the fiberglass or plastic trim? I tried it in some inconspicuous places and it seems to remove the silicone fairly well, but I am concerned that it could damage the fiberglass or plastic trim.

Any other suggestions on removing the silicone?

I called my dealership and they told me to scrape it out. Not the way I think I should go.

Thoughts?

Thanks

[rsdata]

I don't think anything will soften silicon caulk... using a plastic putty knife is the way to go. Maybe with the help of a hair dryer. The mineral spirits cuts through grime, grease and tree sap though. I always clean up after my mineral spirits with some rubbing alcohol on a rag.

[dblr]

Scrape then use mineral spirits to clean up the rest, but carefully.

[jeff64]

Originally Posted by rsdata

I don't think anything will soften silicon caulk... using a plastic putty knife is the way to go. Maybe with the help of a hair dryer. The mineral spirits cuts through grime, grease and tree sap though. I always clean up after my mineral spirits with some rubbing alcohol on a rag.

X2
I use a plastic dowel rod sharpened to a chisel point on a wheel. Scrapes the stuff off, is very rigid and doesn't do damage to the finish. The mineral spirits will help loosen then the alcohol as a clean up and prep. I've gotten to the point of not wanting silicone anywhere but around the shower.
Really like the Geocel Proflex in clear for most anywhere outside except the roof for resealing

[emeth]

Originally Posted by jeff64

X2
I use a plastic dowel rod sharpened to a chisel point on a wheel. Scrapes the stuff off, is very rigid and doesn't do damage to the finish. The mineral spirits will help loosen then the alcohol as a clean up and prep. I've gotten to the point of not wanting silicone anywhere but around the shower.
Really like the Geocel Proflex in clear for most anywhere outside except the roof for resealing

Geocel Proflex

https://www.geocelusa.com/product/pr...xible-sealant/

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-28100V...Geocel+Proflex

[BigLou80]

I think acetone is the only solvent that will have any effect on silicone. Can I ask why you felt the need to redo the sealant (it's not caulking) ?

[hack522]

I've always used denatured alcohol for cleaning the surface after carefully scrapping the old off.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by BigLou80

I think acetone is the only solvent that will have any effect on silicone. Can I ask why you felt the need to redo the sealant (it's not caulking) ?

Problem with acetone is that it can remove paint and dull Gelcoat too.

Gasoline works pretty good but rather than pump gas I'd use the "White Gas" that they use for "Coleman Fuel". Less stink and safer to humans due to lack of chemical additives that can be toxic.

When I've had to remove old silicone I've found it easier to "shave" off the old with a window scraper razor blade. Cutting off as much as possible first makes any solvent more effective.