Removing Sealant

[tmax]

Have removed a wooden plaque from the externel cabin bulkhead and am left with a large (8" dia) patch of clear silicone selant, the edges peeled off but the rest is firmly stuck to the gelcoat. Any suggestions on how to loosen/remove it.
Thanks.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I've used one ofthose scrapers with a stanley knife blade in it which you can get cheaply from DIY stores, usually used to clear paint off windows.

Be careful not to scratch the gel coat. Once you've got most of it off you should be able to use meths or white spirit to clean the rest off. This method worked well for me.

 

[andyball]

You can buy silicone remover ( a good buliders/diy shop).....try it on some hidden gelcoat first.....I know it removes silicone, but I'd hate it to remove your gelcoat too .

 

[davidwf]

Try acetone.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I thought about acetone but it could melt the gelcoat. Be careful with it.

 

[ToMo]

Try WD40, it should lift it enough for you to use a WOODEN scrapper, if it doesn't work no harm will be done so you've nothing to lose!

 

[Guest]

I have used some stuff called Silicone Eater Made by Ever Build Phone 0113255003.
I got it from Screwfix . There is no damage to my gelcoat.
Paul

 

[philip_stevens]

links to previous post. And it does work.

http://www.screwfix.com/index2.phtml

8504 SILICONE EATER 150ML EACH 1 £3.49


regards,
Philip

 

[30boat]

Petrol will completely remove silicone without damaging the gelcoat.

 

[kingfisher]

Apply heat

Put a hairdryer or paintstripper on it. Don't get to close with the paintstripper, though, just enough to warm up the silicone.

Obi-Wan