Removing Sikaflex from gelcoat

[Jabs]

I have removed the rail that carried my windscreen. It was an alloy extrusion and covered and area maybe 25mm wide and twelve feet long, up hill and down dale.

I need to remove all the sealant from the gelcoat before fitting a narrower track for a new spray hood.

I have been working away at it with a plastic scraper and a sharp blade but it is an absolutely endless task.

Is there anything that will 'dissolve' sikaflex once it is set and has been set for ten years??

Acetone? Toluene? or anything else which is effective?

Any views appreciated.

Thanks

Tony.

 

[Vara]

Not as far as I know, physical removal is the only option.

i had the same problem a few years ago and some magic...and expensive...solvent was promoted, absolutely bloody useless, did smell nice though.

 

[nickf]

Data sheet indicates that once cured mechanical means only - good luck!
http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/images/TechnicalDataSheet/804.pdf

 

[Hadenough]

Scraper blade in a multitool is fairly fast and doesn't damage the gell coat if you are careful.

 

[Jabs]

Scraper blade in a multitool is fairly fast and doesn't damage the gell coat if you are careful.

I'll try that, good idea.

The major issue is that the entire seated area is curved!

Tony

 

[duncan99210]

You might try heating the area a bit? I stuck down some semi flexible solar panels that later needed removing and replacing and found that it was a case of painstaking removal with a sharp craft knife and lots of patience. Lesson learnt, the replacement panels are fixed in place with screws only, no stickum.

 

[Joker]

It can be done, but it involves a rather nasty chemical for which gloves are probably advised. It's the catalyst for GRP resin: Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide. I've used it successfully.

 

[captmikecoin]

Try this stuff: http://www.marinechandlery.com/debond-marine-formula

Mike

 

[David2452]

You could try the stuff CT1 make to remove all sorts of sealants and adhesives, quite benign on other materials, its called multisolve.

 

[djrussell0]

try one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caramel-Spindle-Sticker-Adhesive-Remover/dp/B00G5J7KRG

removes stubborn marks and adhesives on paint a treat. don't let it build up heat just
do a small area at a time

hope this helps, 3M ones are the best

 

[steadyeddy]

I bought some sealent remover from Wicks complete waste of money and time,ended up using a stanley knife very carefully.

 

[ghostlymoron]

As far as I know, MEK will clean up uncured SIKA fine but doesn't work once its cured.

It can be done, but it involves a rather nasty chemical for which gloves are probably advised. It's the catalyst for GRP resin: Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide. I've used it successfully.

 

[Joker]

It worked on seven year old sika.

 

[Sticky Stuff]

Nothing that wont hurt your gelcoat as well.
Use a new sharp stanley (type) blades and keep the angle low to the surface, always works for me.