Removing silicon

[Impaler]

Other than a flame thrower does anyone have a way of removing dried silcon sealant from fibreglass?

 

[steve_l]

I used to use petrol. Scape off what you can with a blunt scraper, then rub with a rag soaked in petrol. Use rubber gloves while doing this of course and take the necessary care with naked flames etc. Worked for me.

 

[adrianb]

Screwfix sell a "silicone eater"

Clickety click

Adrian
www.cleanandshiny.co.uk

 

[Dave_Rolfe]

There is a product (can't remember what it's called) that is available at chandlers specially made to aid removal of silicon. As with most things marine it's not cheap but it does work.

 

[eyehavit]

A high speed angle grinder with grinding disc is excellent but not if you need to protect surface gloss!

 

[mandlmaunder]

Sicaflex make a silicon remover-softener, works well ,just takes afew minutes to penitrate.

 

[eastcoastbernie]

Just done this as have just removed the windows from my boat. First scraped as much as possible off with a knife, then used silicon remover (from B&Q). Needs to be put on quite thickly and left for 2-3 hours. It sort of dissolves the residue which can then be scraped off.

 

[Impaler]

Thanks everyone.

 

[oxman]

Even using Silicone remover sometimes leaves a film that paint will not stick to - the answer is to use Damp seal paint as a primer over any residual silicone. (BIN or Bulls Eye are good)
Grinding tends to grind the residue into the GRP! - I used a wire brush attachment on a drill to rub it off then did the painting as above.

 

[misterg]

[ QUOTE ]
Even using Silicone remover sometimes leaves a film that paint will not stick to ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Car paint shops sell a special silicone removing wipe which should remove this. The important thing (as you state) is to use it before you start any sanding, etc. They also sell paint additives which give some tolerance to silicone residue and prevent "fish eyes".

Andy

 

[LittleShip]

This is why I always say

"silicone has no place on a boat"

but now you know that! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Tom