Removing silicone sealant

[tom52]

Hi ,

When fitting various through deck bits and pieces I usually give it a good dollop of silicone splodge before tightening up the scews /bolts. After wiping off the oozed out excess I must leave an invisible smear. After time this smear ground into the non slip of the deck attracts dirt and makes an unsightly mess.
Any tips for removal please (that doesn't involve buying expensive silicone sealant remover) ?

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[davidwf]

Acetone shifts it.

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[clyst]

A bit late now I guess but seawater will remove unwanted fresh silicone from around fittings. Something to bear in mind in the future .

Regards

Terry

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[rich]

white spirit, before the silicone sets.l

<hr width=100% size=1>rich ) <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.jersey-harbours.com>http://www.jersey-harbours.com</A>

 

[DepSol]

There is a product called RELEASE which shifted the silicone on my boat when the removed part of the deck to get the engine out. There was loads of silicone there and it got rid of it quite well.

Dunno where you get it from in the uk but somebody must stock it


<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>

 

[MainlySteam]

Probably a bit late now, but I well recall being in a yard a few months back and overhearing two of the staff describing in very rude words what should be done to boat owners who use silicone anythings on their boats - sealants, polish, sprays - ie use the proper stuff.

John

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[Blue_Blazes]

Totally agree. Silicone is for bogs,baths, showers and double glazing, not for boats. Better to use something like Sikaflex that CAN be removed while still fresh with white spirit. If you must use silicone and you're rubbish with a sealant gun, mask off the surrounding area first. Then, when you've smeared it all over the shop with the end of your finger, you can pull the tape off, along with most of the goo you've just put on.

Bill.

<hr width=100% size=1>One of these days I'll have a boat that WORKS

 

[JerryHawkins]

Silicone Eater

Screwfix (http://www.screwfix.com) do a product called Silicone Eater at £3.99 for a 150ml tube. Says it "removes all types of cured silicone sealant. Harmless to most surrounding surfaces".

Maybe worth a go! Note that Screwfix website is not available at the moment, so if you're in a hurry give them a call on 0500 41 41 41.

Cheers,

Jerry

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[Althorne]

Whole heartedly agree with Mainlysteam and Blue Blazes. Had a skipper complain about trying to remove Sikaflex from under a deck fitting last summer only to find he applied it incorrectly many years before. Despite more than 10 years of good service he had no end of trouble trying to remove the fitting because he didn`t read the instructions properly about spacers. Now I have shown him how to do it according to the manufacturers instructions, he swears by the stuff. Be Warned! Read the label.

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