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Removing silicone caulk/sealant?

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by KA1J, Oct 6, 2012.

  1. KA1J

    KA1J Member

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    I'm wondering how to remove silicone sealant. A PO put some around the back of the airbox and I want to remove it and not use something that will remove the paint or damage the plastic.

    Ideas?
     
    KA1J, Oct 6, 2012
    #1
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Nothing in the world dissolves it.

    Your best bet is a plastic putty knife/scraper from the hardware, or one of those 3" square kitchen scraper things. You need something with a relatively sharp edge that is softer than the plastic/painted surfaces.

    Sharpened/sliced at an angle bamboo barbecue skewers for any fine detail areas.
     
    bigfitz52, Oct 6, 2012
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  3. osprey1000

    osprey1000 Member

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    This depends on if it is actually Silicone. Pure silicone will disolve in water and you can hit it with WD-40 and it will melt away. It also has little to no adhesive strength so you can just rub it off almost anything with your finger. Because your posting this I'm assuming it is not pure silicone. Most sealants that remain soft and flexible are made of Polysulfides or Polyurithanes. Working in the Marine industry we use these ALOT. There are products out there that can strip them, One in particular is Anti-Bond 2015. Be carefull around plastics thou, it can melt them. Safest way to do it would be as BigFitz recommended, but if you wanted to try some chemical help, it does exsist.
     
    osprey1000, Oct 6, 2012
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  4. KA1J

    KA1J Member

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    I have no idea what this is but it looks like the high temp silicone, the brown variety. It's like the consistency of the translucent silicone you join fish tanks with.

    A musician friend I jam with weekly owns a marina in Rhode Island. I'll ask if he has any of that Anti-Bond 2015, I've never heard of it. Sounds like it might not be a good choice if it eats the airbox. If he's got some, I'll try a little bit of it in a neutral place & see how it does.

    Thanks for the suggestions
     
    KA1J, Oct 6, 2012
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