How to remove silicone sealant

[Danno]

We are in the process of restoring an aluminum sided trailer, but unfortunately the PO used silicone to seal the corner trim pieces. I want to use the proper Dicor material, but I know that it will not stick to the trim or siding if theres any silicone residue left. I have most of it removed, but can't seem to be able to get the last paper thin silicone off. There must be something out there that will accomplish this !! Lacquer thinner doesn't work and neither does acetone. My last resort will to either grind it off (where it wont be seen), or recaulk with silicone, which I'm reluctant to do.

[Grumpy]

Try white vinegar. Reseal with OSI Quad not Dicor.

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Try white vinegar. Reseal with OSI Quad not Dicor.

Well, OSI Quad is not available here in Canada. All I can get other than more silicone is Dicor (non sagging). Why don't you recommend Dicor? experience or hearsay?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Danno

Well, OSI Quad is not available here in Canada. All I can get other than more silicone is Dicor (non sagging). Why don't you recommend Dicor? experience or hearsay?

Factory uses Quad, and that's all I've ever used on vertical surfaces. Home Depot Ca has Quad by LePage. Probably the same.

[Duke4857]

Originally Posted by Danno

We are in the process of restoring an aluminum sided trailer, but unfortunately the PO used silicone to seal the corner trim pieces. I want to use the proper Dicor material, but I know that it will not stick to the trim or siding if theres any silicone residue left. I have most of it removed, but can't seem to be able to get the last paper thin silicone off. There must be something out there that will accomplish this !! Lacquer thinner doesn't work and neither does acetone. My last resort will to either grind it off (where it wont be seen), or recaulk with silicone, which I'm reluctant to do.

Use 91% rubbing alcohol. Put the alcohol on a rag, paper shop towel and rub it off. It is not a fast process, but it works.

[Oma/opa]

Goo Gone will remove silicone. Remove as much as possible, put on some Goo Gone let is do its thing and it will dissolve the silicone. Not a fast process but it works

[bartell]

Remove by hand work and a light solvent. re-seal with Sikaflex 221 or 505UV

[wags999]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Try white vinegar. Reseal with OSI Quad not Dicor.

X2 this is what Jayco told me they use..OSI Quad

[hoppers4]

BTW, even silicone caulk won't stick to silicone caulk. You'll have to remove the silicone no matter what you reseal it with.

[Screwby]

This is why I cringe every time someone mentions using silicone on their campers! So much bad advice out there and if there was ever a need for a “sticky alert” at the top of this forum, this would be one! Bold letters at the top of the page should say STOP USING SILICONE ON YOUR CAMPER EXTERIOR!

[hoppers4]

Originally Posted by Screwby

This is why I cringe every time someone mentions using silicone on their campers! So much bad advice out there and if there was ever a need for a “sticky alert” at the top of this forum, this would be one! Bold letters at the top of the page should say STOP USING SILICONE ON YOUR CAMPER EXTERIOR!

X2. Well said!

[Danno]

Thanks for the tips !! Slowly making progress, but what a PITA ! PO should be shot for using silicone on this rig. Ended up cutting 95% of the silicone off and I'm slowly getting the the other 5% using a wax and silicone remover I had here that I used for prepping cars for paint. I did order some gasket remover made by Loctite that I was told would guarantee to remove the remainder silicone residue. My fingers are sore though.

[RogerR]

I have used those green scrubbing squares by 3M. Caution, rub hard enough and it will scratch the paint. No liquids, just elbow grease.

[kiknads]

You can buy silicone remover at home depot, it's with the plumbing stuff in a small bottle

[DMRGMC]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Factory uses Quad, and that's all I've ever used on vertical surfaces. Home Depot Ca has Quad by LePage. Probably the same.

Danno if you look at the Lepage site and the OSI Quad site you’ll see they are both Henkel Cos. and they use the same product names such as Quad Max. The best pricing I could see was at Canadian Tire for the crystal clear Quad Max, less than $10.00. Amazon.ca shows the OSI Quad product for $25.00.

I watched someone remove silicone from a truck window with WD 40 once. You would have to make sure you cleaned the surface after using it before re caulking.

[thenne1713]

I was NOT aware, but here it is (Thanks): https://www.lowes.com/pd/Goo-Gone-Ca...ver/1000197363