Forum Discussion

rmoore0852's avatar
rmoore0852
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015

Best way to remove sealant/caulk?

Ok all, need some help here. I have a 2012 Puma TH. The Puma's have aluminum siding. Previous owner was trying to do the annual checking of the caulking around the doors and windows. In order to seal some cracks, he apparently used what he had handy, which looks to be white dicor roof sealant. Well, since that sealant stays pliable, in the west texas heat out here, it is running down the sides of the trailer. Causing a nasty mess and ugly as heck. I need to remove this sealant and replace with clear caulk, like should have been used in the first place. Only way I can think of to get it all removed is with a razorblade and HOURS worth of work. Since the aluminum siding is corrugated, this will be a long, painstaking process. I can post some pics in a little while to give yall an idea of what I'm dealing with. Anybody have any suggestions?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2015
    If your thinking of using something like clear silicone, GOOD LUCK! Dicor or Proflex are the correct product. Whether he used self leveling or not is the question you should ask.
    As for removing any caulking, a plastic scraper is your best tool for the job.
  • joegray's avatar
    joegray
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2015
    I have cleaned mine with paint thinner or better is campstove fuel. it will make the sealer soft and clean the sealer off after you scrape. Test first, to make sure what you use is not taking the paint off. It's a long job.
  • RLGetman's avatar
    RLGetman
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    Anything with distillates in it will weaken your gel/clear coat and cause faster oxidation.
  • rmoore0852's avatar
    rmoore0852
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    I'm fairly sure he used the white self-leveling roof sealant. That's what it looks like. It's still pliable and very sticky. I can't post pics from my work computer, will be able to this evening. I am planning on using Sikasil-GP clear to replace. That sealant is what the RV dealer recommended. Will try the paint thinner on a small area. My siding is aluminum, so no gelcoat to worry about.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Oct 29, 2015
    rmoore0852 wrote:
    I'm fairly sure he used the white self-leveling roof sealant. That's what it looks like. It's still pliable and very sticky. I can't post pics from my work computer, will be able to this evening. I am planning on using Sikasil-GP clear to replace. That sealant is what the RV dealer recommended. Will try the paint thinner on a small area. My siding is aluminum, so no gelcoat to worry about.
    I tried using paint thinner to take some decal glue off and it took the paint off as well. You might want to test whatever you use in a inconspicuous area.
  • rmoore0852's avatar
    rmoore0852
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    Will do. I am hesitant to use any kind of solvent, for fear of damaging either the finish or the existing clear sealant that I will be caulking over once this white junk is removed. This white sealant is so sticky that I know I won't be able to get it all off of the metal. Will the Sikasil-GP (Acetoxy Silicone sealant/adhesive) stick to the residue or will it not adhere??
  • PRodacy's avatar
    PRodacy
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    Try using some mineral spirits as a solvent. It probably won't remove the paint if it's cured properly. Warming the caulking with a heat gun may help., but it might make an even worse mess.
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    I have used a plastic scraper and mineral spirits to remove it in the past with pretty good success. It is still a nasty job, though and is time consuming.
  • rmoore0852's avatar
    rmoore0852
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015









    Is this what you would recommend to re-seal with? It's what my local dealer said was the best.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    Just removed some old caulk this morning using mineral spirits and a plastic scraper. Works pretty good, just time consuming and slow. I resealed using Proflex white caulk, they also sell a clear caulk.

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