I bought a vintage (ok - old) Bigfoot camper that is pretty much in stock condition - as the seller said it hasn't had the Pintrest treatment - But - the camper has suffered an attack of the Silicone Monster to the exterior - every window, arpeture, access door frame etc has recieved generous globs of clear hardware store variety silicone sealant. Granted, I think the thing would float - but it does not look that attractive all stuck up with dirt and grime - and my looks standards are not that high...Anyhoo - I would like to remove the silicone sometime in the future - Anyone who has done this - what is the best cleaner to remove the silicone residue from the fiberglass gelcoat? Thanks

Years ago I used the 3M caulk remover, works like a charm, apply wait about 20 minutes and most peels away or can be removed with a blade. there's also this with a good rating. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Goo-Gone-8-oz-Pro-Power-Adhesive-Remover-2037/205188154I never use silicone, only polyurethane caulks. Lasts longer than the RV will, and doesn't get as dirty as silicone.

Problem with silicone is you can pretty much never get all of it off.If it's not leaking, I would leave well enough alone.

Do a YouTube and/or Google search for removing Silicone caulk.You'll get several responses.

Apply acetone, white vinegar, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, toluene, or xylene to the silicone caulking. Spray or rub one of the solvents on the silicone caulking to dissolve it and scrape the area with a putty knife or scraper. Pour water on the area, wipe up the area with a rag, and vacuum it when it's dry.

Silicone sealant has become like a plague on humanity. It's great stuff for certain uses, but there is almost always a better choice when caulking is required. Even when using caulking remover, it's very hard to remove all traces of the ****.

Removing clear silicone caulk from exterior fiberglass

Fisherman
Explorer
Aug 09, 2021
Years ago I used the 3M caulk remover, works like a charm, apply wait about 20 minutes and most peels away or can be removed with a blade. there's also this with a good rating. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Goo-Gone-8-oz-Pro-Power-Adhesive-Remover-2037/205188154
I never use silicone, only polyurethane caulks. Lasts longer than the RV will, and doesn't get as dirty as silicone.
valhalla360
Navigator
Aug 09, 2021
Problem with silicone is you can pretty much never get all of it off.

If it's not leaking, I would leave well enough alone.
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 09, 2021
Do a YouTube and/or Google search for removing Silicone caulk.
You'll get several responses.
Mel_Stuplich
Explorer
Aug 09, 2021
Apply acetone, white vinegar, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, toluene, or xylene to the silicone caulking. Spray or rub one of the solvents on the silicone caulking to dissolve it and scrape the area with a putty knife or scraper. Pour water on the area, wipe up the area with a rag, and vacuum it when it's dry.
frankwp
Explorer
Aug 10, 2021
Silicone sealant has become like a plague on humanity. It's great stuff for certain uses, but there is almost always a better choice when caulking is required. Even when using caulking remover, it's very hard to remove all traces of the ****.
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2021
gbopp wrote:
Do a YouTube and/or Google search for removing Silicone caulk.
You'll get several responses.

Ya I have done a bit of that. A lot of presenters seem to call every kind of sealant "silicone"

What is gooped all over this unit is the clearish product found in hardware stores called "Silicone Sealant"

The first inch comes off by mechanical means.

I am researching how to remove the residue so I can go back with urethane. Sikaflex 522 UV
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2021
frankwp wrote:
Silicone sealant has become like a plague on humanity. It's great stuff for certain uses, but there is almost always a better choice when caulking is required. Even when using caulking remover, it's very hard to remove all traces of the ****.

You should see me lose my mind when I go to remove a motorcycle valve cover and some DIY person has used it and the crumbs start falling in the engine....
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2021
thanks for the replies so far
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2021
If it is the silicon caulk designed for bath tubs, you have a fight on your hands !

If it is silicon-ized latex caulk it should come off easily.
GMH
Explorer
Aug 10, 2021
I bought these for removing my decals. With something like these, you may be able to scrape 99% of it off without damaging the fiberglass. Then maybe a commercial silicone remover solution? If not, naptha may work. They work great, but the edge doesn’t last long, so buy lots of them.