Forum Discussion

DinTulsa's avatar
DinTulsa
Explorer
Nov 28, 2021

Removing built up sealant?

My current Rv is 7 years old now and I have added sealant to the seams over the years. I’m looking to remove a lot of the built of sealant next spring and lay down a new bead. Any recommendations? It’s a fiberglass rv and the sealant I’m taking about is on the vertical seams on the front cap.

Thanks
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2021
    I used an oscillating tool with a blade on it. Be careful not to scratch the fiberglas with to much pressure. Then finish with a plastic putty knife and solvent.
    Take your time.
    Good luck.

    WNYBob
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2021
    Warming up the sealant with a hairdryer eases removal. Not your wife’s! Ten bucks on Amazon.
  • NamMedevac_70's avatar
    NamMedevac_70
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2021
    I have had some success using plastic razor blades and DAP caulk remover in a tube. Use the blades before and after using the DAP. Use tape to protect adjacent areas from DAP/old sealant goo with towels handy. Also done this with only blades and no DAP. Some say mineral spirits will work also. Good luck
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2021
    Use the heat method....with the HAIR dryer not a heat gun.
  • mobilefleet's avatar
    mobilefleet
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2021
    a good multi tool is best. Doing it by hand with a scraper or putty knife takes forever. I have a makita cordless multi tool and would never go back. Lay down some frogtape when you are ready for the new sealant. Makes cleanup and clean lines much easier/less sloppy
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2021
    Actually own a heat gun with a low setting that does the trick.
    I also tape off before reapplying Dicor.
  • Vintage465's avatar
    Vintage465
    Nomad
    Dec 05, 2021
    kellem wrote:
    Actually own a heat gun with a low setting that does the trick.
    I also tape off before reapplying Dicor.


    I also use a heat gun on a "carefull setting". That means a low setting and keep the gun moving back and forth. I also took an 1-1/2" putty knife and rounded the corners substantially and the "edge" and use that to scrape up the old material. Works fine, I can clean it right down to the rubber and not do any damage to the rubber....or should I say "noticable damage" cause we really don't know what goes on when applying heat to anything. But I beleive there is a better chance of cutting or tearing the roof without heat. Dont be impatient or in a hurry

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