My upper right rear corner has sprung a leak. We caught it before any significant damage occurred. I have a beautiful, 4 color, full body paint job and I do not want to scratch, damage or dull this very expensive paint. My question is this;I need to remove the outer corner edging that runs from the bottom of the coach to the top roof line then clean the old sealant and apply new sealant and reinstall the outer corner trimmer. What product should I use to remove the old sealant and thoroughly clean the outer surface before applying the new sealant and trim piece?Thank you

I've always used mineral spirits and a rag to remove the surface stuff, a nylon tool like a calk remover from Lowes or home depot to get the larger chunks. Use caution when scraping with the nylon tool to not damage your paint. I'm sure others will chime in with their own methods.Dave

harley-dave wrote:I've always used mineral spirits and a rag to remove the surface stuff, a nylon tool like a calk remover from Lowes or home depot to get the larger chunks. Use caution when scraping with the nylon tool to not damage your paint. I'm sure others will chime in with their own methods.DaveThank you Dave!

Often the sealant will come off in chunks if you can pull on it. Then use a nylon/plastic scraper to get rid of the leftover chunks. Use mineral spirits to get rid of residue and then wash with soap and rinse. Test the mineral spirits first to make sure it won't remove the paint. Sometimes if you leave it on too long it will eat the paint.

hmmm... never had mineral spirits eat cured paint on any of my vehicles.

There is something called a "pinstripe eraser". It is literally a big rubber wheel you can put on the end of a drill and it rubs off pinstripes. You must be careful not to burn the paint, but I see lots of feedback that careful use gives good results. I wouldn't be surprised if a pinstripe eraser would work well to rub off the old sealant and preserve your paint.Jose

Water Intrusion repair question | Good Sam Community

harley-dave
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
I've always used mineral spirits and a rag to remove the surface stuff, a nylon tool like a calk remover from Lowes or home depot to get the larger chunks. Use caution when scraping with the nylon tool to not damage your paint. I'm sure others will chime in with their own methods.

Dave
Explorer1016
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
harley-dave wrote:
I've always used mineral spirits and a rag to remove the surface stuff, a nylon tool like a calk remover from Lowes or home depot to get the larger chunks. Use caution when scraping with the nylon tool to not damage your paint. I'm sure others will chime in with their own methods.

Dave

Thank you Dave!
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
Often the sealant will come off in chunks if you can pull on it. Then use a nylon/plastic scraper to get rid of the leftover chunks. Use mineral spirits to get rid of residue and then wash with soap and rinse. Test the mineral spirits first to make sure it won't remove the paint. Sometimes if you leave it on too long it will eat the paint.
Road_Runners
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
hmmm... never had mineral spirits eat cured paint on any of my vehicles.
DaHose
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
There is something called a "pinstripe eraser". It is literally a big rubber wheel you can put on the end of a drill and it rubs off pinstripes. You must be careful not to burn the paint, but I see lots of feedback that careful use gives good results. I wouldn't be surprised if a pinstripe eraser would work well to rub off the old sealant and preserve your paint.

Jose
Explorer1016
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
Some good info. thanks guys
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2015
If none of those are successful, look up De-Bond. It is a marine product and not cheap, but it will make most sealants let go.

Matt
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
They sell that edging by the roll. I would buy a new roll of it instead of cleaning the old. That shrinks and you will have a hard time replacing it after you take it off.

I have had to replace it because it shrunk and pulled out of the bottom edge where it starts.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a new roll of it. You can't buy just what you need you have to buy the whole roll but it will come in handy later if you decide to keep the coach a long time.

Any RV service department carries it in stock.
Explorer1016
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
rockhillmanor wrote:
They sell that edging by the roll. I would buy a new roll of it instead of cleaning the old. That shrinks and you will have a hard time replacing it after you take it off.

I have had to replace it because it shrunk and pulled out of the bottom edge where it starts.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a new roll of it. You can't buy just what you need you have to buy the whole roll but it will come in handy later if you decide to keep the coach a long time.

Any RV service department carries it in stock.

My corners are metal trim pieces, not the plastic inserts. All of my stuff is body color paint as well which makes this a challenging task. If I make a mistake it could cost anywhere from $700 or more to repaint. That is why I am so appreciative of these responses.

Dennis
Explorer1016
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
Matt_Colie wrote:
If none of those are successful, look up De-Bond. It is a marine product and not cheap, but it will make most sealants let go.

Matt

Thanks Matt

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