Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

[SSSuper83]

I removed my swim platform and I am changing to a smaller teak unit. There is a TON of old silicone left on the transom and I need to get it cleaned off..whats the best way to remove it without damaging the gelcoat?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

scrape with a plastic scraper then use acetone

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

Acetone I assume works better than laquer thinner?? Laquer thinner softens it but doesnt remove it...

 

[arks]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

Denatured alcohol.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

Denatured alcohol.

+1 Scrape it down real thin. Then rubbing with the alcohol on a rag will cause it to ball up and fall off.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

Acetone and alchohol are about the same in this application, but thinners can sometimes leave an oily residue.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

there are a couple of debonding products that work very well for taking silicone and even 4200 / 5300 off gelcoat. they're expensive, but work...

 

[dan t.]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

soak with varsol, scrape off, then a final wipe down with brakeclean

 

[jkust]

Re: Best way to remove silicone from gelcoat without damaging it??

They sell silicone remover at any home improvement store. It it like 3 dollars and looks like a tube of elmers glue. I use it on my shower every few years when I recaulk. They also have very effective plastic silicone scrapers. Of course the fiberglass is a little different between a tub and boat so you'd have to test it on a spot first. I'd try that first since it is so effective and cheap. I wouldn't hesitate to try it on my Chaparral if I had a reason.