Replies

1. 
   plumbbill | Aug 26, 2006 04:31am | #1

   carb cleaner

   M E K

   acetone

   But next time if you put blue tape on each side of what you're caulking then peel it off while the silicone is still wet, you don't have to worry about cleaning off excess.

   Also white vinegar on a sponge or rag will smooth out silicone without smearing it.

   No Veterans = No USA-----Bumper Sticker

1. 
   RW | Aug 26, 2006 05:06am | #2

   maybe obvious, a razor is the best and least damaging. I often find if I want it off drywall (why do people put silicone around a counter?) its easier to cut into the drywall to remove it and use 5 minute durabond to fill the void.

   Note of caution, MEK and the like might eat it, but it will eat a lot of other things too. It can pull the color layer off of linoleum, it can pull the surface off some laminates, so careful what you put it on. "Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton

1. 
   alrightythen | Aug 26, 2006 05:45am | #5

   This a HO that asked me while was doign a trim job. she already scraped most of it off using a razor for scraping paint off windows... it's just the residue she cant seem to scrape off.

1. 
   DanH | Aug 26, 2006 08:07pm | #8

   Tell her to get a fresh blade.
   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

2. 
   user-14544 | Aug 26, 2006 05:12am | #3

   whatever you do, DO NOT use a 409, windex, or any general purpose type cleaner....it will leave a residue that will not allow silicone to adhear to the surface..

   I echo the mention of denatured alcohol or acetone. We used to put these in spray bottles and work small areas to clean up old silicone. Just make sure it is well ventilated.

   we used a combo flexible 1" putty knife, 3M scratch pad and denatured alcohol...takes a bit of elbow grease, but usually works great.

   good luck!

   knowledge without experience is just information.... Mark Twain

   Politicians, like diapers, need to be changed often...and for the same reason.  (bumber sticker)

   http://www.cobrajem.com

3. 
   woodroe | Aug 26, 2006 05:26am | #4

   I don't think ther is much of anything that disolves cured silicone. Get to work with that razor blade. Sadly, new silicone doesn't bond to cured all that well either.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Aug 26, 2006 05:28pm | #6

   You are right that nothing DISOLVES it.But hydrocarbons will attack it and make is swell into a soft spongy tht will allow it be removed easier. But it still takes work. But the hydrocarbons is good for attacking the residue and makes it easier to scrap off.I have used Goof Off, forgot which solvent that it has.Never tried the denatured alchol.BTW, I really like to use rubbing alchol to clean before recaulking and for tooling. And if you mess up it is real easy to just "wash" off the uncured silicone with rubbing alchol.

4. 
   DanH | Aug 26, 2006 08:05pm | #7

   There are several different caulk remover products that do some good in terms of softening the caulk and loosening its hold on the surface. I've used 3M brand in the past, but I think there are newer ones on the market that may be better.

   But in the final analysis you have to scrape, preferably with a razor. Keep at it until the surface is totally clean.

   Be sure to clean away any residues well before recaulking. First detergent and water, then rubbing alcohol.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
5. 
   MrBill | Aug 27, 2006 05:48am | #9

   Permatex makes a silicon gasket remover for automotive use. It works pretty well. I am sure it would do just as good on any other type of silicon ?

   Bill Koustenis

   Advanced Automotive Machine

   Waldorf Md

6. 
   MisterT | Aug 27, 2006 02:25pm | #10

   napalm

   I have no comment...