Date:         Mon, 2 Nov 1998 23:17:38 -0500
Reply-To:     John Anderson <janderson@IOLINC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         John Anderson <janderson@IOLINC.NET>
Subject:      Re: silicone sealant removal
Comments: To: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>,
          vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>I don't want to screw up the top in an way, as ours still has a bright
>white shine to it. Question is, how does one remove gobs of silicone from
>Fiberglas without using damaging chemicals or anything that might
>scratch/haze the gel-coat?
>
>G. Matthew Bulley


Now here is something that amazingly really works.  Had some $20,000 each
rocket parts (4 sets, no shitting here folks $160k) at work with industrial
silicone sealer better than any home stuff on them that we needed to recycle
as new ones could not be made in small lots and the purchase and contract
were over.  After trying some proprietary stuff from DOW and the like to no
avail our lead engineer, a level headed and always "interesting" guy said
how bout that stuff at the hardware store.  HUH?  Go to your hardware/home
supply store (Ace, Lowes, True Value) I'm not sure who makes the product but
$7 will buy you this little bottle of white creamy goo for silicone sealant
(bathtub caulk) removal.  You apply it and let it sit overnight ideally.
The next day the silicone will be separated sufficiently to pull peel it off
neatly with no damage to the substrate.  A second application may be needed.
A stiff nylon bristle brush might help as well, particularly to work the
stuff in between the first peeling and second application.  Letting it sit a
LONG time is critical.

John
janderson@iolinc.net