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Post by outnabout on Oct 29, 2008 19:15:37 GMT 10
I am sure I am not the first.
I want to clean the silicon off all the edges of the caravan.
The previous owner thought he would fix the leak by siliconing every join and window on the van Without cleaning back the bits that squeeze out. Of course once a bit of dust has settled on it the once clear silicon now give the van a very dirty look.
Is there an easy way or product that will dissolve it?
Once it is all off I am planning to pull the windows and edges off and do the job properly along with a new paint job.
Are those retro 70"s snails ...they had character.
Actually this one is a dream to tow and don't bounce all over the place.
Also I think I read somewhere what the correct sealing compound to use is but can't remember now. I am sure someone will give me the answer.
Also wondering about what spray paint to use, acrylic, enamel or two pack
Thanks in advance.
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Post by millard1399 on Oct 29, 2008 20:33:59 GMT 10
Hi outnabout, and welcome to the CC forum. The link I'm going to put here will take you to the "Technical Stuff" section over in the Vintage Caravans forum on this website... vintagecaravans.proboards30.com/index.cgi?board=technicalstuffboard&action=display&thread=3148You will find a recent discussion about the very same problem of removing silicone sealant. As well as the advice that others may give here, the information in the link should help you on your way. As far as the correct sealing compound goes, kiwijim would probably be the one to give you the 'good oil'. I intend to use a butyl mastic when I put the Millard back together. I know atog has used Sikaflex and can give you good info about the one he used. Other people will gladly provide their own experiences. I'll leave it to others to give opinions about exterior painting. Not my area of expertise, unfortunately. Good to have you with us. Hope we can help you on your way... cheers, Al. |
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Post by atouchofglass on Oct 29, 2008 21:47:51 GMT 10
Welcome aboard Outnabout Hmmmmmm The only way I manages to get rid of the silicon off the Olympic was with elbow grease and time..... Not the answer most people want, but it works As to the right sealing compound..... Most people have their own ideas ...... but ..... Ask Kiwijim as he works on caravans for a living.  My preference is for Matrix which is the poor sister of Sikaflex marine..... Sticks like the proverbial to a blanket and is flexible. Thing is that my caravan is fibreglass not aluminium So it probably isn't the one for you. My using matrix is based on the shipwrights I previously worked for... they used it on all the steel and fibreglass boats they needed to fit windows too. Cheers Atog |
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Post by kiwijim on Oct 29, 2008 23:42:02 GMT 10
G'Day Outnabout,
There is no instant removal process for removing sealant,
the process I use is time consuming but in the end successful,
Firstly find yourself a piece of 4mm perspex cut it to a length of around 100mm x 20mm,
next grind back one end to a chisel shape, you will find this will remove sealant very easily with-out damaging or scratching the paint
before trying the perspex... try painting the sealant with general purpose spray-paint thinners, the old sealant may require several coats of thinners with an hour or so between coats, you will know when the sealant is ready to be chiseled off as it becomes very soft and sticky, keep the thinners handy as the stuff will stick to everything it comes into contact with including hair and hands.
after you have removed the windows clean off all the old sealant from the frames and the walls of the van, make sure it is completely dry, then using a product called Secomastic (comes in tube form) run a generous amount around the entire surface on the wall of the caravan where the window frame fits,
this product will stay soft for a long period but forms a skin over it after a couple of days, so there is no rush to get the window back into place.
when you have replaced the window and screwed it back in, you will find that the excess Secomastic may have oozed out of the frame, this is easily removed using the perspex, then using turps on a brush, paint off any excess sealant to a smooth finish.
this is not a 5min job but with patents it does work.
best of luck.....kiwijim
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