Cured Silicone Removal?

[Theshandman]

Hi Folks, Thanks to a panel assembly sequence blunder, I had to disassemble a few PS footbox siliconed and riveted panels. Of course now I have cured GE Advanced Silicone on the edges of those panels that has to be removed in order to start over.
My panels are black textured powder coated which adds a bit of surface area for the silicone to grip on as opposed to plain alum or non-tex powder coat. So- is there any simple or secret sauce that will soften cured silicone to the extent I can scrape it off without removing powder coating? Thanks, Art

[CaptB]

I use alcohol, seems to take a little time but it eventually comes off.

[Derald Rice]

I have used gasoline to break it down, but it takes a while, probably overnight, and then it will still require more clean up after the panels have been separated.

Test it on an unexposed area of your powder coating first.

[Norm B]

There are numerous products available for exactly that purpose at your local hardware store. Check the same area where you buy the caulking.
Most of them you spray on, let sit and the cured silicone turns to gelatinous goo. Wipe it off and wash with soap and water then rinse with clean water. Repeat as necessary for thick spots.

Norm

[Jeff Kleiner]

WD-40, vinegar, alcohol will all do as Norm said.

Jeff

[johnnybgoode]

I've had good results with lacquer thinner assuming that won't hurt your powder coat. Scott

[Namrups]

Having worked with GE Silicones for over thirty years, our goal was to formulate a silicone that would stick to most substrates. I think we did a very good job. Having said that, removing it is not always possible without damaging the surface. We designed it to be that way. There is no magic product that will dissolve the silicone so that it can be wiped off. I have not tried any of the above suggestions but as stated if you try them be patient. You may have to let the silicone soak for quite a while and repeat the steps a number of times to soften the silicone enough to be removed without damaging the coating. The good news is if you get the majority off the new application will stick to what's left.

[rich grsc]

Whip out your credit card, then use it as a scraper and patiently scrape the silicone off the aluminum. As Namrups said the new will stick over the old, no need to get 100% off.

[Namrups]

To remove the panel I would recommend a single edge razor blade or a carpet knife. Cut thru the silicone in small swipes. Take care not to scratch the surface. Gently prying while cutting works wonders. Not a fun job but doable.

[j.miller]

Once you get the panels apart with light prying and razor blade just leave them alone. When you put it back together use an even lighter bead of silicone and clean off the edges. If a solvent will break down the silicone it will break down the powder coat. Less messin is best...da Bat

[Namrups]

I agree with Mr. Miller. What ever you find/use to dissolve the cured silicone will most likely do some kind of damage to the finished surface.

[Theshandman]

Thanks guys. Ended up using a stiff plastic scraper -and plenary of elbow grease- that didn’t hurt the powder coat. A rag moistened with alcohol cleaned off all the silicone bits. The slight coating left over will be a good base for the replacement bead. Lesson learned? Be mindful of critical assembly sequences. Duh!

[Namrups]

Perfect!

[Avalanche325]

WD-40, vinegar, alcohol will all do as Norm said.

Jeff

The WD-40 and vinegar are for the silicone. The alcohol is for you. At least the way I do it.


With powder coated panels, be very careful with solvents.