How to remove old caulking

[importmonkey]

I was pretty sick of this giant aluminum plate under the STBD davit mount. It was WAY too big and ugly. I had to put a spacer under the PORT side mount, and wanted them to look the same, so I swapped it out. I think it looks better overall, but now I'm left with the old caulking used to install the massive plate. Anyone have luck getting this stuff up?

Before: Old davits and plate

After:

still got this mess to clean up.

 

[quality time]

That's going to be tough on the non-skid. Can't tell what kind of caulk they used but the only thing I've found to chemically remove silicone is Mckanica silicone remover. Even that is a long, slow repetitive process.

 

[Golfman25]

Is it calk or 4200 adhesive? There is some 3M adhesive remover specifically designed to remove the 4200. Something like this
https://www.google.com/search?q=3m+...igB&biw=1280&bih=590#spd=12717083580889089186

 

[KevinC]

I am fighting non stop with old caulking from a bad repair on my boat. Its annoying because it is in the non-skid also and constantly gets dirty. This might wind up being the same issue for you. Perhaps it's a good reason to look at something like Seadek to simply cover it up.

-Kevin

 

[importmonkey]

Is it calk or 4200 adhesive? There is some 3M adhesive remover specifically designed to remove the 4200. Something like this
https://www.google.com/search?q=3m+...igB&biw=1280&bih=590#spd=12717083580889089186

That's a good question. It may be 4200. It does scrape off with a plastic utility knife. Some spots easier than others.

 

[saopm]

Acetone should work on what is left behind after the plastic utility knife.

 

[pcarp]

Maybe try the 3M stripe off wheel? Works great at removing decals and double sided tape left over from emblems.

 

[Rocket]

That Deck area has balsa coring. Be sure to seal all holes where you removed screws with epoxy. I installed that same system in my 420 DA.

 

[dvx216]

If its silicone base floor wax stripper will break it down .I've never used it on fiberglass so be careful.

 

[quality time]

Maybe try the 3M stripe off wheel? Works great at removing decals and double sided tape left over from emblems.

I tried that on silicone with no success.

 

[NotHerDecision]

You need re move by Debond. Make sure you’re sitting down, it’s like 40 bucks a freaking can. It’s still slow and nasty but it works.

 

[OllieC]

+1 on the Debond......
also +1 on the "it's slow" part.

I had to remove some 5200 on my dash (previous owner). Get a couple of plastic putty knives, try and score it the best that your can, and start working around the edges.

 

[importmonkey]

the local guy i use for detailing suggested lacquer thinner, acetone, plastic scrapers and a lot of patience. thoughts on trying out the generic use products before moving to the marine debond?

 

[importmonkey]

3m recommends MEK. will work my way up i guess.

 

[NotHerDecision]

I really wouldn't waste my time. You will end up frustrated and unhappy. Just order this.

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/debond-corporation-marine-formula


Josh

 

[Golfman25]

Looks like my link didn't work all that great -- it was supposed to be to the debond. Skip right to the big dog. $40 is nothing on a boat. Good luck.

 

[importmonkey]

Well, with overwhelming feedback, I ordered the debond.

Thanks!

Hope it works.

 

[importmonkey]

Thought I'd update.

Used MEK and Debond. Process was VERY SLOOOOOOW! Went through a lot of plastic utility blades and plastic putty knives. Overall pretty happy with it.

There seems to be a little staining which I hope comes out eventually, but it's not that noticeable.

 

[NotHerDecision]

On a nice sunny day take some soft scrub with bleach and smear it on the stain. Let it sit in the sun. Then wash it really well. It may take a couple of applications and it WILL take the wax off but should remove the staining.

Good job! Looks much better then before.

Josh

 

[importmonkey]

On a nice sunny day take some soft scrub with bleach and smear it on the stain. Let it sit in the sun. Then wash it really well. It may take a couple of applications and it WILL take the wax off but should remove the staining.

Good job! Looks much better then before.

Josh

cool. thanks!