Silicone Removal?

[haulback]

Have 1/2" plexi windows sitting flush against sides of cabin. They were installed using 3M silicone as a bedding /sealant compound. I am going to remove them and re-bed with sikaflex. I know there is a sikaflex primer to use on the plexi, to improve the bond/seal but before I do any of that, I want to remove all the silicone residue, both from the plexi as well as from the (painted) sides of the cabin

I recall having come across, or heard of ths product, it at some time before. I can scrape off the 'big chunks' but there ia always an almost invisible 'greasy' feel left after the bulk of the silicone is removed. This is what I want to get rid of.

Does anyone know the name of this product??

Thanks

[GordMay]

Excerpted from an earlier discussion at:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...one-19343.html

“The joke about silicone, is that it sticks to nothing (a slight exaggeration), and that nothing sticks to it , including itself (very true).
After using silicone, you cannot effectively remove the oily residues, which prevent re-sealing with new silicone, or any other product.
As others have implied, silicone's use by the ignorant should be criminally banned.”

➛ RPM Technology (& others) claims to have effective Silicone removal products:
RPM Technology hals products to remove cured silicone RTV and polysulfide (PRC) and next generation cleaning products

Excerpted from GE’s Advanced Materials webpage at:
GE Sealants and Adhesives - Residential Troubleshooting Questions

How do I remove silicone products?

It is VERY difficult to remove silicone from a surface. However, if you must remove it, follow the suggestions below.
To remove silicone sealant from surfaces, first remove as much as possible by cutting/peeling/scraping excess sealant from surface.

* For ceramic tile, marble, Formica>Ò>, fiberglass, etc., use 100% mineral spirits (turpentine) and a non-abrasive scouring pad. Test solvent on a hidden area of the surface to ensure that discoloration will not occur. If discoloration does occur, contact the manufacturer of the surface for further assistance.
* For glass surfaces, use a razor blade to remove as much as possible, then apply mineral spirits. Remove excess as much as possible, then apply mineral spirits. Remove excess with a towel or other suitable cleaning utensil that will not mar the surface (such as a non-abrasive pad).

NOTE: For surfaces such as hard plastics or painted surfaces, including cars, use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. Do not use mineral spirits. Only use these solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label. Material Safety Data Sheets for GE Sealants & Adhesives products are available upon request. Similar information for solvents and other chemicals you choose to use with GE products should be obtained from your suppliers. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed. On Rough, Porous Surfaces>
To remove sealant from a porous/rough surface, (concrete, brick, wallpaper) remove as much of the sealant as possible (same as smooth surface). If necessary, use a wire brush in conjunction with mineral spirits. NOTE: We do not recommend use of a wire brush to remove sealant from wood surfaces, as doing so could damage the wood. Also, mineral spirits should not be used if the wood has any type of finish on it. Test solvent on a hidden area before applying. Mineral spirits are flammable and should be used away from sparks, flames and other sources of ignition. Only use these solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label. Material Safety Data Sheets for GE Sealants & Adhesives products are available upon request. Similar information for solvents and other chemicals you choose to use with GE products should be obtained from your suppliers. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed. NOTE: There is nothing that will dissolve silicone. NOTE: If reapplying silicone to the area, remove the old sealant. Then clean the area with a disinfectant if mold or mildew is present, apply rubbing alcohol. Let the area dry before re-applying silicone.<> Do not use soap to clean surfaces to be sealed because silicone will not adhere to surfaces covered with any soap scum.


How do I remove uncured silicone?

Remove (scrape, wipe, dig-out, etc.) the uncured silicone the best that you possibly can and then scrub the area down with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any remaining oily residue. Only use solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label or as otherwise provided by the manufacturer. Material Safety Data Sheets regarding GE Sealants and Adhesives product are available upon request from us at 518-237-3330. Similar information for solvents and other chemicals you choose to use with GE products should be obtained from your suppliers. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed.

[Mule]

If all of the above fails contact a board certified plastic surgeon for silicone removal or check Pamela Anderson's web site.

Come on guys, Ya'll knew this was coming!