RTV and silicone caulk

[Mike in GA]

Need to remove excess caulk prior to reinstalling the beltline on my MCI. Perhaps a solvent that won't harm the paint?
Mike in GA

[Mike in GA]

Tried brake cleaner, but no effect. Perhaps lacquer thinner?  The paint I do not want to ruin is enamel.
Mike in GA

[Utahclaimjumper]

 MEK will work wonders as long as you don't spend too much time on the paint, also, don't use silicone anyplace you wish to ever stick anything else. Silicone contains an oil that will prohibit any thing sticking to that spot in the future.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

Acetone is about the only way I found to remove silicone it should be against the law to make that stuff most owners think if a little is good a bunch is better,acetone will not hurt clear coat or paint like the Imron cheap paint it will work as a stripper I know I found that out

[Jeremy]

Never used it myself but you can buy stuff specifically to remove silicone:



Everbuild Silicone Eater : - is a revolutionary new chemical that removes all types of silicone sealant by digesting and breaking up the sealant. Silicone Eater is harmless to most surrounding surfaces.

I'd be pretty confident that it wouldn't hurt your paint, but as I say, I've never used it myself

Jeremy

[luvrbus]

25 bucks to remove a 6 dollar tube of silicone see why I don't care for silicone 

[chessie4905]

   How about one of those wheels that 3m makes to remove decal, residue, etc. without paint damage.

[luvrbus]

The 3M silicone wheels will strip the paint if not a acrylic paint BTDT 

[junkman42]

Try gasoline, it will turn silicone into a cottage cheese like substance!  John L

[Dave5Cs]

Putty knife slowly is the only thing I have found that if you are slow and careful not to scrape the paint.

Dave

[PacoExpress]

Use a plastic putty knife

[Kitt]

DSR-5 works, but it is pricey


'77 Eagle Model 05

[belfert]

I had to remove silicone caulk to replace the shower doors on a fiberglass shower enclosure a few months back.  I tried a 3M caulk remover from Menards, but it didn't touch the silicone.  Folks on the Internet suggested WD-40 which softened the caulk somewhat.  My mother helped me out and spent hours removing the old caulk with an old credit card.  I don't know if WD-40 would hurt your paint or not.  Any scratches to the fiberglass got covered with the tracks for the new door and the new silicone.

[Mike in GA]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Seems that mineral spirits did the best job of softening the silicone, followed by a plastic scraper, then more mineral spirits, then a plastic mesh scrubber. Lots of elbow grease, and finally, clean!
Mike in GA

[belfert]

You reminded me that mineral spirits was also recommended for silicone and I tried that.  I can't remember if it was WD-40 or mineral spirits my mother used in the end as we tried both.