Q: Best method to remove sikaflex without damaging paint

[El_Freddo]

G'day all,

As per the title - what's the best method to remove sikaflex without damaging paint?

I've used a knife blade on other surfaces before but not on paint that I want to keep where it is.

What I've got is on Redback - the windscreen has been removed for replacement, rust check (Very happy with what I've got!) and a new rubber. At some point in time there has been some sikaflex like stuff squeezed in between the rubber and the body work - it's made an awesome seal and probably held off a lot of the rust.

I now need to remove this to work on the rust and to allow the new stuff I'll put in a clean surface to bond to.

Any help, suggestions, products to use greatly appreciated.

Regards

Bennie

[vincentvega]

i think you are going to find getting silka off without damaging paint is going to be near impossible.

I would mask off any visible areas, mechanically remove the dealant with a knife then wire wheel then seal it all up again with fresh paint.

Alternatively just use a knife to remove the bulk of the sealant, and leave a skin on the paint. The new sealant will adhere to the old.

[Willy Fisterbottom]

Only way to do it without damage is use your fingernails. Slow and painful. Thinners sometimes helps.

[TOONGA]

Sikaflex remover 208

http://aus.sika.com/en/solutions_produc ... 01103.html

TOONGA

[Bantum]

You could try an normal pencil Eraser - ( your can get the ones that go in a drill as well ) - just be careful not to over heat in the one spot though ...

Another option is WD40 ( or similar ) + combine with the Eraser / scotch-brite for stubborn areas ...

Cheers, Bantum ...

[FujiFan]

I have had so much fun removing these types of sealants/adhesives

So:
After removing as much build up as you can by mechanical means then use white spirits, lots with plenty of rags. Use gloves cause after a while like any solvent the spirits will mess with your skin, not too mention the fumes.
White spirits are cheap compared to proprietary brands and AFAIK don't destroy automotive paint.

J.

[RSR 555]

Pretty sure I use petrol and a rag last time. Think it took some time but didn't affect the paint.

[El_Freddo]

Thanks guys, I'll have a go at some of these ideas this weekend

Cheers

Bennie

[El_Freddo]

Ok, so I went with the knife method initially - it got most of it off and I did damage a bit of the paint - but that didn't matter as the paint wasn't as good as I remembered and I ended up removing a pot load of it anyway.

Pretty happy with the way this is progressing at this point in time.

Pics to come later.

Cheers

Bennie