caulk removal - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

adioboy · 07-02-2004, 10:53 PM

hey. i have caulk that is smeared on plexiglass...and it cured. i'd like it off of there somehow, any remedies?

kazoo · 07-03-2004, 06:37 AM

I fear that any solvent strong enough to remove the caulk will attack the plexi, and any attempt at removal via mechanical means will scratch the surface. Methinks thou art screwed.

adioboy · 07-03-2004, 10:11 AM

god dammit all to hell. theres gotta be a way out of this

kazoo · 07-03-2004, 05:05 PM

Ummm-replace the plexi?

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

LewisCouch · 07-03-2004, 08:49 PM

Try either toulene or xylene. Both chemicals are very potent, make sure you have very good ventilation. Definitely test on a small area. Good luck.

PS: xylene is the only thing I've found that removes urethane based caulking when it's not cured.

splck · 07-03-2004, 09:07 PM

I used gasoline, but not on plexiglass, with success.
I'd do like LewisCouch said and test an area first.

MSD · 07-03-2004, 10:24 PM

Bend the corners of a razor up with needlenose pliers so they don't dig in and scrape lightly with it. You can always go over again, but you can't put back plexiglass you accidentally scoop out.

A pinstripe remover wheel on a grinder or drill might do the trick.

floydthebarber · 07-11-2004, 10:27 AM

I'll second gasoline...works good.

jaco · 07-12-2004, 08:00 AM

well, if its outside plexiglass i would suggest a pressure washer and a light acid.

Val_1 · 08-03-2004, 07:00 PM

I found a caulk remover liquid a year or two ago that seemed to work pretty good, but wasn't "solventy" like gasoline. I can't remember the name of it but it was a 3M product and came in a bottle similar to a glue bottle. You did need to let it soak into the caulk for a few minutes, but it softened the caulk right up and then it came off pretty easily. If you find it, just read the bottle and see if it's safe for your use.

07-02-2004, 10:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
adioboy Upright	caulk removal hey. i have caulk that is smeared on plexiglass...and it cured. i'd like it off of there somehow, any remedies?

07-03-2004, 06:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	I fear that any solvent strong enough to remove the caulk will attack the plexi, and any attempt at removal via mechanical means will scratch the surface. Methinks thou art screwed. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

07-03-2004, 05:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Ummm-replace the plexi? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

07-03-2004, 08:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
LewisCouch Insane Location: Pacific NW	Try either toulene or xylene. Both chemicals are very potent, make sure you have very good ventilation. Definitely test on a small area. Good luck. PS: xylene is the only thing I've found that removes urethane based caulking when it's not cured. __________________ "The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk." -- Massimo d'Azeglio

07-03-2004, 09:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	I used gasoline, but not on plexiglass, with success. I'd do like LewisCouch said and test an area first. __________________ nice line eh?

07-03-2004, 10:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
adioboy Upright	god dammit all to hell. theres gotta be a way out of this

07-03-2004, 10:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Bend the corners of a razor up with needlenose pliers so they don't dig in and scrape lightly with it. You can always go over again, but you can't put back plexiglass you accidentally scoop out. A pinstripe remover wheel on a grinder or drill might do the trick.

07-11-2004, 10:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
floydthebarber Insane Location: ?	I'll second gasoline...works good. __________________ wish you were here

07-12-2004, 08:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
jaco Crazy	well, if its outside plexiglass i would suggest a pressure washer and a light acid. __________________ "How soft your fields so green, Can whisper tales of gore" "Thou art god"

08-03-2004, 07:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
Val_1 Addict Location: In a State of Denial	I found a caulk remover liquid a year or two ago that seemed to work pretty good, but wasn't "solventy" like gasoline. I can't remember the name of it but it was a 3M product and came in a bottle similar to a glue bottle. You did need to let it soak into the caulk for a few minutes, but it softened the caulk right up and then it came off pretty easily. If you find it, just read the bottle and see if it's safe for your use.