Silicone/mastic removal

[Just smiffy]

Un like everything else on this van when they have put these chrome wheel arch trims on they have used what I suspect is sikaflex of some sort because it’s a right one to get them of and it has even taken the paint off… tried heating it but no good.

Now has anyone used the silicone mastic removal chemicals? Are they any good, will the chemicals do my paint in ? I don’t want to respray all the arches scrapping it off, or other suggestions welcome…

I don’t want them on as they’re going rusty and it just breeds moisture gathering dirt behind them leading to rust…

 

[WallaceandGromit]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-sealant-remover-100ml/88987 this used it before but you have to get the thick sections off with a plastic scraper

 

[Mikeco]

Something like an old bank card can be useful, if that does not work try a new bank card and pay someone to do it.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

WD40 dissolves it as does vinegar

 

[Just smiffy]

I’ve got some wd40 and some vinegar so will try tomorrow if not I’ll pop down to screwfix….

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

I’ve got some wd40 and some vinegar so will try tomorrow if not I’ll pop down to screwfix….

That might be mastic so maybe a different approach needed, worth giving the WD a go though.

 

[MisterB]

i assume its a specific bonding adhesive used for vehicles. there are lots of different types and on that basis, it might be worth asking a car repair/ accident repair garage what they recommend?

 

[Rjcamper]

Lots of lubricant (WD40 or washing up liquid) and I would start with razor blades to get most off, would work carefully with fresh blades so you don't dig into paint work. Expect a few scratches that will need polishing out......

Or as above, ask a body shop what they would use.....

 

[Just smiffy]

I tried all the old wives tales today… it is seriously stuck like it pulls the paint off at every opportunity…

So……. I’ve decided to stick it back on and clean the others up…

 

[Lenny HB]

I tried all the old wives tales today… it is seriously stuck like it pulls the paint off at every opportunity…

So……. I’ve decided to stick it back on and clean the others up…

It will be a PU adhesive although silicone remover will soften it a bit its very difficult to get off cleanly without damaging the surface.

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[Lenny HB]

You can buy black plastic wheel arch trims they might look better.

 

[Just smiffy]

Yeah I could Lenny but these are well and truly stuck, every attempt the paintwork is coming off and I’m just making a load of work for my self.. I’ve scraped most of the bulk off so I can stick it back on. I’ve had a good look at the rest of them all and they don’t seem too bad now that I’m looking at them in a different light…

 

[Lenny HB]

Could you spray them before putting back on?

 

[Just smiffy]

I could do but I think that it would look a bit of a mishmash as there is other Chrome bits on the van…

 

[Lenny HB]

I could do but I think that it would look a bit of a mishmash as there is other Chrome bits on the van…

Spray them pink and make a feature of them.

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[Al-Di]

Cellulose thinners used on a rag

 

[WallaceandGromit]

Not sure about Cellulose thinners, all paints now are water based and god knows what it'll do if there is fibreglass

 

[rangi]

I've used that Screw-Fix spray bomb before and had good results from it,

BUT! I hasten to add it was on a fibre-glass not metal!

 

[bubble63]

Good quality ice scraper will help

 

[The Coops]

Do you have use of one of the electric hot air paint stripper type guns? Set on a low setting and slowly work along the trim, it should soften and pull of more cleanly.

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[Just smiffy]

I’ve decided to keep them on now, too much damage was being caused trying to get them off….