How to clean up silicon sealant?

[stannypack]

I used some permatex black rtv silicone sealant around the edge of a 3m stick on spoiler, and used my finger to push it into the crevice. After it dries, what would be the best way to remove the excess that is "smooshed" out?

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[ice445]

Why That's supposed to be used as like an engine gasket maker, not caulk. Given the way it sets up there's no real way to remove excess besides cutting it with some kind of blade, or just pulling the whole bead up. It's also probably going to be a nightmare to remove from the paint if you ever need to.

 

[stannypack]

Why That's supposed to be used as like an engine gasket maker, not caulk. Given the way it sets up there's no real way to remove excess besides cutting it with some kind of blade, or just pulling the whole bead up. It's also probably going to be a nightmare to remove from the paint if you ever need to.

the top 3m tape wasn't touching all the way so I needed something gluey to finish bonding the spoiler to the trunk, also saw some other people who did it

 

[ice445]

the top 3m tape wasn't touching all the way so I needed something gluey to finish bonding the spoiler to the trunk, also saw some other people who did it

Yeah unfortunately it doesn't really function as a glue without some torque to squish it down, and even then it's not a great adhesive by any means.

 

[SH!FT]

Ruh roh.. That's not the right stuff to use. I'd get that off the paint asap. Are there drilled holes that need to be sealed?

Best to remove the excess caulk immediately after its applied. You won't get a smooth finish if you shave silicone with a (plastic) removal tool. Google "remove silicone from auto paint" and "caulk remover". It should come off, but you'll compromise the whole bead and possibly some of the 3M tape.

 

[SH!FT]

Any idea why the spoiler didn't seat correctly?

 

[StangTime]

Oh man, that's not going to be fun at all. You're going to have to start over as I don't think you can remove the excess now that it has cured. Permatex sells a remover but it may attack the paint. I think denatured alcohol may work too. You're looking at a complete removal and do over. Only 3M VHB and adhesion promoter should be used for attaching spoilers.

 

[stannypack]

Any idea why the spoiler didn't seat correctly?

one of them cheap ebay spoilers, top sides lifted up a bit

Oh man, that's not going to be fun at all. You're going to have to start over as I don't think you can remove the excess now that it has cured. Permatex sells a remover but it may attack the paint. I think denatured alcohol may work too. You're looking at a complete removal and do over. Only 3M VHB and adhesion promoter should be used for attaching spoilers.

looks like I'm taking my chances lol, will try cleaning it up tonight since it still hasn't dried fully

 

[Slopoke]

I use silicone at work quite frequently. We in the aviation industry call it RTV. You are not gonna have a fun time removing the excess dried silicone. Typically you have to use a metal scrper or razor blade to remove it, then hit it with MEK or acetone to clean the surface.

Like others have stated. Clean the excess silicone immediately.

 

[stannypack]

I use silicone at work quite frequently. We in the aviation industry call it RTV. You are not gonna have a fun time removing the excess dried silicone. Typically you have to use a metal scrper or razor blade to remove it, then hit it with MEK or acetone to clean the surface.

Like others have stated. Clean the excess silicone immediately.

I'm assuming that also means it'll *hopefully* keep the spoiler lip on?

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