170 prep before paint question

[Bat21]

Hi all looking for some advice.  Getting ready to repaint my 170.
In the process of removing rubrail, railing,rod holders etc... everything is embedded with silicon caulk. Is there a product to help remove the silicon from the boat?

[RickK]

Putty knife?

[Bat21]

yes i am using a putty knife but its doing damage sometimes, i thought there may b a product to help remove the silicon, its also on my nonskid surface and the putty knife destroys the finish

[outboardsurplus]

Sounds like it is not silacone but 5200,that is a bitch to get loose

[mshugg]

If 5200, there’s a product called debond, available at West Marine that will soften it.

[Bat21]

its not 5200 its just silicon  caulk but i cant get it all off, it has to b completely off before i paint the boat and the scraper leaves a thin coat behind, just went on the debond website and watched a couple videos on youtube and i think this is what im looking for, i don't want to sand the silicon off im only going to sand it into the paint (the boat was painted once already ). going to west marine tomorrow and will let everyone know how the debond worked, thanks again great website.

[RickK]

maybe a wire wheel gently?

[Fish Head]

Found this online
Search Results
Featured snippet from the web
How to Remove Silicone Caulk Residue
Use a razor blade to scrape off as much of the residue as possible without scratching the surface you are cleaning.
Apply mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. ...
Brush away any bits that "pill" and become detached. ...
Repeat this process until all the caulk residue is removed

[Bat21]

Thank you much fish head. I'm going to try this tomorrow morning

[Bat21]

i think i found a solution this weekend, im using a scraper to get most of the silicon off, then im using a 3m product called adhesive remover  which softens the silicon then i wire brush it off, its alot of work and slow going but its working, ill keep posting my progress, hoping to be able to paint boat in 3 weeks. the silicon is from the rub rail i removed, somebody really packed it on behind it.

[Bat21]

Boat is all painted and all hardware installed. I'm really happy with the results. Almost finished with this project. Boat show in two weeks and I'm planning on purchasing a new sounder/fish finder then I can close the wiring channel on deck and I will send in pics for all to see

[CTsalt12]

Great news.  Let's see some pictures and a bit more info about your process (aside from the silicone) and products used? 

I'd like to tackle a interior paint job possibly this year if time allows so I'm curious.

[thill]

Denatured Alcohol helps soften and release silicone residue.  Then rub vigorously with a dry cloth, and it will usually come right off without damage