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Getting old caulk off of aluminum window

prout35 | Posted in General Discussion on September 8, 2004 07:16am

Have used anodized aluminum windows in good shape that have old dried caulk on the frames. How can we get at least most of the caulk off. Tried Goof-off which didn’t work ot all.

Thanks.

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  1. User avater
    Sphere | Sep 08, 2004 07:18pm | #1

    heat gun...or for the brave and crazy, a torch.

     

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

  2. User avater
    goldhiller | Sep 08, 2004 07:35pm | #2

    If it's silicone caulk, 3M makes a remover for it.

    See your local hardware outlet or big box.

    Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
    1. Snort | Sep 08, 2004 11:26pm | #3

      What, exactly, is the name of the stuff? I've tried 3M Indoor/Outdoor Caulk Remover on siliconed tile and aluminum, and it didn't do squat. You must be talking about something else, Id love to know what it is. Don't worry, we can fix that later!

      1. User avater
        goldhiller | Sep 09, 2004 05:21am | #8

        Don't know what to tell ya. Works for me when removing old silicone caulk around a tub.

        Cut out the bulk of the old caulk. (Utility knife or Multi-Master with scraper blade) Apply 3M product and let it set for maybe 15 minutes. Remove softened caulk with dull putty knife and then rub with clean cloth. Wash off with soap and water. Let it dry and then sprinkle some talc or similar on the surface. Blow it off. Where it sticks, there still some more silicone caulk. Apply some more 3M. Repeat. When no powder sticks, it's all gone.

        http://babyurl.com/vgyOx6

        Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

        1. Snort | Sep 09, 2004 09:45pm | #12

          Must be the tenaciuos adhesion of eastern silicone<G> Lemme know when you need some more, I'll send what I've got to ya LOL Don't worry, we can fix that later!

          1. JTJohnson | Sep 10, 2004 06:28am | #13

            What about spray on 3M Silicone, Adhesive and Wax Remover. Available at the mighty Wally World stores. Or else use a product called Dad's stripper. That will eat quite a bit as well.

          2. FHB Editor
            JFink | Sep 10, 2004 04:59pm | #14

            Dad's stripper? man that sounds dirty.

          3. TrimButcher | Sep 11, 2004 01:55am | #15

            It's only dirty if it's done right.

            Regards,

            Tim Ruttan

  3. Piffin | Sep 09, 2004 12:30am | #4

    I vote heat gun and putty knife

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Sep 09, 2004 12:36am | #5

      and remove the film with that caulk remover stuff from Dap...

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

      WOW!!!   What a Ride!

      1. Piffin | Sep 09, 2004 02:38am | #6

        The film left on my eyeballs from the caulk fumes?

        LOL 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. AJinNZ | Sep 09, 2004 03:10am | #7

          After getting off as much as I can manually I then use Solvent N, and Ados product.

          So far there is nothing this stuff wont remove. It doesnt hurt plastic either. Dont use it on fibreglass though cos the 2 dont get along. Dont ask me how I know this....

          I have an idea for some reason that it interferres with the anodising on aluminium. Cant recall why, dont think I ever did that.

          Anyhow, if ya can get some try it on a wee spot first to be safe. Make sure you gots good ventilation too cos it will do funny things to your brain after a while. Got a definite "solvent smell" to it if you know what I mean. 

          Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

          DW

          1. User avater
            goldhiller | Sep 09, 2004 05:45am | #10

            Solvent N = naphtha.....maybe???

            Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

          2. AJinNZ | Sep 09, 2004 06:55am | #11

            No idea, doesnt say anything of interest on the tin. Probably contains one of the worst carcinogens known.

            Dunno if I really want to find out or not. 

            Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

            DW

  4. gstringe | Sep 09, 2004 05:35am | #9

    Have seen advertised and in catalogs a router type bit you put in your drill motor and it routs the old putty out without harming the frame or breaking glass.  Never have used one or talked with anyone who has used them. But here is the link::

    http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1288995

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