Mastic - sealant? Sticky question?

[bluechim]

Hi There - where do I buy this mastic/ sealant that seems to hold my car together please? Is there a favourite brand name to look out for? Thanks

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

[mongoose]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

[Sharky500]

Sikaflex.

[Big Al.]

Sharky500 said:

Sikaflex.

OH boat chandlers or good auto factors i.e. Partco etc.

[big sigh]

Or any good independent plumbers shop.

[pga500]

I know Sikaflex is the stuff to use, but how on earth do you get the old (cured) stuff off the car?
- In previous threads on this subject "Incorrigble" (I think that's right) suggests panel wipe from the paint/body-shop factors, but will this soften and remove the hardened stuff so you don't have to resort to the tediously mind-numbing activity of wrecking your fingernails/patience/bodywork to get the old stuff off!!??

You need to remove all trace of any sealant - Sikaflex, P.U. Silicone or whatever, if you want to do some decent body-work / paint preparation, (and I do) so what's the quickest and easiest method? - and don't say get someone else to do it! - I know that one already!

[razorman]

If there is a miracle remover I would love to know. Left most of the skin off my knuckles in the wheelarch trying to get the access panel off, which I presume had been fixed with the wonderstuff.

[Rum Runner]

If you want to bond and seal use 3m 4200 or 3m 5200. Once it's on though it is not coming off, i have used 10ton jacks to try and unbond 1/2ft square area and not a hope in hell of shifting it, some boat builders basically hold the boats together with this stuff. If you need to seal something but may need to be removed again i.e the cap over the brake res on the o/s/f wing don't use it. Standard sika will do as it can be removed.

[fen7on]

Reference getting silicone off there are several products available at you local diy, namely Unibond silicone remover in 150ml cartridge. You have to beware though, as this is acid based & I don't know what affect it would have on paintwork. otherwise it's good old fashioned elbow grease.
Regarding silicone products Winzer Wurth supply most of the mainstream manufacturers & also have silicone remover products. there are several online stores for their products, you just need an automotive silicone, a Neutral curing silicone would be the best, as adhesion is better & will not corrode plastics.

[Big Al.]

Was going to give this thread a sticky, but it's already got one in the title

I'll make it an FAQ instead for future reference.