Sikaflex removal?

[DarkMatter]

What is the easiest and best way to remove Sikaflex without damaging paintwork? The velcro for securing the hood on my Griffith had been stuck down with Sikaflex but has now pulled away from the body. I'd like to remove the old Sikaflex before re-glueing the velcro.

Thanks, Andrew.

[valhalla]

Hi.I used to use Black sikaflex for re caulking teak decking on sailing boats,and as far as i know there is no known solvent(others please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong).I did enquire to the makers.They came back with 'sanding is the only way as far as they knew'.If you decide to use Sikaflex to re glue. Then make sure you wear disposable gloves.As once you get it on your skin it stains like like you would not believe. you have been warned.
Good luck Dave.

Edited by valhalla on Tuesday 11th February 21:15

[alspeed]

safety razor blade and a very cautious approach is about the only way to get it off, if you re-stick it with sikaflex make sure you use the appropriate
primer, it would have never come unstuck had it been primed. same stuff they bond window glass in with.

[KEVS500]

I've had some success (on my boat, not my Chim) using baby wipes! I used the cheapest 'own brand' ones from a large supermarket and they were surprisingly effective at removing the residue after careful use of a sharp blade to get most of it off. Makes you wonder what it does to babies' bottoms!!

[ridds]

Clutch and brake cleaner will soften in considerably and reduce the bond between it and the paint.

You need to use a rag well soaked in it though.

[RobertoBlanco]

ridds said:

Clutch and brake cleaner will soften in considerably and reduce the bond between it and the paint.

I wouldn't use brake cleaner directly on the paintwork. Unless you want to remove that as well...

[Oldred_V8S]

KEVS500 said:

I've had some success (on my boat, not my Chim) using baby wipes! I used the cheapest 'own brand' ones from a large supermarket and they were surprisingly effective at removing the residue after careful use of a sharp blade to get most of it off. Makes you wonder what it does to babies' bottoms!!

Guys never use Silkaflex on babies bottoms.

[ninetynine]

but the stuff that comes out can be used as an alternative

[ridds]

RobertoBlanco said:

ridds said:

Clutch and brake cleaner will soften in considerably and reduce the bond between it and the paint.

I wouldn't use brake cleaner directly on the paintwork. Unless you want to remove that as well...

But a razor blade is fine?

You've got some odd paint if brake and clutch cleaner will take it off! I often use it to remove sticky things from paint and never had any issue.

[pork 1000]

Possibly a toffee wheel in a Rotory drill have never used one but might be worth looking into

[pork 1000]

Possibly a toffee wheel in a Rotory drill have never used one but might be worth looking into

[macdeb]

pork 1000 said:

Possibly a toffee wheel in a Rotory drill have never used one but might be worth looking into

Steady on bloke, 17 posts!

[RobertoBlanco]

ridds said:

But a razor blade is fine?

I can't remember saying that... It was just a hint, that brake cleaner is a solvent. Paint usually isn't resistant to solvents like white spirit, etc. So if you use a solvent on your paintwork you should use it with care and you shouldn't let it soak too long. But of course, you can always try for yourself.
Just my 2 cents.

[jamienshelly]

Brake cleaner is ok on paint, if used sparingly, but it will remove all waxes and polishes, so will need polishing after and it will break down sikaflex to a degree. If you need to scrape it then a plastic scraper used very carefully may shift it.

[DarkMatter]

Thanks for your words of advice one and all. It sounds as though extreme care will be required whatever method I choose.

I'm reticent to use any solvent (except perhaps white spirit) - I'd once stuck some insulating tape on my door and on removing it a day later it pulled off some of the clear lacquer coat. I took the car to one of those 'smart repair' places just outside Romsey (Hants) and the helpful chap there insisted that the lacquer was OK and that it was adhesive on my door which he proceed to remove with a solvent of some sort (acetone or thinners?), he realised the error of his ways when he started rubbing the paint off!

Anyway, assuming that I can remove the Sikaflex OK what sort of adhesive are people using to refix their velcro strips?

[jamienshelly]

I would advise against white spirit as it is abrasive, (I found out the hard way).
Brake cleaner wont harm your paint.

[Mark.]

I'd have though Daz would have been all over this thread - where is he?

[DarkMatter]

jamienshelly said:

I would advise against white spirit as it is abrasive, (I found out the hard way).
Brake cleaner wont harm your paint.

I'll take notice of your advice, thanks.

[ridds]

Acetone, is very different to brake cleaner.

Old school brake cleaner used to be strong stuff but with health and safety these days it's now very week!

Yep it'll pull off any waxes and sealants but it's all hidden under Sikaflex anyway so will need a good Polish after removal.

[pork 1000]

macdeb said:

Steady on bloke, 17 posts!

I know need to ease up it's getting out of control.catch up with you soon.