Removing Calk from Outside Van

[soohma]

My 1997 RV came complete with calking between the cab and body to cover a crack. It has been fine until now. Today I noticed it was black (probably mold) and sticky.

What can I use to remove it without damaging the finish of the van so that I can put new calking on.

I've seen mineral spirits, vinegar, commercial calking remover, hair dryer and knife.

[wincrasher]

Gasoline will clean it up.

[BBQ]

.

Razor blade scraper

[markopolo]

The tool in this photo works great to remove caulk.

caulk removal tool.JPG

It's next to a popsicle stick to give an idea of the size.

I've removed a lot of caulk over the years and those little plastic or nylon tools work the best by far. A key to success is to work on a 1/4" or 1/2" at a time and it comes off fairly cleanly. If you try to brute force it the caulk seems to fight back and adhere stronger and or break. If you work just a little bit at a time it releases with less effort.

I got the tools at an RV place where I purchased new caulking.

[soohma]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll look for the plastic tool, but maybe try a bit of gasoline also. I'm afraid if I use a razor I'll regret it!

[71choptop]

they do make plastic razor blades, used them to take excess caulk off aluminum siding.

[soohma]

Originally Posted by 71choptop

they do make plastic razor blades, used them to take excess caulk off aluminum siding.

Never heard of such a thing. Thank you for the suggestion.