Exterior Caulk

[The crime scene]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk on my DB480. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

 

[ttmott]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk on my DB480. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

Oh yea - got this from an X Sea Ray shop guy - 1/4" Acrylic plastic cut in 1/2" wide strips about 6 inches long. Then sharpen the end like a chisel. Cut several strips and make several end profiles.
Removes old caulk like a breeze yet doesn't damage the gelcoat. When it gets dull just sharpen again.

 

[GnrlPatton]

For the type of caulk to use, I recommend Sikaflex. I've had good success with that, it holds up to the elements really well.

+1 to using plastic scrapers, I would also have some denatured alcohol handy, it does a great job of cleaning up residue that you can't 100% scrape off, as well as preps the surface for the new caulk to adhere to.

 

[techmitch]

Oh yea - got this from an X Sea Ray shop guy - 1/4" Acrylic plastic cut in 1/2" wide strips about 6 inches long. Then sharpen the end like a chisel. Cut several strips and make several end profiles.
Removes old caulk like a breeze yet doesn't damage the gelcoat. When it gets dull just sharpen again.

Excellent advice, thanks.

 

[Skuza]

I carefully used a single edge razor blade-I'm sure theres better ways. When I did it I just used GE Silicone from Lowes/HD. It has held up great but it does eventually get that dirty look.