How to remove caulk?

[cdoliver]

Hello,
I have an old boat that had a bad transom for many many years. In an effort to help the transom without rebuilding it, I put an aluminum plate behind the motor to keep it from digging into the fiberglass. I just finished up a seacast project. It worked great. The transom is more solid than it ever has been. I am pleased. My next problem is removing the old caulk that I put between the plate and the transom. It is hard and I haven't figured out the best way to remove it. Any ideas?? Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to remove caulk?

if you have an angle grinder, get a sanding disc, and becareful.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: How to remove caulk?

I remodel houses for a living and sometimes when we have a mirror that needs to come down that has been installed with mastic, we will use a cable saw. Basically a cable with key rings at both ends that you and a helper pull back and forth behind the piece. Its kind of tough tredding as the cable isn't very aggressive but with some persistance it will come off. On the aluminum you have I would get it started then keep installing wood shims from top to keep "out pressure" on the piece while you use the saw to help get it off. You also could try a hacksaw blade with gloves on and come at it from each side, along with the shims to give you some relief on the blade. You may even try and old handsaw(crosscut not a rip saw) and be careful to not scratch the glass too much again use the shims if possible to give you a bit of room.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: How to remove caulk?

My apologies I reread and realized the plate was already off, sorry about the post above. I would try a very sharp razor scraper or a good sharp chisel (1"+) and keep blade as flat as possible. Might even spray it with some wd.40 or the like to help lube and soften whats there a bit. TD's idea will work well but you will need to be careful and the caulk will melt to the sanding disc and clog it up pretty quick, which might help in your case.

 

[cdoliver]

Re: How to remove caulk?

what grit sand paper should I start with? I'm up for it, but it scares me

 

[J. Mark]

Re: How to remove caulk?

go to lowe's and by adhesive caulk remover. It is usually by the caulk and when placed on the caulk it turns it into a mushy easy to remove mess. It is cheap and will not harm fiberglass tubs, so it should be safe on your hull.

Warming caulk up with a heat gun is another good way to make it soft enough to easily scrape off, even with a plastic putty knife.