How to Safely Remove Dried Silicone from Car Paint: Step-by-Step Guide

Removing Dry Silicone from car paint can be challenging, but it is doable with the right products. When silicone is left to dry on car paint, it undergoes a chemical process that makes it hard to remove.

Whether the dry silicone is a leftover from weatherproofing, sealing, or other uses, improper removal can lead to scratches or paint damage since it dissolves the paint during removal.

Therefore, it is vital to use the right products and follow the removal instructions to the letter. This article will discuss step-by-step methods and expert tips to safely and efficiently remove dried silicone from your car’s paint.

5 Effective Methods to Safely Remove Dried Silicone from Car Paint

We have conducted our research and come up with a roundup of effective methods and products for removing silicone from car paint.

Whether you are dealing with freshly cured silicone or old and dry silicone on car paint, these products will help you remove it without harming the top coat of the paint.

In addition, we have included a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use these products. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump right in.

Method 1: Silicone Remover Solvent

When it comes to removing dry silicone from car paint, a silicone remover solvent is one of the best products to use. Typically, silicone remover contains a blend of solvents and active ingredients that break the bonds between silicone and the surface, thus making it easy to remove.

There are tons of commercial silicone remover solvents on the market today. However, we highly recommend using Re-Mov Silicone Remover. The properties that make this product popular in car detailing are functionality and ease of application.

When used on dry silicone, this product softens and makes removing it easy. Furthermore, it contains no flammable or corrosive chemicals, making it safe for use on most surfaces without damage. Thus, it is perfect for use on any car paint finish, regardless of the paint color.

Steps to Follow

1. Prepare the car for silicone removal by washing off the dirt, dust, and grease. Use warm soapy for washing and clean water for rinsing.
2. After washing and rinsing, dry the area you are working on using a towel or microfiber cloth.
3. Apply the Re-Mov Silicone Remover on the dry silicone directly or with a sponge or clean cloth.
4. Leave it to sit for a few minutes to soften the dry silicone fully.
5. Afterward, use another clean cloth to wipe out the silicone residue.
6. Inspect any dry residue left and repeat the process if needed.
7. When all silicone is gone, clean the part you were working on with a wet cloth to remove any residue left.

Method 2: Goo Gone Adhesive Remover

The removal of dry silicone from car paint is possible with a quality adhesive remover. Specially formulated to aid in removing adhesive substances, these removers are safe to use on virtually all surfaces.

As such, you don’t have to worry about damaging the top coat of the paint. We highly recommend the use of Goo Gone Adhesive Remover to remove dry silicone from car paint.

This product is readily available in most homes due to its multi-purpose cleaning ability. It is formulated with citrus cleaning agents that weaken the adhesive bonds of silicone for easy cleaning.

Additionally, it is very easy to use for extra convenience and safe for use on any type of car paint, as it also restores your surfaces to their original condition.

Steps to Follow

1. Prepare the car for silicone removal by washing it with clean water and car washing soap.
2. Rinse it and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
3. Apply the Goo Gone Adhesive remover on a clean cloth, rub it gently against the silicone-stained area, and let it sit for a few minutes.
4. If the stain doesn’t come off, repeat this process and continue rubbing until the silicone starts to come out.
5. When all the silicone comes out, wipe off the residue and re-wash the stained area.
6. Wax and seal the area if necessary.

Method 3: Isopropyl Alcohol

To remove stubborn silicone on car paint, use Isopropyl alcohol, or Rubbing Alcohol. This common and highly effective cleaning product can be used on various surfaces, including car paint. It removes all dirt and contaminants without damaging the top coat of the car paint.

To use this product to remove dry silicone from car paint, we recommend the use of ForPro 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. It is Made from the highest grade, 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, so it is pure and unadulterated.

The Alcohol weakens the adhesiveness that makes the silicone stick to the car paint and makes it easy to remove. It also breaks the bonds between the silicone and the car paint for a hassle-free cleaning process.

Steps to Follow

1. Start by cleaning the car with soap, water, and a clean cloth. By cleaning, you remove all the contaminants that might make the ForPro 99% Isopropyl Alcohol less effective.
2. Dilute the ForPro 99% Isopropyl Alcohol with water in an equal 1:1 ratio.
3. With the mixture you obtain, pour a small amount on a sponge and rub it on the dry silicone.
4. Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes before removal.
5. The now softened silicone should come out with ease as you do the gentle scrubbing.
6. When all residue is gone, use water and a microfiber towel to clean the car.
7. Wax the area you have been working on to replace the gloss and shine.

Method 4: Cleaning Vinegar

Vinegar, a multi-purpose cleaning solvent, is readily available in most homes. Among the methods discussed above, this is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to remove dry silicone from your car paint.

Since cleaning vinegar is used to clean and remove so many contaminants and impurities from various surfaces, it is safe to say that it can be used on car paint without damaging the paint.

But how does it work? The acetic acid in vinegar softens the silicone sealant, making it easy to peel out of car paint. As it makes the silicone easy to remove, vinegar also kills all other contaminants that might be present in the silicone stain to further protect the car paint.

Steps to Use

1. Prepare the area you are working on by cleaning it. on top of that, ensure that the car is packed in a well-shaded and ventilated area as vinegar evaporates quickly in direct sunlight.
2. Mix the vinegar with water in equal proportions to dilute it. This is important as dilute vinegar is less harsh on car paint.
3. Soak a microfiber cloth with the diluted mixture.
4. Cover the silicone-stained part with it, and let it sit for a couple of minutes for the vinegar to soak in.
5. As vinegar soaks in, it softens the silicone and makes it come out easily with a gentle scrub.
6. If any stubborn silicone is left, use a scraper or blunt razor to peel it out.
7. Once the paint surface is clean, wipe it clean with another clean cloth to remove any other residue left

Method 5: Acetone

Last but not least, we recommend the use of acetone to remove dry silicone from car paint. Acetone is a strong cleaning solvent that cuts through grease, waxes, resins, and other residuals that can clog machinery or molds.  

Acetone will work with any type of silicone stain on car paint without damaging the paint. However, it tends to take more time compared to Isopropyl alcohol. It can be found in household products such as nail polish removers.

We highly recommend you use ForPro 100% Pure Acetone. This is a multi-purpose nail polish remover that is specially formulated to gently remove all types of adhesives on different surfaces. It is made with entirely pure acetone that weakens the adhesive bonds of silicone to enable easy removal.

To complement its purity and powerful cleaning properties, ForPro 100% Pure Acetone is very easy to use. Simply moisten a cotton swab or piece of cloth and use it to clean the dirty surface.

Steps to Follow

1. Clean the car to get rid of dirt and other contaminants in the area that you are removing the silicone.
2. Once that section is clean and dry, pour the Acetone on a cloth or sponge and rub it on the silicone.
3. Acetone will make the silicone soft and easier to scrape away with a scrapper or blunt plastic razor.
4. Once you have removed most of the silicone, moisten the cloth again with silicone and rub it on the remaining residue.
5. Finally, use a clean and wet cloth to wipe the car until all silicone, dust, and other contaminants are gone.

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How Dried Silicone Damages Car Paint: 4 Common Issues

Dry silicone can cause significant damage to your car’s paint if not addressed promptly. It adheres strongly, creates blemishes, and can lead to costly repairs if left untreated.

Understanding how dry silicone affects your vehicle’s paint is crucial for maintaining its appearance. In this section, we’ll explore four ways dry silicone ruins car paint.

1. Contamination

Paint contamination is the primary cause of unsightly marks on car paint.

No matter how good your car’s paint job is, if there is silicone on it, it will attract and trap dust, dirt, and other impurities that might destroy it if not corrected in time.

The trapped contaminants can also make the paint look dull and hazy even when it’s yet to age.

2. Paint Degradation

The more time silicone is left on car paint, the greater the risk of paint degradation you expose the paint job to.

The hydrophobic property of silicone-based products wears off quite quickly. As the wear and tear continues, the car paint is left susceptible to environmental contaminants and UV damage.

The end result is quicker paint degradation than normal.

3. Weak Adhesion

The hydrophobic nature of silicone causes poor paint adhesion and bubbling. When the adhesion property of the paint is reduced or made weak, it becomes more challenging to do touch repairs or even repaint the car.

Furthermore, it can interfere with the detailing process by making the wax or sealant product not adhere properly with the paint.

4. Unsightly Appearance

No matter the kind of car that you drive, the importance of quality paint work can’t be understated.

Quality paintwork enhances the car’s aesthetics and protects the underlying parts from corrosion that causes rust, environmental damage, and contaminants.

However, dry silicone marks on car paint leave behind unsightly marks that make it less appealing to the eyes.

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Conclusion

Silicone should be removed from car paint as quickly as possible to prevent it from drying and causing unsightly spots on the paint. All the products mentioned above are ideal for removing dry silicone from car paint.

They are easy to use and no d, doubt, safe on every car paint, no matter the color. Whichever product and silicone removal method you choose to go with, we hope that you have found our article to be insightful.

Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API