What exterior caulk is the factory using now?

[rideandfly]

6 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

Make sure you read the date code. 

Will do! 🙂

[John Dorrer]

On 4/1/2024 at 7:42 PM, DavePhelps said:

Scuba Rx, that ASI 0240 sounds pretty good. Especially interesting it can be used as a tooling lubricant. I will try that.

What I have been using with great success is Debond, and it is even more expensive! So I think it's going to cost you Geronimo John!

Debond

The big problem with silicone from a refinishing point of view are the oils it contains. You can clean it off with solvents and plastic razors to where the gelcoat looks pristine, but when you spray the surface with water, it still beads up all over. This is caused by the silicone oils having penetrated the pores of the gelcoat. Not completely removing these oils will interfere with the full bonding of any sealant you want to use, including silicone! You have to break out some 1000 grit automotive sandpaper and wet sand it out with the solvent of your choice (in my case, Debond). When it's all gone, I hit it with some finer grit (1200-1500), then a good polishing cleaner. The gelcoat will then look great, and be ready to be sealed, and most importantly, the sealant will adhere to the gelcoat! All this work is why I never use silicones to begin with, except in some rare instances. Also, if you do any finishing in your shop, be extremely careful to keep any rags, pads, sandpaper, or anything that was used cleaning your silicone problem separate and away from your regular shop supplies. Silicone contamination in your shop can be a total disaster for the finisher. Good luck!

Dave

Spot on. I spent 40 years designing sealant projects and saw my share of failures due to silicone contamination.

[Boudicca908]

On 4/3/2024 at 9:37 AM, Dave and Kimberly said:

what they used (there in the pre-delivery bay) dried very yellow and to this day, stands out like a sore thumb on our pristine white Oliver. 

My Oliver suffers the same mysterious yellowing only around the rear window.  I'm going to have to read through this thread several times to begin to understand some of the issues discussed. Thanks to all contributors.