Cleaning mastic sealant
Washed my motorhome today and noticed that the white mastic sealant is looking dirty in some places.
Any recommendations on what's the best cleaner for this job?
Comments
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If the mastic is of the 'semi solid' or 'solid' type I would try Silky - in a not-so-noticeable place. To apply in areas such as around the awning rail, or in narrow gap, I would use an old toothbrush.
BUT BE GENTLE - the sealant is there for a reason....
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Rubbery/flexible is good....where I would not use is the tacky bedding sealant. Try somewhere unobtrusive, even if not too dirty - what you are testing for is for the sealant not to be dissolved or disturbed. I hope that makes sense. One final word - just be mindful how much you will need to do if you get the test result you want!!
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To be effective for a long time the mastic has to remain soft and sticky. This means that any visible edge will pick up any airborne dirt until the whole of the exposed edge is coated. Cleaning it off will only allow new dirt to reapply itself to the edge. I think the only way to stop a dirty visible line would be to deliberately apply some 'dirt' in the form of something white that would match the caravan / motorhome and that would effectively 'kill' the exposed adhesive. What that could be I'm not sure but it would need to be something inert that itself would not absorb or hold airborne or rain-borne dirt. Very fine silver sand may be a possibility. Personally I've just learnt to live with the dirty lines which will be found on just about every other caravan / motorhome.
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Hi, not tried any sort of cleaner yet other than car wash cleaner. I was not sure about household cleaners as they may have chemicals that would react to the sealant or paintwork.
Yes I understand that it will be almost impossible to keep it clean all the time but I'm just wanting to make it look as best as I can after washing.
ive ordered some of the silky cleaner to see how it goes.
Thanks again all, I new I would get some great advice as usual 😀👍
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Don't stand so close then you won't be able to see the lines.
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Clean with a strong solution of Fenwicks using a toothbrush, once clean and dry and apply a car polish over the mastic to reduce the speed at which dirt will reattach, once the mastic becomes internally stained with black mould there is`nt much you can do.
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