Removing old caulking

[BigLew]

Thought I'd ask a dumb(?) question!
I'm going to be rehabing a 1985 23' Scepter. I suspect I will be pulling some or all of the cockpit sole panels,etc. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations as to how to remove old caulking well enough to permit re-gelcoating or painting in the later phases of the the rehab?

Any suggestions/experience would be appreciated!!! Thanks.

[strick]

A lot of scraping with a putty knife. Sanding with 100 grit. For the small stuff Acetone may work. There is a product that is supposed to dissolve 5200 but I've forgot what it's called. I've only used it once with limited success. You may try looking it up on Google or someone else may have better suggestions.

strick

[silverg]

I have used a product called Goo Gone to remove caulking. Still requires some careful scraping with a putty knife or razor blade. Goo Gone is in the paint section at most hardware, dept stores, etc.

[oldbluesplayer]

Depending on the caulking material - I have no experience with 5200, but for typical silicone caulks, the 3M abrasive pads, usually about 1/4" thick, very open cell material with abrasive coating, seem to work very well, without the risk of cutting thru the gel coat like sand paper can. Also in typical hardware stores, in the paint prep & supplies area.

Bill

[BigLew]

Thanks for the responses and those yet to come.
I'm going to be trying these and any others that come in. The good news is that I will be able to, hopefully, be able to render a well founded opinion as to what works best. I will post the results when I get to that point.