I just got my factory roof rack installed on my R53 .. great stuff btw.

So I went one step further because i didn't like the rubber foam pieces that came with the set bolt (the bolt that needs a hole drilled into the roof) and used a silicone sealant to further seal the hole ...

I read the directions for the sealant, but did not notice it was a hard set kind of sealant .. so i put a bit too much .. let tack .. and then tightened. a lot oozed out and without thinking, tried to take the excess off with my finger and smeared a lot on the rest of the roof.
Great! walked back int he house .. grabbed some rubbing alcohol and BAM! got distracted by the TV ..

long story short .. how do i get a silicone sealant off from a painted surfac without ruining the paint or clearcoat???

I just got my MINI and now I am sad.

 

Take it to an auto glass shop and ask their assistance. They use the stuff all the time and certainly must have over applied on paint before and therefore would know how to remove it safely.

 

Try letting it dry then using pressure with your thumb keep rolling it back on itself and it may roll up.

 

It's the hardset kind .. almost feels like concrete now.

 

Best thing is to find a mild solvent like goo gone let it soak for 15 minutes to help soften it up. Then use a rubbing compound if the layer is thin enough, if not use a razor and a steady hand to get as much off as possible then go back to rubbing compound, just be very careful and precise in your rubbing so you don't take off too much clear coat.

 

Thanks guys .. i'll give the goo gone a whirl .. thats all i've right now.

 

Go to a glass shop and ask them. They HAVE to have had to take off the stuff before and must know exactly what works. Most of them will give you advice for free and it will only take them 5 minutes to get an answer. Worst case scenario is that you waste the time it took to drive there. Best case scenario is that you avoid doing permanent and expensive damage to your car. My two cents, for what its worth. (about that much, and $.04 if you count the post above)