A sealant has been applied under the trim strip all around (which connects the body panels). It swells for weeks, even months, after purchase. While unsightly in itself, it also attracts a lot of dirt. How do you remove it?

 

The trick is to first use a spatula that won't damage the Eriba's paintwork. Then, use light cleaning spirit to buff away the sealant residue.

We sharpened some expired plastic bank cards. This allows you to remove the soft adhesive and polish away any residue with light cleaning spirit*. It's a lot of work, but it works. Plus, you're not done in one go: the swelling continues for a while.

*"wasbenzine" in Dutch. "Waschbenzin" in German

Afterword: A sealant that stains a lot has also been used on the gutter around the roof. It's a soft black sealant that almost turns into a paste at high temperatures. The best way to remove the stains from this sealant is with Nivea Make-Up Remover (without acetone!).

 

Comments en questions

Eleanor_and_Victor: What a mess. It's indeed annoying, it keeps going on. We are still removing sealant after three years, never ending story... Nevertheless, nice website: thnx!