Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I'm trying to remove the previous boat name from the hull. It is a decal. As I try to peel away the letters, they just snap off in small pieces. This could take forever. Any suggestions?
1) A solvent to soften the decals. I've used WD-40, Goof-Off, mineral spirts and Acetone in the past with varying levels of success depending on what I was trying to remove. Most hardware or automotive stores will offer 'dedicated' products for this kind of task.
Always test on a small area before attacking in force and read the precautions on the packaging!
2) GENTLE application of heat via a heat gun.
(Common Sense Note: Don't use heat at the same time as the solvents... unless you want a fire!)
John, I agree with Bert when we changed our C250's name and restriped it all the previous lettering and striping came off with a hair dryer. Cleaned remaining residue with acetone.
John, I agree with Bert when we changed our C250's name and restriped it all the previous lettering and striping came off with a hair dryer. Cleaned remaining residue with acetone.
When I removed the name and boot striping from a previous boat, I used the "Ferro Stripe Eliminator." It was easy and fast although, depending upon how many letters and their size, it can be expensive. If I remember, about $15.00 per disc. It cost me about $150.00 but I had to remove 58 feet of 2inch boot stripe plus a boat name. It was well worth it. Quick and easy.
It works like an eraser on a pencil. The rubber disc attaches to your own drill and you "erase" the vinyl then wipe off the rubber residue with a rag. It even removes the adhesive and best of all, no damage to the boat. (Gee this sounds like an advertisement. Rest assured that I have no interest in the company).
I'm not sure if they have a website but the company name is "Ferro Industries, Inc." I believe I read a review in a boating magazine about it. I have seen their ad in "DIY" and "Good Old Boat."
One note. When I removed the name from the previous owner on my boat, with Easy Off oven cleaner, which worked great I might add. I was left with a silhouette of the name in the gel-coat. Was advised that this is common and usually no amount of re-application or rubbing will get this out. The good news is that after a short period of time it will fade out in the sun. Mike 83 t/r f/k
The vinyl copy you are removing is most likely a high performance vinyl brand which tends to crack after long term UV exposure. I agree with the gentle and careful use of a heat gun and straight edge razor blade to remove. Another great product for removal of the gummy residue left behind is "OOPS!", available at Walmart and Lowes. In the sign biz, I have used OOPS! on many types of sub surfices with no ill effect. Very safe for fiberglass and on your hands! Compound and waxing after removal will help eliminate the "shadow" of the old name.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.