Removing Name on Transom

[ontherocks83]

The original name of my boat looks like it was hand painted on the transom. I'm not sure of what type of paint they used, but it definitely is not a decal. I am looking for advice on the best way to remove the old name. Not sure if I should use a chemical or go to a body shop and buy one of those round rubber pads you use on cars to remove stickers, or something else.

Also as a secondary question if I may be so brash, When I apply the new decal to the aft quarter topsides should I put it on after washing but before compounding, or after compounding, or after polishing..... well you get the idea.

As always thank you in advance. You all here have been great

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

1) Use a chemical paint stripper before compounding. Some strippers will soften gelcoat, so use one that is sold for use with fiberglass boats and follow directions. Rubber pad erasers work on vinyl stripes, and I don't think it would be effective to remove paint (but it might mar it).
2) Apply new decal after washing and compounding but before waxing. If compounding is done right, the wax is for protection of the shine you brought out with the compound. It's for protection not shine.

Also, if you're in Warwick RI -- IMHO, remove the old name now, but wait for Spring before applying the new one. That will leave some time to weather the underlying surface beneath the old name, and give you a 6-month longer life on your new vinyl.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Also, make sure you do a boat naming ceremony (search the web for one). Make an offering to Neptune. I thought this was hooey and didn't do one the last time I changed a boat name, then lightning struck my boat within 2 weeks after Spring launch.

 

[rgranger]

If you mix sodium or potassium hydroxide (drain-O) with garden lime (CaCO3) in about a 1:3 mix and add just enough water to make a paste, then smear this over the painted on letters and let it dry, the paint will just peel off.... if it is an enamel or latex paint. And it will not hurt your gel-coat. This is essentially "peel away" bottom stripper.

If you want to give it a little "kick" tape cellophane over the area to keep it wet longer.

 

[Tricia]

I used spray on oven cleaner and it worked great. Then polished. Applied vinyl name, then waxed.

 

[rgranger]

I used spray on oven cleaner and it worked great. Then polished. Applied vinyl name, then waxed.

Brilliant.
It is mostly potassium hydroxide dissolved in a gel. Even easier than what I was suggesting.

 

[Mr Fox]

Before you apply the new sticker, I suggest you wash the area and clean it with a toluene based brush cleaner (this is NOT paint thinner). Rinse, dry and apply your new name. It's perfect for removing wax residue and will not harm your gelcoat.

 

[rgranger]

Toluene = methylbenzene = model glue solvent (sniffing glue)

Wear gloves and try not to breath the vapors too much....

 

[markwbird]

Whatever you do, don't forget the de-naming ceremony. You do not want to upset the gods.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Hexane is preferable to other solvents. Equally effective but less toxic.

 

[rgranger]

Hexane is preferable to other solvents. Equally effective but less toxic.

 

[ToddS]

Those round rubber things are AWESOME for removing vinyl stickers, but I would NOT advise using them to remove paint. DO use them for vinyl though.