Hello again everyone... Ok so I have a different problem now (the great thing about boats is that they solve that pesky "what am I going to do with all my free time?" problem). Upon inspecting my boat after seven months away from it I noticed that the vinyl lettering that I bought from Boat U.S. has significantly faded. The Navy blue in the word "Alexa" remains (although it has also faded) but the silver that makes up the border and the grey that made up the drop shadow have almost completely faded to white. Has anyone else had this kind of problem with their vinyl lettering? I only put the lettering on about a year and a half ago... and for nearly two hundred for both pieces (I have the name on both starboard and port sides of the boat) I figured it would last a bit longer. I was thinking of ordering another set of lettering from Boat U.S. but if it is only going to fade like this again in a year I wonder if it's worth the money. Is there something like wax or some special additive that you are suppose to put over the lettering to keep it from fading... or is this just the way of thing? As always any advice would be appreciated... Thanks -Levin
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new lettering
If the lettering is only 12 to 18 months old I would go back and ask for a refund or replacement. Vinyl lettering should last between five to seven years. Do not wax the lettering and I'm not sure of any thing you could apply to help it last. I think you would be better off dealing with a local sign maker for any new lettering, Check the yellow pages in your area but most any commercial sign maker will make boat names and numbers. They are easy to apply yourself with a little patience. you will find that most sign makers will also be less expensive the the other place you bought a name. I had a 6" high name with a shadow and numbers made for less the $75. That was several years ago but still cheaper and still looks good. Also there is something about dealing local that is more reassuring the mail ordering this type of product. If I remember correctly the material was a 3 m product made especially for outdoor signs Good Luck !
If the lettering is only 12 to 18 months old I would go back and ask for a refund or replacement. Vinyl lettering should last between five to seven years. Do not wax the lettering and I'm not sure of any thing you could apply to help it last. I think you would be better off dealing with a local sign maker for any new lettering, Check the yellow pages in your area but most any commercial sign maker will make boat names and numbers. They are easy to apply yourself with a little patience. you will find that most sign makers will also be less expensive the the other place you bought a name. I had a 6" high name with a shadow and numbers made for less the $75. That was several years ago but still cheaper and still looks good. Also there is something about dealing local that is more reassuring the mail ordering this type of product. If I remember correctly the material was a 3 m product made especially for outdoor signs Good Luck !
Check with BoatUS...
...They should stand behind their product! If not, forgettaboutit! Be sure to tell BoatUS that their quality is poor and they are expensive. And buy from the nearest Fast Signs! shop to you. They will give a good font and style selection, retain the file for future use and explain to you how to maintain it. I have gone to them twice. The last set lasted about 5 years and now I'm on year 2 of the next set. They are on the stern and faces the sun all day long.
...They should stand behind their product! If not, forgettaboutit! Be sure to tell BoatUS that their quality is poor and they are expensive. And buy from the nearest Fast Signs! shop to you. They will give a good font and style selection, retain the file for future use and explain to you how to maintain it. I have gone to them twice. The last set lasted about 5 years and now I'm on year 2 of the next set. They are on the stern and faces the sun all day long.
You might try...
...wiping just the lettering down with Armour All. Should shine like new if it is what I think it it. Jack Hart
...wiping just the lettering down with Armour All. Should shine like new if it is what I think it it. Jack Hart
Contacting Boat US
Thanks everyone for the responses... I think I will try calling Boat US tomorrow and seeing if they will send me some new lettering. Hopefully they will stand behind their product, but if not then I guess I will try Fast Signs or the place Zaphro suggested. Hopefully my next boat lettering will last longer than just one year. Thanks again, -Levin
Thanks everyone for the responses... I think I will try calling Boat US tomorrow and seeing if they will send me some new lettering. Hopefully they will stand behind their product, but if not then I guess I will try Fast Signs or the place Zaphro suggested. Hopefully my next boat lettering will last longer than just one year. Thanks again, -Levin
Good marks for BoatUS graphics
My experience with BoatUS Graphics was good. They shipped my graphics with the size correct on the name, but incorrect on the hailing port. I called and they were able to quickly ship out a replacement without a hassle.
My experience with BoatUS Graphics was good. They shipped my graphics with the size correct on the name, but incorrect on the hailing port. I called and they were able to quickly ship out a replacement without a hassle.
Zaphro Is Correct
Depending on the manufacturer there are about 5-7 grades of vinyl, made in two different processes (calendering and casting). Some of the high visibility fluorescents will only last about 6 months in bright sunlight, for more longevity there are vinyls that last 9 years out in the sun. I would agree with everyone and suggest you contact Boat US and ask how long they expect the vinyl letters they sell to last. There are vinyls you can place over your vinyl letters to inhibit the UV rays, but they are generally cost prohibative.
Depending on the manufacturer there are about 5-7 grades of vinyl, made in two different processes (calendering and casting). Some of the high visibility fluorescents will only last about 6 months in bright sunlight, for more longevity there are vinyls that last 9 years out in the sun. I would agree with everyone and suggest you contact Boat US and ask how long they expect the vinyl letters they sell to last. There are vinyls you can place over your vinyl letters to inhibit the UV rays, but they are generally cost prohibative.
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