Stripes on my Precision 23 are in terrible shape,new ones are ordered, how do I peel old without destroying the hull?
How to remove 30 yr. old tape.
- Thread starter DAVA390
- Start date
Heat gun... or a good quality hair dryer. It will soften the vinyl and it should lift right off. Someone on here found an "eraser" head that fits on a drill.... I've never tried that so that is second hand info... but I have used a hair dryer. Worked great for me.
I like the heat and plastic scraper or plastic razor blade method, the 3M eraser wheel made too much mess with little flecks of bright blue tape floating around the boat. It seems fairly similar in effort, in either case you usually need some adhesive remover to get all the glue residue off after the tape.
3M Adhesive Eraser Wheel - Walmart.com
3M Adhesive Eraser Wheel - Walmart.com
WD-40 will get rid of the glue residue...let it sit for at least an hour, then scrub with BRONZE wool...easy to find at any big box or hardware store.
Never use steel wool on a boat...it rusts. May not matter if the little bits that break off just fall oo ground or into the water, but you definitely don't want to use steel wool for any project IN the boat.
--Peggie
Never use steel wool on a boat...it rusts. May not matter if the little bits that break off just fall oo ground or into the water, but you definitely don't want to use steel wool for any project IN the boat.
--Peggie
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
On my 40 year old boat, I used a heat gun and plastic scraper. Came right up. Only challenge was the shadow left as the gelcoat was fresh under the tape while the rest was oxidized.
A little buffing will take that right out.
A little buffing will take that right out.
Exactly the same for me, but a 30 year old boat. Just go easy on the heat. It really doesn’t take much.
Peggie mentioned WD40 and yes it's a great adhesive remover, but use it only after you've removed the vinyl.
However, I'd never use bronze wool on any fiberglass that I want to shine up after.This is a 3-step job:
1) First step is optional: Use the heat gun or hairdryer with a plastic scraper to lift the vinyl. Don't worry too much about getting it all off, and don't worry about removing the adhesive at this stage.
2) THIS is THE stuff you want for this job, it will chemically convert the adhesive to a compound that has the consistency of Ivory bar soap, so it can be easily removed without pushing it around the surface. You can buy it online or a well stocked auto supply store where they sell body shop supplies. 3M™ Woodgrain and Stripe Remover | 3M United States
3) Follow up the woodgrain/stripe remover with 3M Adhesive remover and/or WD40, Interlux 202 fiberglass solvent wash, or other thinners that remove the stuff.
4) Follow up the whole process with compound for a clean shine before you apply the new stripe. Then wax to protect the new stripe and the whole finish.
+1 for the eraser... I bought one on amazon, and it was amazing (though admittedly a bit slow and tedious) in removing some large 15-year-old vinyl lettering. This is the one I used: Amazon.com: AES Industries 51823 Smart Eraser Pad (Made in the USA) with Drill Adapter Arbor Made for Efficiently Removing Decals, Vinyl Graphic, Pinstripes, Adhesive and Double Faced Trim Tape: Home Improvement
but there are many similar competing products, and I've heard they work equally well. I would also agree with Peggy's assessment that steel wool has NO PLACE on a boat... ever... little bits will embed themselves in wood, paint, and elsewhere and then rust over time. No exceptions to that rule.
but there are many similar competing products, and I've heard they work equally well. I would also agree with Peggy's assessment that steel wool has NO PLACE on a boat... ever... little bits will embed themselves in wood, paint, and elsewhere and then rust over time. No exceptions to that rule.
I've used a razor blade, but you have to be very, very careful. I definitely left a few nicks in the gel coat.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
Mark, I think you need to do it on the hard. If you are on the water I think there will always be the rise and fall of boat traffic in the marina.
Spend the $100 to have TrimLine come out to do it. Well worth it and i wish i had listened to it
Well, I'm sure there are other ways to do it, but I take painters tape and run it down what would be one side of where I want the strip. That way I can move it around easily until I have it the way I want it. Then I simply follow that line with the applique.
dj
There's a shadow line left behind by the old tape, by following it and applying the tape in longish (2-3 ft.) sections you can get it at least as straight as the old line.
If your going to reapply new decals don’t use WD40. Use a solvent that won’t leave a residue. Acetone is a good one.
Update: started today with heatcgun and new plastic scrapers. Both stripping wheel and 3m removal spray not to be found locally,will have to order online. The blue part of tape came off easily,residue behind is pretty tough.Mike comment above occured to me too(W/D 40 residue), painter friend of mine,also former boat owner,suggested denatured alcohol. We all certainly have that around. If no good then try acetone, do this while waiting for deliveries. Thank you all for comments above, I knew answers would come flooding in.
Tried tonight to order an eraser wheel from Amazon, soonest delivery date was June 2 , or May 30 for 3 bucks more! AARGGH!!. Gonna try some more parts stores tomorrow...