A new boat (4 yrs. old) and I would like to remove old decal and rename, any suggestions on products and method.... Thanks
- Status
Removing decals
I have had good luck using a hair dryer to warm up the decals and adhesive. Lift a corner and peel gently away from the hull. You may have to keep the heat going on it until it's all off. Then, a bug sponge and paint thinner will clean off any residue without scratching. 3M makes a specific cleaner to remove adhesive, but paint thinner (mineral spirits) works as well and is dirt cheap.
I have had good luck using a hair dryer to warm up the decals and adhesive. Lift a corner and peel gently away from the hull. You may have to keep the heat going on it until it's all off. Then, a bug sponge and paint thinner will clean off any residue without scratching. 3M makes a specific cleaner to remove adhesive, but paint thinner (mineral spirits) works as well and is dirt cheap.
New Graphics!
I will assume that you have vinyl adhesive applied graphics. Clean the area well and allow to dry. Use a heat gun to carefully soften a small area at a time, pulling off the letters as you go. When all is removed, clean with a good solvent or degreaser to remove excess adhesive. Apply the new graphics and then wax or polish the area. It's a good thing to do on a lazy afternoon! BTW if you are documented, don't forget to file with the coast guard. They don't like names and hailing ports that don't jive with the documentation. The heat gun is great to have on board. You can dry areas, shrink tubing on your wiring and lots of other uses. Jon s/v B321, Parrot Tales, Kemah TX Jon
I will assume that you have vinyl adhesive applied graphics. Clean the area well and allow to dry. Use a heat gun to carefully soften a small area at a time, pulling off the letters as you go. When all is removed, clean with a good solvent or degreaser to remove excess adhesive. Apply the new graphics and then wax or polish the area. It's a good thing to do on a lazy afternoon! BTW if you are documented, don't forget to file with the coast guard. They don't like names and hailing ports that don't jive with the documentation. The heat gun is great to have on board. You can dry areas, shrink tubing on your wiring and lots of other uses. Jon s/v B321, Parrot Tales, Kemah TX Jon
One caution,
That old glue was pretty stealthy on my cabin top when I replaced my stripes. It doesn't take much left behind to mess up the new graphics, so look close. Once you use that bug sponge, you'll get the idea.
That old glue was pretty stealthy on my cabin top when I replaced my stripes. It doesn't take much left behind to mess up the new graphics, so look close. Once you use that bug sponge, you'll get the idea.
Careful please!
Renaming a boat is, of course, not something to be done lightly. Since the beginning of time, sailors have sworn that there are unlucky ships and the unluckiest ships of all are those who have defied the gods and changed their names Begin the renaming by again calling Poseidon as follows: Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)
Renaming a boat is, of course, not something to be done lightly. Since the beginning of time, sailors have sworn that there are unlucky ships and the unluckiest ships of all are those who have defied the gods and changed their names Begin the renaming by again calling Poseidon as follows: Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)
Don't forget
in the renaming to also place a sprig of green leaves on the bow during the renaming to ensure that the vessel knows where to return after each voyage. I did this along with the Champagne ceremony and so far my new boat(new to me)has found its way back to the dock, even when I inadvertantly went off shore and the fog bank closed in behind me. Above all do not offend the Sea Gods.......they are much less forgiving than the golf Gods. Good sailing.
in the renaming to also place a sprig of green leaves on the bow during the renaming to ensure that the vessel knows where to return after each voyage. I did this along with the Champagne ceremony and so far my new boat(new to me)has found its way back to the dock, even when I inadvertantly went off shore and the fog bank closed in behind me. Above all do not offend the Sea Gods.......they are much less forgiving than the golf Gods. Good sailing.
Dename before Rename
Before you rename, you must dename. This ensures the previous name is removed from Neptune's books before he attempts to log in the new name. If you think the CG are sticklers for missmatched names, try pissing off Neptune. There are dozens of suitable versions of this denaming ceremony. The attached link has a couple.
Before you rename, you must dename. This ensures the previous name is removed from Neptune's books before he attempts to log in the new name. If you think the CG are sticklers for missmatched names, try pissing off Neptune. There are dozens of suitable versions of this denaming ceremony. The attached link has a couple.
Advise
I've been in the decal business for 40 years and the advise of the others that have responded is good - using a heat gun or hair dryer is the way to start. If you have problems with this method a sure way is to mask the area off to prevent drips and then use any gel type commercial stripper. Apply, let set, remove with a plastic blade or puttey knife, wipe and rinse off. Be aware that there will probably be some "ghosting" of the old graphics. This will disappear after time in the sun.
I've been in the decal business for 40 years and the advise of the others that have responded is good - using a heat gun or hair dryer is the way to start. If you have problems with this method a sure way is to mask the area off to prevent drips and then use any gel type commercial stripper. Apply, let set, remove with a plastic blade or puttey knife, wipe and rinse off. Be aware that there will probably be some "ghosting" of the old graphics. This will disappear after time in the sun.
Sticker Off! works a little better than Goo Gone
"Sticker Off",The little black plastic bottles they sell with the dinghy numbers at places like Boater's World, seems to do a better job of getting up the leftover adhesive than Goo Gone after the numbers come off. You dab it on, then move your fingers or sponge in a circle as it works down to the gelcoat. For a small sticker or numbers careful work with a razor blade will also do a neat job. You ease the blade under the edge and pull away as you go. (Not a fun way to do big letters, but it will work).
"Sticker Off",The little black plastic bottles they sell with the dinghy numbers at places like Boater's World, seems to do a better job of getting up the leftover adhesive than Goo Gone after the numbers come off. You dab it on, then move your fingers or sponge in a circle as it works down to the gelcoat. For a small sticker or numbers careful work with a razor blade will also do a neat job. You ease the blade under the edge and pull away as you go. (Not a fun way to do big letters, but it will work).
Here si what u need
3M makes a product called the "Stripe 0ff" wheel. It is a rubber wheel that you chuck in a handheld 3/8 drill. I used one to remove all the factory graphics on my 1993 Hunter 23.5. This thing blew through those graphics like a hot knife through butter, leaving no residue whatsoever. I had to order the wheel from a local 3m dealer, it was about $25 for a kit which included the arbor it mounts on (make sure you get the arbor or the wheel is useless). Best $25 I've spent on the boat in a while. It takes no hard physical effort and the results are spectacular. Pick one up now and thank me later.
3M makes a product called the "Stripe 0ff" wheel. It is a rubber wheel that you chuck in a handheld 3/8 drill. I used one to remove all the factory graphics on my 1993 Hunter 23.5. This thing blew through those graphics like a hot knife through butter, leaving no residue whatsoever. I had to order the wheel from a local 3m dealer, it was about $25 for a kit which included the arbor it mounts on (make sure you get the arbor or the wheel is useless). Best $25 I've spent on the boat in a while. It takes no hard physical effort and the results are spectacular. Pick one up now and thank me later.
- Status