I need some advice from you experienced folks. I finally changed the name on my boat. Took some real effort to remove the old vinyl letters; tried heat, alcohol, finally a few drops of gas on a rag did the trick to get the old adhesive off. I know, probably not the ideal way, but I'd never done this before and these were the tools I had on hand. The new letters are the type that you put some soapy water on the boat, peel off one layer of paper backing, and place on the boat. Wait for it to dry, then peel off the top layer of paper, and it's all done. Sounds easy, right? Well, when I first tried to peel off the top layer, it hadn't dried enough, and was starting to pull the letters with it. Having run out of time to work on the boat that afternoon, I figured on just leave it overnight, it would be guaranteed to be bone dry, and I'd peel the paper off in the morning. The name itself turned out beautifully. Problem is that some of the paper backing glued itself to the transom, too. I peeled the paper off, but a lot of adhesive residue is still glued on. I hesitate to use the aggressive measures that I used with the old letters, because I will likely mess up the new letters in the process. Any advice?
Nothing's ever easy on a boat
- Thread starter Ben16737
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Acetone will remove adhesive residue.
Use with caution (pay attention to the label instructions) because acetone will also remove your lettering. If you use it gently it will work.
Use with caution (pay attention to the label instructions) because acetone will also remove your lettering. If you use it gently it will work.
forget the soap
I've had a lot of experience applying vinyl letters in my line of work. Using soap to apply to fiberglass is not a good way to apply. Here's what I do: tape the letters, backing paper and release tape in place on the boat. Leave the tape overhanging the edge so it can function as a hinge. When you get the letters in final position, lift the paper up like a hinged piece, remove the backing paper, and drop them back into place. The tape "himges" will position the letters. Smooth the letters out with a plastic spatula and then remove the release tape, and you're done.
I've had a lot of experience applying vinyl letters in my line of work. Using soap to apply to fiberglass is not a good way to apply. Here's what I do: tape the letters, backing paper and release tape in place on the boat. Leave the tape overhanging the edge so it can function as a hinge. When you get the letters in final position, lift the paper up like a hinged piece, remove the backing paper, and drop them back into place. The tape "himges" will position the letters. Smooth the letters out with a plastic spatula and then remove the release tape, and you're done.
Goo-Gone !!!!!
Goo-Gone usually removes most of such residues from adhesives ..... bumper stickers, vinyl numbers on sails, etc. Usually found in hardware stores, automotive supply .... and if you cant find it in any of these places, then: sailrite.com. If you want to be real cheap .... take mayonaise and smear it on thick, cover with saran wrap and let sit for a few hours. The emulsifiers in mayo usually does the 'trick' .... and then of course you get this hankering for tomato and onion and orgegano and ...... .
Goo-Gone usually removes most of such residues from adhesives ..... bumper stickers, vinyl numbers on sails, etc. Usually found in hardware stores, automotive supply .... and if you cant find it in any of these places, then: sailrite.com. If you want to be real cheap .... take mayonaise and smear it on thick, cover with saran wrap and let sit for a few hours. The emulsifiers in mayo usually does the 'trick' .... and then of course you get this hankering for tomato and onion and orgegano and ...... .
Thanks
I'll see if I can apply some of these ideas this afternoon. Steve, where were you Saturday! I'll definitely use your method the next time I do this. Sounds like a very simple and quick way to do things. Wish me luck in avoiding my new letters as I make the glue go away.
I'll see if I can apply some of these ideas this afternoon. Steve, where were you Saturday! I'll definitely use your method the next time I do this. Sounds like a very simple and quick way to do things. Wish me luck in avoiding my new letters as I make the glue go away.
Before acetone
No doubt acetone will do the trick to get the adhesive off. But before I ever use acetone I'll try mineral spirits first. I keep a can of both in my shop. It won't hurt the vinyl but should do the job on the adhesive. Also good for black marks, etc. We make vinyl wrestling mats and use acetone to prep the vinyl for painting lines, etc. and to remove old paint but we use mineral spirits for cleaning.
No doubt acetone will do the trick to get the adhesive off. But before I ever use acetone I'll try mineral spirits first. I keep a can of both in my shop. It won't hurt the vinyl but should do the job on the adhesive. Also good for black marks, etc. We make vinyl wrestling mats and use acetone to prep the vinyl for painting lines, etc. and to remove old paint but we use mineral spirits for cleaning.
Paint Thinner!
Try Paint Thinner on adhesive. It works wonders! I always use it. Especially on the mess left by duct tape.
Try Paint Thinner on adhesive. It works wonders! I always use it. Especially on the mess left by duct tape.
I have had very good results with waterless
hand cleaner of the "GOJO" type. It will remove rubber based adhesives from jars, lamp soot from table tops, roofing tar from jeans, lanolin softened varnish from bright work, latex paint from hardwood floors if it hasn't been there too long.
hand cleaner of the "GOJO" type. It will remove rubber based adhesives from jars, lamp soot from table tops, roofing tar from jeans, lanolin softened varnish from bright work, latex paint from hardwood floors if it hasn't been there too long.
It worked!
Took some acetone with me to the dock last night, it worked wonders. I wish I'd thought to bring it when I was taking off the old letters. I did forget to bring a camera with me last night to take a pic of the pretty new name, maybe Saturday...I already bought the liquid supplies required for the renaming ceremony before she heads away from the dock with her new name!
Took some acetone with me to the dock last night, it worked wonders. I wish I'd thought to bring it when I was taking off the old letters. I did forget to bring a camera with me last night to take a pic of the pretty new name, maybe Saturday...I already bought the liquid supplies required for the renaming ceremony before she heads away from the dock with her new name!
Acetone
You need to make sure you rinse well with water after using acetone. It can and does eat fiberglass.
You need to make sure you rinse well with water after using acetone. It can and does eat fiberglass.
Goof Off
The BEST thing I have found, bar none, for removing adhesive residue is "Goof Off". Beats Goo Gone hands down. Tim
The BEST thing I have found, bar none, for removing adhesive residue is "Goof Off". Beats Goo Gone hands down. Tim
Acetone & fiberglass
Randy, Ross, I sort of assumed that the acetone would simply evaporate. I wasn't 100% certain, though, so I used it sparingly, and I did hose down the transom when I was done. Was it overkill? Maybe, but 30 seconds with a hose gave me peace of mind that I hadn't left anything harmful behind.
Randy, Ross, I sort of assumed that the acetone would simply evaporate. I wasn't 100% certain, though, so I used it sparingly, and I did hose down the transom when I was done. Was it overkill? Maybe, but 30 seconds with a hose gave me peace of mind that I hadn't left anything harmful behind.
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