Removed boats name and...

[Mike Walkup]

guess what, as if by magic the name still appears.The name was orignally painted on, and when I removed the paint (with Easy Off oven cleaner)it seems perhaps the gelcoat underneath is the original color or it has been stained by the paint.I've tried removing it by wet sanding lightly, with moderate sucess. Is there a product that might bleach the name out of the gelcoat?I really hope this isn't a curse associated with re-naming a boat.I do have a fair madien who willwith some persuasion tinkle in the bilge, assome ol'salt suggested to shake any misfortune.Also ordered color matched gel-coat repair from Catalina Direct for my 83.It's like a light beige color, my hull is more white, this is I'm sure due to oxidation, however was the original hull color light beige ? Catalina Direct packages Spectrum paste it's called Auburn Washington. Whats up ?Any information will be much appreciated.Thanks, Mike

 

[Bayard Gross]

Had same problem

I had, and to some extent still have, the same problem on my '82 C-22.My hull is blue and quite faded. However, the hull color under the original painted on name was, and still slightly so, darker than the surrounding hull.I removed the original name about twelve years ago and by now, the darker color under the painted letters has faded sufficiently where it is barely noticeable.I realize this may not be an appropriate time for you, however, as you are in warmer, sunnier North Carolina it may take less time. At least time is on your side if you just leave things alone and let sun and weather do their magic.However, in place of painting on a new name, which may look poorly over the visible old name, make up a proper name board.The name board can be hung from your aft pulpit or lacking this can be secured to one of your crib boards.I did this myself. I cut a straight piece of pine with fleur-de-lis at each end. I used some block letter cut outs to trace the name onto the board and then gauged out the letters using a router bit in a drill press. (Can't afford a router.) I filled the cut out letters with gold paint and then brushed on epoxy and several coats of varnish. The name board now hangs proudly from my aft pulpit.An old, traditional seaman like way to name one's boat. Much more appealing than mere paint on the hull which, to myself is like an insignia on a car.

 

[Don]

Gel Coat

I, too, bought the supposed color matched gel coat from CD, but I was less than thrilled with the results. The stuff from CD had a buttery tint and didn't look good on my whiter hull so I used some off the shelf gel coat from West Marine.As for your paint stain on the hull problem, I don't know what you can do to get rid it. Have you tried mineral spirits?If you don't get any reponses from this forum, you may want to try the Sailor's Forum at the C25/250 National Association website. It is a very active forum with a lot of knowledgeable people. Click on the related link to go to the C25 Sailor's Forum.

 

[Lauraine]

There's a product Called On and Off by Mary Kate.

I believe it's oxalic acid. We've used it to remove leaf stains and stains from bird droppings. It's available at most chandleries. You need to use rubber gloves, eye protection and keep a hose handy to flush with lots of water but it should take care of your stain.