I am going to rename my boat and need to remove the existing paste-on letters that are on the side of the boat. Is there an easy way to do this?
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Removing letters
I just did this last weekend. What a pain! The old vinyl registration letters came off easily with a hair dryer, but the vinyl grahic boat name didn't budge. I ended up using a Wagner heat gun and a plastic scraper to get the letters off. I then followed with a strong adhesive remover to get off all the remaining glue residue. Good luck!
I just did this last weekend. What a pain! The old vinyl registration letters came off easily with a hair dryer, but the vinyl grahic boat name didn't budge. I ended up using a Wagner heat gun and a plastic scraper to get the letters off. I then followed with a strong adhesive remover to get off all the remaining glue residue. Good luck!
No heat needed for vinyl.
Just scrape with a razor. USE A HOLDER of course. Then soak a paper towel with mineral spirits. (paint thinner) and apply to the glue residue. The glue will soften before the first application of thinner dries. Go back over the area with your razor scrapper to remove the glue that has now become jelly. Wipe it from your blade onto the previously mentioned paper towel. Done. Except for the shadow. That's a problem.
Just scrape with a razor. USE A HOLDER of course. Then soak a paper towel with mineral spirits. (paint thinner) and apply to the glue residue. The glue will soften before the first application of thinner dries. Go back over the area with your razor scrapper to remove the glue that has now become jelly. Wipe it from your blade onto the previously mentioned paper towel. Done. Except for the shadow. That's a problem.
Ok, but how do you
Ok but how do you remove the shadows of the old letters? Will marine compound do the trick?
Ok but how do you remove the shadows of the old letters? Will marine compound do the trick?
Fred Is Right!
I did this very same thing to my Hunter 22. I was able to get most of the shadow off of the hull with a really good polishing compound. The thing with the shadowing all depends on how good the previous owner was about waxing the hull. The reason for the shadowing, mostly, is because that area of the hull doesn't get the direct sunlight on it which causes the hull to get lighter over time. You will see less of a shadow if your hull is a lighter color. I had a hard time because my H22 had a light beige hull to start with and it faded to white. I still have a little shadow...but you have to inspect the hull to see it.
I did this very same thing to my Hunter 22. I was able to get most of the shadow off of the hull with a really good polishing compound. The thing with the shadowing all depends on how good the previous owner was about waxing the hull. The reason for the shadowing, mostly, is because that area of the hull doesn't get the direct sunlight on it which causes the hull to get lighter over time. You will see less of a shadow if your hull is a lighter color. I had a hard time because my H22 had a light beige hull to start with and it faded to white. I still have a little shadow...but you have to inspect the hull to see it.
Easy off is only for removing painted lettering.
Easy Off is only for removing painted on lettering (not vinyl) on a fiberglass hull. I think you will find that it will remove all paint. If you need the paint removed from your boat, try easy off!
Easy Off is only for removing painted on lettering (not vinyl) on a fiberglass hull. I think you will find that it will remove all paint. If you need the paint removed from your boat, try easy off!
Thanks for the advice
I appreciate the advice and when it gets warmer will try your suggestions.
I appreciate the advice and when it gets warmer will try your suggestions.
Easy
If the vinyl is newer just apply heat with a hair dryer and carefully pull it off from the sides. If older, mask off area, brush on a stripper, let it set, scrape off with a plastic squeegee, wipe off and rinse. Any shadows use compond but know that in time this will disappate.
If the vinyl is newer just apply heat with a hair dryer and carefully pull it off from the sides. If older, mask off area, brush on a stripper, let it set, scrape off with a plastic squeegee, wipe off and rinse. Any shadows use compond but know that in time this will disappate.
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