The blue and black stripes on the side of our 22 ft. Model 22 Hunter are badly scratched and need to be replaced. What is the best way to remove them?
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Stripes
I had to remove them off my H23...i used a hair dryer to soften up the adhesive and a single edged razor blade...a number of solvents will allow you to wipe up the left over adhesive...it took the better part of an afternoon....have fun =)
I had to remove them off my H23...i used a hair dryer to soften up the adhesive and a single edged razor blade...a number of solvents will allow you to wipe up the left over adhesive...it took the better part of an afternoon....have fun =)
Did not find the hair dryer very effective.
Linda: I tried a heat gun, hair dryer, scrapers etc. I did not find any of these methods very effective. Then I found the 'Eraser'. It is a device that goes on an electric drill or a compressor tool. The thing actually erased the stripes off the gelcoat and did not hurt it either. Take a look at the pictures from the Photo Forum article. This device is inexpensive and if you compare the time and the electricity to use a hair dryer or heat gun, you will probably same money and a LOT of time. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Dion73043149949&fno=17
Linda: I tried a heat gun, hair dryer, scrapers etc. I did not find any of these methods very effective. Then I found the 'Eraser'. It is a device that goes on an electric drill or a compressor tool. The thing actually erased the stripes off the gelcoat and did not hurt it either. Take a look at the pictures from the Photo Forum article. This device is inexpensive and if you compare the time and the electricity to use a hair dryer or heat gun, you will probably same money and a LOT of time. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Dion73043149949&fno=17
Agree and disagree
This is the only time I've ever disagreed with Steve Dion. Burke is right. The hairdryer gig works well once you get into the rhythm of it and keep the stripe peeling away. It took me less than a half-hour on each side and was far more efficient than the Eraser. Then call Hunter for the right guage of tape and have a pro put it on. Tape is like stairs in that there's a right way and everything else is crooked. When you're done, the boat will look like new. People will come up to you and say, "Gosh, did you lose weight recently?"
This is the only time I've ever disagreed with Steve Dion. Burke is right. The hairdryer gig works well once you get into the rhythm of it and keep the stripe peeling away. It took me less than a half-hour on each side and was far more efficient than the Eraser. Then call Hunter for the right guage of tape and have a pro put it on. Tape is like stairs in that there's a right way and everything else is crooked. When you're done, the boat will look like new. People will come up to you and say, "Gosh, did you lose weight recently?"
Damage to Gelcoat
You have to be extremely careful that you do not take off the gelcoat. I tried this several years ago and found that the blade would cut into the soften gelcoat. I was very careful with the amount of heat but still messed it up in several places. The only safe way is to use the eraser Steve is talking about. It won't mess up the gelcoat and its does an effective job. I used it to remove a boat name and will never chance the heat method again. Once the gelcoat is damaged you will wish you had the scratched stripes. Trust me-Been there-Done that.
You have to be extremely careful that you do not take off the gelcoat. I tried this several years ago and found that the blade would cut into the soften gelcoat. I was very careful with the amount of heat but still messed it up in several places. The only safe way is to use the eraser Steve is talking about. It won't mess up the gelcoat and its does an effective job. I used it to remove a boat name and will never chance the heat method again. Once the gelcoat is damaged you will wish you had the scratched stripes. Trust me-Been there-Done that.
You have the right to disagree.
Bill O: You certainly have the right to disagree. What I'm telling you is the fact that the stripes on my cabin where cooked on. I tried some chemicals and these heat methods but it only scratched them. Like Rons assessment I was scratching the gel coat too. I am wondering if there may have been a difference in the type of material? As you can see from my photos the stuff just turned to powder.
Bill O: You certainly have the right to disagree. What I'm telling you is the fact that the stripes on my cabin where cooked on. I tried some chemicals and these heat methods but it only scratched them. Like Rons assessment I was scratching the gel coat too. I am wondering if there may have been a difference in the type of material? As you can see from my photos the stuff just turned to powder.
removal
When you use a scraper to remove striping, caution is urged or you might scratch it. There is enough gel coat that you can sand with 400 grit and then compoound but if you are going back with striping which will cover it up, then do it. As for the heat method, that is the best way to use it but you need to hold it away from the boat. You will not melt nor burn the gel. I usually fan back and forth with the heat gun which works well. Holding the heat gun in one place real close is not good. Crazy Dave Condon
When you use a scraper to remove striping, caution is urged or you might scratch it. There is enough gel coat that you can sand with 400 grit and then compoound but if you are going back with striping which will cover it up, then do it. As for the heat method, that is the best way to use it but you need to hold it away from the boat. You will not melt nor burn the gel. I usually fan back and forth with the heat gun which works well. Holding the heat gun in one place real close is not good. Crazy Dave Condon
Hunter or the Marine outlets
Mike: You best bets for the stripes are going to be with Hunter or the Marine outlets like BoatUS, Sailnet, WestMarine etc.
Mike: You best bets for the stripes are going to be with Hunter or the Marine outlets like BoatUS, Sailnet, WestMarine etc.
Any Damage to Gelcoat
Just remember, any damage to gelcoat will stick out like a sore thumb through the stripe. The stripe will lay down into any damage,defect, and roughness and show like you won't believe.
Just remember, any damage to gelcoat will stick out like a sore thumb through the stripe. The stripe will lay down into any damage,defect, and roughness and show like you won't believe.
Use the ""eraser
The eraser works great on the end of a cordless drill. It is very cheap and easy to use and doesn't not harm the GelCoat - A great Time saver! Wipe the reside off with a cloth and your ready for the new stripes. Highly recommend this "tool"! I brought one, used it and now my Marina guy asked me to borrow the tool. The professional car guys use it. Steve is Right on with his advice. Regards Frank
The eraser works great on the end of a cordless drill. It is very cheap and easy to use and doesn't not harm the GelCoat - A great Time saver! Wipe the reside off with a cloth and your ready for the new stripes. Highly recommend this "tool"! I brought one, used it and now my Marina guy asked me to borrow the tool. The professional car guys use it. Steve is Right on with his advice. Regards Frank
Just a bit of advice.
When you try to remove the remaining glue from the vinyl, you may want to try something like goo gone rather than acetone. Acetone is OK if you are careful with it. Apply to a cloth (never to the gelcoat) and use it sparingly.
When you try to remove the remaining glue from the vinyl, you may want to try something like goo gone rather than acetone. Acetone is OK if you are careful with it. Apply to a cloth (never to the gelcoat) and use it sparingly.
Stripe removal
Boy... you guys're gettin' a bit testy here on this one! IMHO, both of y'all are right! Either method works well, but the "Heat & Scrape" method DOES require more care! I used a heavy razor-knife blade in a handle for better control. If you get the angle JUST RIGHT and move slowly, the warmed-up tape'll peel right off. However, if you're NOT very careful, you WILL gouge the gelcoat as Steve mentioned. Again, this is just my opinion, but having used both methods, I feel the eraser wheel is the safer tool to use. By the way, Hunter can supply the correct color tape for your boat at a very low price. Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
Boy... you guys're gettin' a bit testy here on this one! IMHO, both of y'all are right! Either method works well, but the "Heat & Scrape" method DOES require more care! I used a heavy razor-knife blade in a handle for better control. If you get the angle JUST RIGHT and move slowly, the warmed-up tape'll peel right off. However, if you're NOT very careful, you WILL gouge the gelcoat as Steve mentioned. Again, this is just my opinion, but having used both methods, I feel the eraser wheel is the safer tool to use. By the way, Hunter can supply the correct color tape for your boat at a very low price. Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
More stripes
Hey Steve... don't you think that eraser thingy'll work better if you boost the voltage a mite?
Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
Hey Steve... don't you think that eraser thingy'll work better if you boost the voltage a mite?
Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass EttBottom of the ninth
Ok guys, I think all the responses are good and what ever you do, just be careful. Please enough said on this subject. Crazy Dave Condon
Ok guys, I think all the responses are good and what ever you do, just be careful. Please enough said on this subject. Crazy Dave Condon
Cabin Stripes
Does anyone know where to find the Smart eraser pad? So far I've looked in Lowes and Auto Zone with no luck.
Does anyone know where to find the Smart eraser pad? So far I've looked in Lowes and Auto Zone with no luck.
Automotive Paint Store.
Joe: I got mine at an automotive paint store. If you search for Astro Pneumatic Tools you should also be able to find what you are looking for. Be SURE to purchase an arbor for the drill if you do not have one. The eraser screws in to the arbor and there is a lock nut on it to prevent it from coming unscrewed.
Joe: I got mine at an automotive paint store. If you search for Astro Pneumatic Tools you should also be able to find what you are looking for. Be SURE to purchase an arbor for the drill if you do not have one. The eraser screws in to the arbor and there is a lock nut on it to prevent it from coming unscrewed.
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