decal removal

tuxcedo88

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 24, 2002
Messages
40
I have a 1993 evinrude that is in bad need of a paint job. Realized most of the cowling is not paint but decals. Is there a fool-proof way of removing , or can I scuff them up and paint right over them? Would a heat gun work? Appreciate any suggestions :confused:
 

slarson

Cadet
Joined
Mar 31, 2002
Messages
9
Re: decal removal

I've taken the names off boats and stickers off cars by using a blow dryer, so a heat gun should work fine.<br />Steve
 

daveswaves

Ensign
Joined
Mar 22, 2002
Messages
901
Re: decal removal

If the heat does not work for you most auto body and marine shops carry a product called woodgrain and stripe remover made by 3M. Whichever method you use make sure all of the adhesive that held the decal on is removed so that cowling looks great when you paint it!
 

MGuckin

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
760
Re: decal removal

I have used wd-40 quite a few times, also used laquer thinner but don't recommend it unless you are going to sand and prime it before painting. Which you should do anyway.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: decal removal

Howdy, Tux,<br /><br />WalMart carries a product called "Goof Off" that, along with heat from a hair dryer or heat gun, has served me well in removing vinyl lettering and decals.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB :)
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: decal removal

that 'GOOF-OFF ' is a way powerful chemical.. watch out for breathin' in vapors.. it's dangerous in a major way.. but very effective...
 

Kramer

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 18, 2001
Messages
33
Re: decal removal

I have a bottle of this stuff called "goo gone." It removes stickers, grease,, oil, blood, tree sap, gum tar, crayon, tape/adhesives etc...It is made of citrus and I swear by it. I used it on those nasty registration stickers on my boat. Label says it is made by Magic American Corporation, Cleveland. 1-800-321-6330 is phone # on label. Good luck<br /><br />Giddy up<br /><br />Kramer
 

TxRiverRat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 1, 2002
Messages
140
Re: decal removal

My Vote: Heat Gun - used it in the past - works good. <br /><br />Just don't keep it in one place too long - it can burn the gelcoat.
 

screenbuzz

Seaman
Joined
Mar 14, 2002
Messages
57
Re: decal removal

thanks kramer on answer a question of mine on how do i remove registration stickers. i bought a used boat that has about six out dated ones that need to be removed.
 

skeeterbuilt

Cadet
Joined
Mar 21, 2002
Messages
29
Re: decal removal

I bought a can of "All Purpose Adhesive Remover by DURO".. It's a spray can... I bought it either from Walmart or a utomotive parts store.. I've used it in removing stickers off my car, boat, and the badly damaged decals off my johnson 90HP... It's really easy to use.. Just spray it on, leave it for 15 minutes and you are done...
 

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: decal removal

I have had success using the heat gun method to remove the decals followed by Mineral Turps to remove the gum. It takes a bit of rubbing but you won't damage any of the cowling that way.<br />Ross
 

Rocnat4

Cadet
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
16
Re: decal removal

I spent the entire weekend removing stripes and decals from my 1991 Rinker 260 cruiser. Iam sure some of you will cringe but here is what worked for me.<br /><br />Use heat gun on low setting, warm the tape and begin to peel slowly. For the glue residual, I blotted "goof off" in small areas, Let it sit for a few seconds and then used a flat edged razor blade (start cringing) to lift the glue while the area is still wet. Go slow and lightly to avoid scratching. The glue will gel up and roll onto the razor blade. You'll need to keep a rag with goof off handy to wipe your blade clean. If you have any streaks of glue left, apply some goof to a clean rag and wipe clean. If you dont want to use a flat edge razor blade, try buying a cheap plastic putty knife scraper. <br /><br />When you are all done, wash the area with soap and water and then apply a good coat of wax.<br /><br />I think my boat looks terrific without all of the decals. I have no intentions of replacing them. Also, waxing and buffing should be a lot easier now. <br /><br />Agree that "goof off" is strong stuff. Be prepared to toss out any rags you use with it.
 

DaleT

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
469
Re: decal removal

I have removed many a decal form cars and trucks and heat always works best, as long as it isn't left in one place to long. Also the adhesive remover mentioned above works great, I use it everyday at work, to get the little bits of left over glue.
 

oaker 1

Recruit
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
3
Re: decal removal

Have worked at an autobody shop for 10 years. They have a tool with a rubber head that can remove any decal without affecting the paint. Used to have to sand of decals this tool is great. Sort of like rubbing them off only at high speed.
 

oaker 1

Recruit
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
3
Re: decal removal

Have worked at an autobody shop for 10 years. They have a tool with a rubber head that can remove any decal without affecting the paint. Used to have to sand of decals this tool is great. Sort of like rubbing them off only at high speed.
 

Affinity

Cadet
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
9
Re: decal removal

I too have spend an entire weekend removing decals and stripes from the hull of my 26' Bayiner and I also think it looks better without. The 1990 colors though patriotic, were hidious and dated the boat horribly. I used a heat gun and peeled some of it with a plastic putty knive and my finger nails which worked well (A razor blade, no matter how careful I was would occasionally leave behind scratches). The residue that was left behind was removed with 3M adhesive remover. I have not tried Goof Off, but the adhesive remover worked well as long as you rotated your wrag and didn't accidently re-apply it. It too is some nasty toxic stuff, but works!
 
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
10
Re: decal removal

probably not much help, but in Australia we have a product called "Big Kevs Goo Remover" which has an Orange/peel extract, which has no health hazzards such as vapours - its good stuff
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: decal removal

i wish EVERYTHING was made with orange peel.. it works so good an it's biodegradeable,too .. i even wash clothes made with it, a product called ' earth & sun " . iam an industrial electrician work in some nasty places.. cleans good !!
 

V156

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
143
Re: decal removal

:D I recently removed some old boat #'s with Avon<br />Skin So Soft. Laugh if you want but it works. I <br />wetted the old #'s down and waited for about 5-10 <br />mins.Got a razor to start the process then hit it<br />again w/sss. The old #'s came right off. Then I<br />hit the area w/some 409. The old adhesive rolled<br />right off. The guy at the sign shop told me to <br />wet the area with rubbing alcohol and let it<br />evaporate first. Then the new #'s went on w/ no<br />problem. All this took about 30 mins.
 
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