name removal and sticker install.

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magster65

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Sep 1, 2002
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The name on my boat has been painted on. I would like to remove it with a stripper instead of trying to sand it. Anyone know which is the best way to do this is (best product)? I see that the names being put on boats are mainly stickers these days, they look really good, any idea if they hold up to the UV and ocean?
 

diamonddave

Seaman
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Sep 1, 2002
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Re: name removal and sticker install.

3M makes a stripper, available at most body shops, Ive used easy-off oven cleaner on vehicles with very good results, and I know of several people that have used oven cleaner on boats to remove zebra mussels, check on a small area before you empty the can on your boat surface. Also ask a local sign shop what they use to remove paint, Good luck
 

mattttt25

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Sep 29, 2002
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Re: name removal and sticker install.

i plan to name my boat and use stickers. i did a little research on the web and found some good sites that offer vinyl stickers that are u.v. protected (atleast they say so). anyway, i decided to go with a sign company right in town. the face to face service ensures i'll get exactly what i want, and they are able to do some mock-ups right on their computer for me to see, at no cost. good luck-
 

sloopy

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Jul 12, 2002
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Re: name removal and sticker install.

oh yeah, first remove the wax from the WHOLE boat if you don't do that and rewax, you will always see the old boat names shadow!
 

magster65

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Re: name removal and sticker install.

Right! I've seen that where the old name is still visible in the shine of the gelcoat. I'll make sure to get the surface prepped right. Luckily the old name was only put on either side of the bridge, they're easy to get at from the dock.
 

Kesh

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Oct 29, 2002
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Re: name removal and sticker install.

My boat has sticker type name (big, big letters) on either side. They are 3M reflective, and I can tell you that the material is really good, doesn't degrade under the sun or due to the ocean. I found the reflective blue to be very, very good for distant identification (which I think is good for safety and communication reasons). As we want to change the design, we are planning to replace with exactly the same material. The guy that makes the job prepares several computer images (you have to provide some pics of the boat) to make sure design and location is ok. I have seen his work, and it is really a piece of art. He also reproduces the stickers for outboards engine covers with incredible precision. I recommend you look in you area for someone with previous experience on boats. An yes, you need to clean and rewax. Some people tell me that after placing the new stickers it is a good idea to apply a transparent paint over to protect the borders from losing. I am not sure of this last part.
 

diamonddave

Seaman
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Sep 1, 2002
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Re: name removal and sticker install.

3M can provide details on this, but I have been applying decals for over 10 years and have never used an "edge barrier" and all of my installed jobs are still "as new". As long as the surface is well prepared - "cleaned" the decals will stand up. Just be sure to ask the sign shop for 2 mil vinyl( 5-7 year outdoor durability) vs 3 or 4 mil vinyls.
 

AndyL

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2002
Messages
307
Re: name removal and sticker install.

I have vinyl type names on my boat which have been there for 10 years and exposed to the elements all that time. There has been no noticible degradation or discolouration that I can see. Best choice I ever made over painted ones like on my last boat which needed re-doing every 3 years.
 
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