Protecting a Transom boat decal???

[Dirty Dawg]

Hello all, I finally got around to naming my boat and adding a decal on the transom. I think it came out well. The problem is that because of it's location people tend to miss the transom step rubbing across the decal. The poor pouch lost his tail already!!
Is there any way to protect it? Rattle can clear coat of some type? If so what should I use and how do I prep the area without damaging the decal. The decal has been waxed over at this point. I would appreciate any info. Thanks all!! Ike

P.S.: If anyone is interested I got the decals thru signspecialists.com. They were extremely helpful for my very odd sized decal and the price was great!!

 

[woosterken]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

how about one of those clear bra things that are on cars?

woosterken

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

how about one of those clear bra things that are on cars?

woosterken

That does sound pretty good, that stuff is tough.
http://www.cleardefender.com/clear-bra/3m-bulk-paint-protection-film-8.php

 

[Krazzy Larry]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

How about this ? http://www.keelshield.com/transomshield.html

 

[ridefst]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

"Frog Juice"
It's made for sealing the edges of vinyl in harsh environments. If the edge stays down, you won't have any trouble with the rest of the vinyl.
It can be applied with a small paintbrush around the edges, and/or over the vinyl.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Man, great suggestions!! I did not even realize some of these products existed!!! So Is my thought of a sprayed on clearcoating a bust?

Thanks for all the advise so far!!! Ike

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

No one has an opinion on clearcoating decal to protect them?
I would love to know if that is an option. Thanks

 

[woosterken]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

DD,
I am not sure,but would the thinner in the clear coat dry out the decal and make it pron to cracks?

just a thought,Idon't want to rain on your parade

woosterken

 

[ridefst]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

I'd be concerned about the solvents in clear coat attacking the vinyl.

Frog Juice basically is a clear coat, but it's designed for exactly this application.
I'd go with either that, or the clear plastic for cars.

 

[_chris_]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

I have done the clear coat route and it looks good for a while but eventually cracks on the sticker (For what reason I don't know) but it didn't end well for the sticker. I have some clear stuff that we use on our dump trucks at work, it goes on like window tint and protects the paint and sticker. I think I have a roll at home and can send you a piece if you are interested. It is almost like a clear sticker to cover the whole thing.

EDIT: it might be just like that Scatchguard clear defender stuff.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Thanks all, this is why I posted here first, before grabbing a can. I bet you there is movement/expansion at different rates between the fiberglass and the vinyl and the clearcoat does not have the flexibility to keep up with both and fails.
So it is frog juice or plastic coating to protect the decal!!

Chris I may take you up on the offer, I will email you with some info! Greatly Appreciated!!!!

Thanks again to all that chimed in! Ike

 

[_chris_]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

PM sent.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

No one has an opinion on clearcoating decal to protect them?
I would love to know if that is an option. Thanks

I doubt that clearcoating would do what you want. as its just a paint layer or two thick. What you need is a clear plastic layover that you wont see. like one of those covers for the face of your cell phone.
I know ive seen this in larger sheets but i cant remember where.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Hello all a little follow up and question.

It looks like the film is the logical way to go. There is going to be a lot of "abuse" at that section and a film is the only way to save and protect the decal.

First I want to thank Chris for helping me secure the protective film for my transom decal. A shinning example of the great fellow boater and forum member!!!! Thanks Chris!!!

Second , what is the suggestion on what to use to remove the wax layer without damaging the decal to prep the transom for the film?

Thanks Ike

 

[_chris_]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

You are very welcome. I wouldn't use anything to harsh that will take any color from the sticker. If it is all colored vinyl you could do a quick wipe down with acetone and it will stick no problem.

 

[anon1]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Dawn dishwashing soap in warm water will remove any wax that is on there. Many pro detailers use Dawn to wash just before doing a customers car.

 

[_chris_]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

So how did it turn out?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Rubbing alcohol will dissolve the wax.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

Hello all, had a long boating weekend, since I took Monday off. Beautiful boating weather up here in LI !!!

Well the film went on fine and is relatively invisible top and bottom. In fact I took a pic and it looks like the one above, so I did not bother to post it.

You can however, see the film at the left and right edges if you look real close. The top and bottom are disguised by the rub rail and the transition of the transom on the top that I had to custom cut to fit. So for me it worked perfectly, excellent protection with little visual impact.
I must say, my two cents, is that if I had to, say cover a decal in the middle of the transom,. without hard borders to cover the seams, I may think twice in that it makes it look like one big decal rather than individual lettering, which give the appearance/illusion of being hand painted. Protection is great but it will loose some of its finesse.

Thanks all , especially Chris, for your info, time and generosity. Chris greatly appreciated!!!!

Next issue my blower fan that worked, stop than after disassembling it to replace it now works, but thats another post!!!!i Ike

 

[_chris_]

Re: Protecting a Transom boat decal???

I was thinking the same thing about it looking like one big sticker but from ten feet away you will never know and will last a whole lot longer. I will be doing the same for mine as soon as I come up with a name.