Removing old decals

[SPIDER63]

I'm new to this forum and need a little help. Cany anyone recommend a good method or product to remove old decals from a fiberglass hull?
Thanks,
Spider63

 

[Tiwaz]

Re: Removing old decals

I've used a heat gun and a 3" scraper. Followed up with a little acetone to clean any remaining adhesive.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Removing old decals

Razor blade and WD-40 will remove the decals and all of the adhesive. Follow up with acetone. Your hull will be discolored if they have been on for any length of time, but wetsanding and buffing helps some.

Heat guns can burn through gelcoat very quickly, so if you use one keep it moving at all times. I watched my neighbor burn through gelcoat this way in about 10 seconds.

 

[scrmnegl]

Re: Removing old decals

I just spent endless hours doing this to mine. I used a 1" metal putty knife and a heat gun on the lowest setting. Keep that heat gun moving and don't let the decals start to bubble. It is to hot if they start to bubble, even if it does make it easier for them to come off.

I am sanding down my boat and putting a whole new paint job on it so I just used 80 grit to take care of the remaining adhesive. I have a 19' boat with lots of decals and it took about 4-6 hours to remove all them. It's a time consuming process but well worth it in the end.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Removing old decals

I used MEK paint thinner to remove the decals from the hood on my 76 Johnson V-4. You will need to wear a respirator and chemicals gloves. Very stinky stuff and WILL make you sick sick sick if you breath the fumes. Also, this stuff will defat your skin if exposed long enough.

The decals melt off like butter and it doesn't affect the gelcoat. Just wear the proper PPE and you will be fine.

Its available at all home repair stores like Home Depot.

Darren

 

[Provo5]

Re: Removing old decals

I let the sun do the heating and used a razor scraper to remove the decals. Little brake cleaner on a rag removes the glue.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Removing old decals

I used a hairdryer & peeled off decals that had been on since 1987
No muss - no fuss

 

[danond]

Re: Removing old decals

Hair dryer or heat gun and a bondo spreader. Anything metal is very likely to gouge the hull.

Once they're off, Acetone does a good job removing the leftover goo.

Bottom line - removing decals takes forever. Put on your best patience face and get to it.

 

[OldBlue22]

Re: Removing old decals

Hair dryer or heat gun and a bondo spreader. Anything metal is very likely to gouge the hull.

Once they're off, Acetone does a good job removing the leftover goo.

Bottom line - removing decals takes forever. Put on your best patience face and get to it.

I concur.. but if you just barely heat an area you can get some to peal...if you heat to much it just getts goo-ier and you have to scrape more.

But in my opinion, if your using 80 grit sandpaper your really gonna tear it up and should have NO problem just sanding them off..

 

[SPIDER63]

Re: Removing old decals

Thanks for all the advice. I'll get started on it this weekend (after boating of course!) and use my wife's hair dryer since I don't have any hair!
Thanks again,
Spider63