How do i remove decals?

[dewey0726]

Just got a new boat. Need to know how to take the name decals off. Was told by dealer I bought it from that a heat gun would work. Just want to make sure I don't mess the gel coat up. By the way it is a fiber glass boat. Thanks for all help


Tim

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: How do i remove decals?

If you do it on a warm summer day they normally can just be peeled back. Or I have used a hair dryer and some 3olb test fishing line.

Use goo gone afterwards to clean up the residue.

 

[tub]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I used some WD 40. Let dwell for 15 minutes, then rub with clean,dry white towel. Then apply goof off and rub again.

Patience is key.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I've read many times that these things work great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ASTR...Z400010932964QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[livin4real]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Just use a hairdryer or heat gun and then follow up with goo-gone. Also read up on renaming ceremonies so you don't **** off Poseidon

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I've read many times that these things work great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ASTR...Z400010932964QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

I have used those but they go on an airtool and not sure I would use it on fiberglass because it generates a ton of heat.

 

[Philster]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Hair dryer, but a heat gun (if used properly) is gonna rock and roll much better.

WD40 really helps, and clean up with Goo-be-Gone or similar adhesive residue remover. Be careful, there is a 'Goof Off" product that is harsher and flammable and is tailored to removing things like latex paint from carpets. Don't know if that harshness is needed.

Patence, noted above, is key: Peel back, not up... Slowly.... so that you are pulling back and giving the adhesive a chance to release.

 

[JB]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Heat gun gets too hot. Hair dryer is slower but safe.

 

[LeisureLady]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I JUST removed all of the old registration numbers and boat name from a boat I purchased last fall. Heat gun and finger nails worked GREAT. Two reasons for using your fingers to peel rather than some sort of scrapper: one to protect the gel coat from possible gouges, but, and I think more important, with your hands right there in the path of the gun you can feel if you're getting 'too' hot. Anyway, was quick work with the right tools.

 

[jetmart]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I bought a boat last October and took off the decals in 50F weather. Used a hair dryer and my finger nail. Came off very easily. Once one corner lifted the entire decal came off in one piece. They were on the boat for 8 yrs.

 

[labguy]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Use a razor blade to peel up an edge and then do the rest with your fingers....S-L-O-W-L-Y. Use rubbing alcohol and wash rag to remove the residue. Just removed old registration decals and numbers off mine and was fairly easy.

 

[cr2k]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Heat gun gets too hot. Hair dryer is slower but safe.

It relative like standing by a fire. If you stand too close you will get burned, Just stand back a little.

 

[livin4real]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Use a razor blade to peel up an edge and then do the rest with your fingers....S-L-O-W-L-Y. Use rubbing alcohol and wash rag to remove the residue. Just removed old registration decals and numbers off mine and was fairly easy.

Please don't use a razor blade on your gelcoat to remove decals, for your gelcoats sake. I think after a dozen posts it's fairly obvious, a little heat and patience and your good to go.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I've used an automotive pinstripe remover in a cordless drill for countless decals on boats, works perfectly! It is the tool meant for the job... heat guns/wd40/whatever else may work if you have tons of time and energy to waste, a pinstripe remover will have your decal off in minutes without damage or residue.

As far as heat, you keep the rubber wheel fairly slow, in a variable drill NOT an airtool. Once you see smoke coming off the rubber wheel its time to let it cool down some.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: How do i remove decals?

3M makes a removal wheel that is several thin layers of rubber. This is what you want to use it generates much less heat.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How do i remove decals?

As far as heat, you keep the rubber wheel fairly slow, in a variable drill NOT an airtool. Once you see smoke coming off the rubber wheel its time to let it cool down some.

I have the airtool that is made for this pinstripe removing wheel. It is very low RPM. You have to very careful even at low RPMS. Trust me, I restored a horse trailer that I spent over 40 hours removing pinstripes on. You have to be extremely careful. I went through probably 10 of those wheels on this trailer and it does get hot. I would not use it on fiberglass.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: How do i remove decals?

The removal wheels are fine on FG with good gel-coat.
A heat gun or a steamer work very well.

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Ive always used a heat gun or hair dryer, Any left over glue comes off easy with "Never Dull" . you can get it at your local walmart in the auto section. wont hurt the gell coat.

 

[marine4003]

Re: How do i remove decals?

Just use a hairdryer or heat gun and then follow up with goo-gone. Also read up on renaming ceremonies so you don't **** off Poseidon

Thats the ticket..for removing residue also try 3M adhesive remover

 

[Proselect]

Re: How do i remove decals?

I agree on the hair dryer. No need to go out and get a heat gun unless you already have one. If you use a heat gun, put it on low and be carefull not to get it too hot. All you need to do is soften up the glue enough to peel it off. Take patience with it, sometimes it takes a while especially with thinner vinyl. A little heat, a good finger nail, and some goo gone to clean up afterwards and you will be good to go.