Removing Old Graphics from hull

[Lloydramdeen]

Can anyone help?<br /><br />I have tried acetone, a sharpe putty knife. I am afraid of damaging the gel coat. This old tape is literally baked on . Is there an easier way ?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

Most marine supply stores sell paint removers that are safe to use on gel coat. Use acetone for cleanup of the residue. Worked for me.

 

[Ryoken]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

heatgun, stiff plastic scraper, laquer thinner....<br /><br />for paint.. easyoff

 

[ncwest39]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

A heat gun and a lot of time.

 

[Lloydramdeen]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

Thanks guys.. never thought about a heat gun..Now I know what my project this weekend will be !!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

you can also find a product specifically made to remove vinyl stickers. i think i found it at boat u.s. sorry, can't remember name, but it was a small spray bottle. spray on, wait 5 mintues, and the stickers come right off with a plastic scrapper. be careful with that metal putty knife.

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

I took mine off with a narrow nozzle on a pressure washer. Gotta be careful; if the pressurized water finds any dings in the gelcoat it start removing it in a hurry.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

I just took some ancient graphics of of my boat with a propane torch and a plastic putty knife. I held the flame far enough away so it didn't scorch too much, and was able to heat and strip the whole graphic off in minutes (it ran about 5 feet). There ended up being a couple scorch marks, but polishing compound took it right out. An electric heat gun will work just as good and it won't scorch, I just don't own one so out came the propane...

 

[Lloydramdeen]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

Gee Jason J <br /><br />Thanks !<br /><br /> This is a blue band (not even a streak) about 6 inches wide and it goes around the walkaround for a 24' boat so we are looking at a good 18 feet. The torch would be kinda cumbersome for such a large area but I might have to resort to that.This thing is real stubborn and I suspect it came with the boat new in 1991..some one said a hair dryer.Tommorow I'll know. Will give a report!

 

[Lloydramdeen]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

thanks guys.<br />I had to resort to my sharpe putty knife and laquer thinner. I did the front side of the cuddy, and it took four long hours.no damage done to the gelcoat. The sides are not bad so I will let them wear some more.Too much of a long haul !

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

Have you tried any of the "Goof-off,Goo-Gone" citrus type products?<br />They work extremely well. If you have safely used laquer thinner with no finish damage then you shouldn't have any problems with the above mentioned products.<br /><br />Dave

 

[bomar76]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

1. Hair Dryer (not heat gun - my Milwakee gets hot enough to solder)<br />2. Use WD-40 to remove residue (one of the few things it's actually good for)

 

[tcube]

Re: Removing Old Graphics from hull

bomar76,<br /><br />Does that work equally well in removing registration numbers from an aluminum hull? <br /><br />tcube