Boot Stripe removal

[JohnB]

I did a search on removing the boot stripe, and I saw where people suggested using easy off oven cleaner. Has anyone one done this, does it work, and does it hurt the gelcoat.

[htillman]

I use a good razor scraper and then followup with a cleaner such as acetone or Isopropol alcohol.

[wavelength]

I have a friend who has a sign shop and they use Easy-Off to remove stuff painted on vehicles. I used it on my S/C to remove the painted TX registration numbers without harming the gelcoat. Spray it on use a scrub pad or dull putty knife then rinse with water.

[bigeasy1]

Funny,I also have a buddy who owns a sign shop(Ah,free boat lettering)and i watched him use Easy off to remove painted lettering from trucks with no damage to the original finish.
That was years ago,when most lettering was done with paint.Now that most of it is Vinyl he removes most of it with a heat gun (very carefully).
I removed all the lettering that the previous owner of my boat had on it,by using a heat gun.
i applied only enough heat to get a corner lifted,and then slowly kept moving the gun along as i pulled the vinyl off.

I don't think the Easy off will do any damage to the hull/gelcoat.I think someone mentioned,in a previous post that he used it to remove bottom paint.

[JohnB]

My boot strips are vinyl, not painted on.

[CaptLloyd]

Heat for vinyl, Easy-off for paint.

When bigger boats are sold, and the name is changed, the lettering guys will use Easy-off to take off painted letters, or a heat gun for vinyl. Usually there is a "shadow" left behind because the surface around the lettering as faded (the letters protect the surface underneath). Depending on how bad the shadow is, some of the guys will wet sand/compound the area to get rid of the shadow.

I hope this helps.

Lloyd

[JohnB]

Thanks,
I will try heat before going nuclear with the oven cleaner.
I plan to put new strips on, so they should cover the shadow.