Decal removal help please

gofastsandman · #1 10-03-2008, 06:56 PM

Taking off 20 yr old decals and replacing w/ new "old style" ones Bushwacker was kind enough to source. Thanks again Denny!
Sooo , I went to Harbor Freight and picked up a dual temp heat gun. 572/1076 degrees. I plan on starting on low to remove the decals.

Is there something I can spray on to loosen the glue as a helper? Will the heat damage the gelcote? Any and all help is ,as always, much appreciated.
Thx,
GFS

McGillicuddy · #2 10-03-2008, 08:35 PM

Hey Sandy,
You might want to downgrade to a blow dryer - Many plastics will start shape-shifting at 350 to 450 deg F. A good carb cleaner like Berrymans B-12 Chemtool and a razor blade ought get the sticky stuff -- etching under the edge as you wet w/carb cleaner... It evaporates quickly, but remember, it's a strong solvent so don't saturate the rest of the boat with it.

Whats the source? Got Pics? -- my rig has no decals or nameplates

McGill

bigeasy1 · #3 10-03-2008, 08:50 PM

I've removed quite a few old names off of boats that I've owned,and always used a heat gun with no problems.Naturally you don't want to hold it in the same spot too long.The secret is to get the decal soft enough so that you can start picking one edge free from the hull.
As you start peeling it off,keep the heat gun moving slowly ahead of your hand.It also helps a bit to peel it off at an angle.

One time we were fishing out of a boat that i bought from a previous owner.Two days passed,and we caught zilch.I came to the conclusion that it was from the stupid name that was still on the boat.
I was so sure of it. that i actually used a propane torch(all that i had at the time)to remove the vinyl lettering.It worked fine,and yes the next day we started catching fish.

Good luck.

NoBones · #4 10-03-2008, 08:58 PM

Plain 'ole WD-40 or rubbing alcohol will remove the
remaining glue from the vinyl letter.

See ya, Ken

Bushwacker · #5 10-03-2008, 10:34 PM

Sandy, mine came off easy; just used an Exacto knife with chisel blade; no heat required! They've been on there about 30 years however, so the So. Fl. sun had rendered them pretty brittle! Used the polyglow cleaner & 3M pad to remove what little residue was left. Call me tomorrow if you want measurements on where I'm installing mine. Denny

gofastsandman · #6 10-04-2008, 11:37 AM

Thanks all!
Ok the confessional is open. I made a mistake when I added the 2nd bilge pump. I drilled the hole for the thru hull behind the old one instead of under it and realized I couldn`t re-install my transom box...... Since I`m no pro when it comes to gelcoat repair , I think I`m gonna use the "S" part to cover my blunder and put the script in front of the thru hulls. It mocks up pretty well that way.

Gillie, Snookered has the artwork and sent it to Denny. I just replaced my digi cam from our little home invasion and will post pics when finished. Supposed to rain all weekend.

John , I haven`t officially named her yet. I had a roofing accident after Wilma and originally thought Lemonade would be fitting. During my down time, I revisited an old idea about raising bait fish in captivity. Specifically, Goggle Eyes. After 1 1/2 years of surfing I hit the jackpot, and thought I`d call the venture Wide Open Live Bait. So now I`m torn between Lemonade and Wide Open, and leaning toward the latter. I fish , therefore I`m superstitious.

Ken , are we getting excited?

GFS