Boat Decal Removal & Installation Hints

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Basshopper

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 18, 2009
Messages
146
Location
Apison Tennessee
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I thought that my experience may be helpful if you are faced with replacing or installing new hull registration decals as I just did. I purchase a boat in Kentucky not too long ago and have been trying to get her all fixed up to my liking. You know your project is getting close to the end when it is time to work on the registration decals
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I removed the old Kentucky Registration and prepped the hull for the new decals. For the removal process ... I borrowed my wife's hair blower using enough heat to soften the state decal and after I wore my thumb nails to the nubs trying to pick at the edges with only tiny short millimeter strips pulling off from that old Kentucky decal. Frustrated in a large way, I decided to find another weapon. I found a soft plastic knife ( Zaxby's Model ) which I used the thicker top edge to push the decal in towards the middle. ( i did not use the point or sharpest edge of the knife). I found out that the edges peeled off in millimeter segments by trying to pick at the edges. It was quicker to push this decal in towards the middle. I spent approximately 30 minutes on each side to remove the state decal. The registration numbers came right off with no problem when heated just a little with the blower. Please be careful not to overheat the gel coat with the Blow Dryer as it could do damage? </p>

Removing the glue residue that was left on the hull was the next project. I had heard or had read somewhere that Goo Gone was good for removing glue but I had reservations that this product might damage the gel coat ? I decided to looked it up on line. I did find that Goo Gone worked but also that WD40 works plus several stated in their reviews that WD40 would not hurt the gel coat so I went with the WD40. It took 10 minutes of WD40 and rubbing for each side to remove all the glue residue. I was very impressed with the WD40 for removing the glue residue.Goo Gone may work? but the reviews that I read online said it worked but nothing was said that It would not hurt your gel coat. That assurance is why I went with WD40.
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I then applied a soft Marine compound<span style="margin-right: 0pt"><span style="display: inline-block" class="ch" /></span> ( Mequiars Brand Safe for Gel Coats ) Hand rubbing it with a soft towel then I finished up with their soft quick wax and she was already to be re-decaled.</p>

I applied my new TN State Decals and now I was ready for the registration numbers & letters that I didn't have . I looked on line in the Chattanooga area and just happened up on a great find. I called a place named 85 Fast Signs and talked to Drew . They are located right off Bonny Oaks and 153. I pulled the boat over to 85 Fast Signs and left it with Drew mid morning and it was ready mid afternoon. Drew even replaced a Mercury decal on the back of the engine that had a couple of injured letters. He matched the Mercury font, size, and color perfectly. The price wasn't bad at all and It was done correctly. I may have saved a few bucks with applying the decals myself but I may have messed up a set with doing the self install?</p>

There may be better, more effecient ways of removing the old decals and it wouldn't hurt my feelings at all if you want to update my methods. This was just my first experience. It turned out great for me. </p>

Good Luck with yours if you have this project coming up.</p>

Basshopper
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The hair dryer is the most efficient method I know to remove old decals. I always renew for the longest period, but the decals come off fairly easily with my fingernails. The soft knife idea looks good. I have not removed the old residue before putting on the new decal, and I have not had any problems in over 25 years. In my case I have not had to change the numbers.
 


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