Boat Name Removal

[brc608]

Any idea on how to remove a painted on name of a boat outlined in black paint on top of the gel coat..?? (Superstition aside !!)

[capngregg]

The quickest way is to carefully sand, prime then repaint the area. (White?) Use two part urethane paint or some type of hardened marine/aviation type paint. You can then repaint a new boat name (after performing the necessary rituals to appease King Neptune) or you can have the new name printed on a "transferable medium" (although it's kind of pricey) just stick the new decal in place and you're off!

[sailingdog]

If it is on gelcoat, use Easy-Off Oven Cleaner... it should do a pretty good job of eating the paint while leaving the gelcoat alone. DO NOT SAND, unless you want to end up painting the whole boat.

[brc608]

Hey thanks....Ill try the Easy-Off first !!! If all else fails, Ill sand....

[soulesailor]

If easy-off doesn't work for some reason then I would carefully wipe the painted letters with acetone. Just about anything is better than sanding.

[brc608]

Originally Posted by soulesailor

If easy-off doesn't work for some reason then I would carefully wipe the painted letters with acetone. Just about anything is better than sanding.

I tried the acetone, it didnt even smudge the paint....Its storming here right now, or I would be out there with my can of easy-off...Hopefully it is..!!

[duman311]

Second the Easy Off worked for me... Spray it on. Leave it alone for a while I waited 30-45 minutes to let it do its thing.. Wipe up any runs quick as i found that marked the gel coat if left alone. The marks came off but it just saves some time. Then get some 3M rubbing compound and elbow grease to finish off the job. If you are putting a new name over where the old one was you may still see a shadow of the old name but over time the UV rays will wear it down...

[blt2ski]

I used Goof off and a 600 grit equal plastic steel wool equal. No issues overall. I preferred to use the spray vs the liquid onto a rag, wipe and rub with the wool.

Marty

[brc608]

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I used Goof off and a 600 grit equal plastic steel wool equal. No issues overall. I preferred to use the spray vs the liquid onto a rag, wipe and rub with the wool.

Marty

Looks like Ill have to try your method. Easy-Off got the black trim around the blue lettering off, but it didnt seem to touch the blue lettering...The blue lettering is paint and not decal and on very thick & STUBBORN..

[soulesailor]

Acetone WILL work, I've done it myself on my own boat's painted on lettering. Try again with a little more elbow grease before resorting to sanding.