how do you remove old boat lettering

[saurav16]

How would you remove old boat lettering? If I use heat won't it ruin the fiber glass? What have you guys done to remove it? Thanks!

[blt2ski]

IF it is vinyl lettering, heat from a heat gun or torch will work. If you use a torch, you will have to unfortunately from trial and error figure out the "best distance from the lettering to remove it. That is how I have removed some vinyl lettering on my trucks.

If it is painted on, I found some goof off and a fine plastic steel wool equal worked very well. The spray worked better than the liquid. More because of the ease of application with out spilling in the water. Actual which worked better as far as the liquid itself was the same.

Good luck.

marty

[Freesail99]

For painted on letters, I used easy off and some 600 to 800 grit wet sand paper. It worked well and didn't damage the gelcoat.

[Bene505]

Not to hijack a thread, since it seems relevant...

How big do the letters have to be? (Boat is registered in Delaware and USCG documented.) Not sure if I need 4" letters or 5" or 6"... ?

[johnshasteen]

For painted letters, use EasyOff oven cleaner - spray it on, let it set a minute or so, wipe off the paint. It won't hurt the gelcoat. No matter how you remove the letters, the stern will have faded around them.

[saurav16]

I think the letters are vinyl, I guess heat is the best way?

[SVlagniappe]

My vinyl lettering pulled off without needing to use heat. Doesn't hurt to try that first...

[blt2ski]

You might get the vinyl off also with a one sided razor blade or equal sharp object with out using heat. Otherwise, heat with a razor blade or equal works well.

Even tho above I mentioned trial and error for the torch, as I own one, I am sure the heat gun/hair blow dryer will take some trial and error too to figure out the best distance to remove/shrink up the vinyl so it will come off.

I liked the spray goof off as was mentioned for ease of use like the "easy off" was mentioned. Also, thinking about it, I may have used some 600 sand paper too to remove some of my old paint before putting on vinyl lettering too.

marty

[patrickrea]

My sign guy recommends a plastic scraper for vinyl lettering or graphics. That way it won't gouge the gelcoat if you get a little careless.

[bljones]

Use these, rather than a metal razor blade- you won't scratch the gelcoat.

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...=2,42194,40727