How do I remove paint on top of Awlgrip?

[JordanH]

The name search is available online for free here ( Vessel Registration Query System ) ... and hey, if you have some free time, I'm still trying to find a good name! I'm open to suggestions for my red Contessa 26. :-)

As for the question of "why?", well, good question. I could quote a bunch of 'reasons', but it comes down to these; 1) It establishes ownership and clear title. 2) It eases cross-border travels which I'm sure there will be many as I live on the great lakes. A licence establishes taxes were paid, but I hear it's still a bit of a pain for crossing the border without licence/registration. 3) My own personal preference for a uniquely registered vessel - I don't know how to explain the latter, it's irrational, but it's my preference.

[genieskip]

I had the same problem on my boat and after doing some preliminary research I gave up and figured out a workaround. There was just no way I would be able to remove the paint and have decent awlgrip on the transom after using all the stuff I would have had to use. So I had the new name done in vinyl on a large vinyl background the same color as the hull. Put a border around the whole thing to separate the vinyl from the awlgrip. Pasted the whole thing over the painted name. Not perfect from three feet away since you can trace the raised paint of the old name but from the normal distance a transom is usually viewed it looks fine and it will do till I have the boat repainted in a few years.

[fallard]

The paint on top of the Awlgrip may be enamel, which can be polished off. some folks use a wet sanding with a really fine paper, like 1200 grit or finer. A final polish with 3M Finesse-it will bring the Awlgrip gloss back, if necessary.

[Faster]

Back on topic, thanks guys!

If it's just the transom involved it may not be that big a deal to simply repaint the works... sand off the old name, and repaint the transom and then apply the new name by your method of choice - although if it's old paint colour matching might be an issue in which case there are plenty of boats around with contrasting colours on the transom (eg early CS yachts from factory.)

On the subject of names, what's your favourite red wine??? or how about "Blood, Sweat and Beers"

[JordanH]

heh, topic-drift. :-) I digress.

Ok, so here's the image (large) http://unguardedsleep.com/photos/misc/DSC_2739.JPG it doesn't show the licence number on the bows, but it similar.

You can see the name is on the hull near the stern, the licence numbers on the bow as well as a small "KYC" on the transom that needs to be removed. I would like to move the name from the sides of the stern to the transom.

Having said that, the stern is already busy with the rudder and wind vane... so perhaps I could go over the existing name.

[MarkSF]

Your question is unanswerable unless you know WHICH Awlgrip paint was used. I looked at their website and they make 4 different marine topcoats with 3 different chemistrys, all of which would be affected by different solvents - acrylic urethane, polyurethane, and polyester.

Your question is essentially "what can I use to get paint off some other paint"

Suggest trial and error.

[JordanH]

Yes Mark. As per post #3, Awlgrip let me know that there are several types of paint they make and how to check which type it is. Once this boat deal closes, I will be able to try their tests and then we'll have more information.

As for trial and error, that's what the question is, "What should I try that will have the least risk of error?" I've got a few helpful suggestions, do you have any others?

For what it's worth, I talked it over with the seller and the paint put on prior to 2004 and was described as "Dragon Red"; We don't know if this was a description or standard paint colour for a particular product but I've asked Awlgrip to look it up on the long-shot that it will help. Awaiting their response...

[jarcher]

The guy at Awl Grip is pretty knowledgeable. If there is an answer to be had, he will probably find it for you. I spent a lot of his time deciding what color to paint my boat. Based on this, I think I'll collect as much information as possible about the paint that was used and make a record.

I was going to suggest the vinyl solution posted earlier, but you would have to compromise and put the name on the stern instead of the transom.

Sorry I can't offer much more than a bit of encouragement.

Oh, very important! Don't forget the renaming ceremony!

[MarkSF]

I'm surprised you need to change the name. Sure you need to pick a name, but can't that be the same one? Then maybe the change in license no. will be limited to a couple of numerals that you can sand off.

[JordanH]

In Canada, we have "licensing" or "Registration". A licence, is simply a number for unique identification and confirms you've paid tax; You can name the boat whatever you would like. The previous owner had the boat licensed but due to changes in the requirements in 2007 my boat is now exempt from licensing.

Registration, on the other hand, is similar (same?) as what you might call "Documentation" in the USA. It provides a clear title and ensures a unique name on the Canadian registry; I believe it is necessary (or desired?) for travelling to many foreign ports. "Vixen" is the name on the boat now and that name is already registered uniquely to another vessel. Since someone else has it, I can't keep it and register that name. (I don't exactly like it either.)

The 7-digit licence numbers on the bow need to be removed as they are irrelevant in the post-2007 rules. I wish it were just a few numbers, but it's not. *sigh*.

Lastly, the club identifier "KYC" needs to be removed because I'm fussy and don't belong to "KYC". :-)

So your vote is that sanding is the safest option to try first?