Lettering Removal

[PAULCR1]

Just bought an older boat and am trying to remove the old name. I bought a heat gun and got the old vinyl lettering off and used "Sticker Off" to remove the adhesive but can still plainlly see the embossed lettering. This lettering is the original boat name and has probably been there for 30 years. I used the heat gun as much as I dared without setting the boat on fire. Any suggestions or first hand real world experience how to get these off? Thanks in advance.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Is it the finish that is faded around the lettering that you see?...Dale

[PAULCR1]

It's not that the finish is faded. There is a very definite lift in the edges where the lettering was, almost as if there is still a piece of cellophane still there.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Consider a razor blade & maybe wet sanding?..Dale

[chucklesR]

That 'embossed' letting is the result of the gel coat under lettering not being oxidized and flaking off as the exposed gelcoat was.

You remove it with 600-1200 grit wet sand paper, no other way.

[PAULCR1]

Thanks guys for your input. I did try a plastic razor and sanding with 800-1200 sandpaper was my next option. Just wanted to be lazy and avoid it. Thanks again.

[chucklesR]

the avoidance method is to ignore it.
I found out the hard way on my Hunter. Going from "swallow" to "wallow" to "allow" to "allo" then a massive weekend of sanding

[djodenda]

It will probably not be noticeable as long as you quit looking for it...
I'm with Chuckles.. ignore it.

[chucklesR]

Originally Posted by djodenda

It will probably not be noticeable as long as you quit looking for it...
I'm with Chuckles.. ignore it.

We'll see how well I follow that piece of advise when I rename my Irwin.

[Silvio]

As long as it is gelcoat and not paint you can spray easy off oven cleaner on it. let it sit 15b minutes or so an wipe it off. if the gel coat yellows simply wash it down with vinegar then rinse with water.