Decals removal ?

[REELBLESSED]

Hey guys I'm looking to put new factory decals on a 2002 22' sport. But first I have to take off the old one and this is where you come in. How do you take off the old one that seems to be baked on and with what? 

[ppaulg]

Hey reel,
I just finished removing the original decals from my 91 210 WA (pics below). I sprayed them with adhesive remover and carefully used a single edge razor blade, in a plastic holder, to remove them. The decals came off pretty easy, but the adhesive residue left behind was some work to remove. I did have to go back over those areas a couple of times using more adhesive remover, rags and 800 grit wet dry sand paper in a sanding block. I was already planing on sanding the whole hull with 800 grit as a preliminary to buffing it with 3M finishing compound which is a 1200-1500 grit.
In theory the resulting finish can then be waxed and the hull will look close to brand new.... 

I had to use a "grafitti" remover and more 800 gt. to remove the name that was hand painted on both sides... another labor of love. I also had to remove the Proline decal on the starboard side. It was in pretty bad shape. Still debating on removing the port side one (I do like the logo) and those wide stripes on the cabin sides.

[nancy kay]

try spraying some wd40 on the sticker and let it soak in.  then use an old credit card or gift card to peel off the sticker.  if there is some adhesive left behind after the sticker removal spray more wd40 and wipe off.  this way you dont have to worry about your gel coat getting scratched or damaged by harsh adhesive removers.  its amazing what wd40 can do... but dont use it on your reels.   

[REELBLESSED]

Thanks guys I hear of the WD40 and I will try that first.
Thanks again 

[Hugh]

Goo-Gone has worked well for me for removing sticker goo.

3M also makes a bunch of good stuff, links below:

Stripe remover:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSD32KVSRGgsRH62RP119XglLX0LCP459Hbl

Adhesive remover:

http://www.shop3m.com/62466749306.html?WT.mc_ev=clickthrough&WT.mc_id=shop3m-AtoZ-General-Purpose-Adhesive-Remover

[Victor]

Reelblessed,

I used the Goo-Gone as Hugh suggested when I had to replace a letter that fell off of my boat, it worked well for me.First I taped off the area around the letter with blue painters tape so I wouldn't damaged the gel coat with the Goo-Gone. Then I cleaned the area with rubbing alcohol to remove the Goo-Gone residue and any dirt or grease that my have been there. Once that was dry, I just peeled the paper from the back of the letter and placed it on the surfice and applied pressure for about 60 seconds. Finally I removed the painters tape and the letter is still there.

[nancy kay]

when applying the sticker try spraying some soapy water where you want the sticker to go.  it lets you adjust the  sticker or decal to how you want it without having to get it exactly right the first time.  when its good to go push out excess water and let dry.

[REELBLESSED]

The Goo-Gone worked well on the motor cover and that job will be done hopefully this week. I'm going to pick up the decals for the boat this weekend down in Melbourne Fl.
I know that this job for the boat will take a long time to do so I'll let you know how it comes out. Thanks again.

[C-Lark III]

I just finished removing the decal on the transom, which was the previous owner's boat name.  Heat is the answer!  Use a hair dryer to heat the decal, and it will peel off (slowly) -- start with a corner and get it started with a plastic card like a credit card.  That should do it.  I would highly recommend contacting an auto painting business, and ask them how they do it.  They remove the emblems (like the 4 X 4 emblems) from vehicles prior to painting, and should be able to tell you the "tricks of the trade".

[REELBLESSED]

I just finished with the engine cowing and yes I know it was a one month or two job but its done. I removed all the decals  sanded and painted with krylon hard spray paint then sand again with 400, 800, 1000,grit wet sandpaper then buffed it all out. Purchased the decals at eBay for $75.00 and I am pretty pleased with the turn out.
I would just like to say thanks to you all for the help. 
And now for boat decals.

[Pro251WA]

Looks great REEL! Nice job! Looks brand new!

[seabob4]

 

[Ron Reefman]

Hey Reelblessed,

Thanks for starting this thread. I just bought a 1989 21" WAC and will want to remove all the very old, wrinkled and cracked decals on my boat soon. The info other offered should be helpfull. So is your boat done? What method did you (or will you) use?

Ron

[REELBLESSED]

Hey Ron
As you can see I just finshed the engine cover. I used a razorblade to skim off the old decals and Goo Gone for the glue residue a credit card to clean off the left overs then Sand paper. I have not started on the boat decals as of yet. I hope to use a heat gun on the boat decals in February I will let you know how it comes out. The wife has me working on the horse barn this month/Jan.
Good luck   

[cheesegrits]

If you use a razor blade be very careful as a lot of times it will grab the gelcoat and you can cut you up very quickly!
Whenever I remove stripes I use a stripe removal eraser on a drill. Don't use a driver as you need a pretty good number of RPMs to make it work. The best thing about one of these it pretty much takes the adhesive off at the same time.
If it leaves any I use 3M 8984 adhesive remover because it doesn't leave any oily residue like WD40.

Here's a link to one on amazon, let us know what worked for you! Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Stripe-Wheel-07498-Hardware/dp/B00063VT0G

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